Unique wake venues in Poole

A wake is an informal event that traditionally takes place after a funeral service and cremation or burial. It’s usually an informal event that involves family and friends gathering to share memories and celebrate the life of their loved one.

Traditionally, wakes would take place at someone’s home, or a community centre or pub, but they can take place anywhere. The people organising the wake may want to honour their loved one by holding the wake at a special place to them, such as at the grounds of their favourite football team. 

Also, although wakes usually take place directly after the funeral service, they can be held at any time. They can also be as structured or as informal as the organiser would like. Wake organisers have the freedom to host the event that’s right for them, their family and friends, and their loved one.

If you’re organising a wake in Poole, there are plenty of unique venues where you can host the event in your own way, from a visit to Brownsea Island to a picnic at Harbourside Park.

Find your funeral director in Poole who will help you arrange a cremation or burial, and give you ideas for a wake, memorial or reception that's right for you.

Famous for its beautiful and unique wildlife - especially red squirrels -  it’s easy to get to Brownsea Island via Poole Quay. Kingston Lacy is one of the main attractions on the island. A stately home set in beautiful surroundings, it could be a great place to hold a unique wake for your loved one.

Visits to Kingston Lacy no longer require a booking, but the house operates a timed ticket system to properly manage the number of visitors who arrive throughout the day. For that reason, it would be more suited for smaller wakes. Tickets can be picked up on arrival rather than booked in advance, and you can stay for as long as you’d like.

Kingston Lacy also has a large car park with plenty of space, and there is blue badge holder parking close to the Visitor Reception. Campervans used for transportation are allowed but cannot stay overnight, and currently, Kingston Lacy cannot accommodate coaches and caravans. 

Dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas except the formal garden, right behind the house. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere, and dog-friendly routes for other dogs are marked, and owners should keep their dog on a lead at all times.

Poole Museum and Scaplen’s Court is a truly unique venue where you could hold a wake for your loved one. The 5th-floor suite is on the top floor of this beautiful Victorian quayside warehouse and is a flexible, open-plan space that can accommodate up to 50 guests. It is ideal for small family gatherings or afternoon tea style events. It is fully accessible with lift access and a toilet.

Meanwhile, Scaplen’s Court is a beautiful, Grade I listed ancient building that dates back to the 1300s. It is a venue full of character and suitable for any event, with stone walls, medieval doorways, a lovely courtyard and a walled garden. Scaplen’s Court is an impressive building inside and out and can accommodate up to 60 people. The Upper Hall has a large function space, and there are smaller rooms on the ground and first floors that you can request for holding a smaller wake. 

Scaplen’s Court provides you with exclusive use for the duration of the event and can offer a range of freshly prepared refreshment and buffet options such as cheese and deli-style buffets, mixed savoury snacks, sandwich platters, traditional afternoon and cream teas, and sweet treats.

Harbourside Park comprises Baiter and Whitecliff recreation grounds and it’s nestled between Poole Harbour and Poole Park. If you’d like your loved one’s wake outdoors, then Harbourside Park may be the perfect location.

The Baiter Recreation Ground is located next to Poole’s harbour entrance and is licensed and available for outdoor events. The facilities include a level footpath to Whitecliff and Poole Park, a public slipway, and a skate park. Baiter Recreation Ground is excellent for windy walks, perfect if you like the sea air. It is also an ideal location to do some kite flying and enjoy the outdoor space.

Meanwhile, the facilities at Whitecliff include a BMX track, cricket pitches, football pitches, a large children’s play area with a sandpit and playboat, and a large pavilion you can rent for the day.