Over the past 15 years I've worked in almost every type of children’s party venue in Dorset — from tiny garden marquees to full-size leisure centres. Here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing one, and a few of my honest favourites.
The six questions to ask every venue
- 1Do you have tables and chairs included — or do I bring my own?
- 2What time can I arrive to set up, and what time must I be out?
- 3Is there a kitchen or serving area I can use?
- 4Is there parking and step-free access?
- 5Do you have any noise or decoration restrictions (no blu-tack, no confetti etc.)?
- 6Do you need me to show public liability insurance for my entertainer?
Pro tip: every decent children's entertainer (including me!) has £5m or £10m public liability insurance and a DBS certificate — just ask and they'll email copies straight to the venue.
Venues that work brilliantly in Bournemouth
If you’re in the BH postcodes, you’re lucky — Bournemouth has a great range of community halls. Look at venues in Kinson, Wallisdown, Throop, Southbourne, Queens Park and Winton. Most seat 40–80 comfortably, have their own kitchen, and cost between £35 and £80 for a 3-hour hire.
Ideal size by guest count
- Up to 10 children — your home is almost always the best choice
- 10–20 children — a small church or scout hall
- 20–30 children — a mid-sized community centre
- 30+ children — a large village hall with a stage
Venues that work brilliantly in Poole
Poole has some fantastic halls around Canford Heath, Broadstone, Parkstone and Upton. The harbour-side venues can be magical for a summer party — though they can be pricey. If you want affordable and cheerful, head slightly inland to a community centre or scout hut. They’re designed for children’s parties and have all the basics.
Venues that work brilliantly in Christchurch
Christchurch is smaller but has beautiful options across Burton, Highcliffe and Mudeford. Church halls and scout huts along the BH23 postcodes are warm, well-maintained and almost always have a stage for the entertainer — which makes a huge difference for visibility during a magic show.
Things I always check the moment I arrive
- Is there a clear 3m x 3m performance area, ideally on a stage or raised platform?
- Are there at least two working plug sockets near that area?
- Is the hall temperature warm enough for small children to sit still for 30 minutes?
- Is the kitchen clean and in a separate zone from the play area?
The venue-based pitfalls I see most often
By far the most common issue is hiring a village hall that's TOO big. A huge empty echoey space with 15 children in it feels flat and lonely. If you're unsure, go a size smaller — you want it busy, not empty.
The second mistake is underestimating set-up time. Ask for at least 30 minutes before your guests arrive so you can lay tables, blow up a few balloons and get your child settled.
Already booked your venue? Let me know where it is when you enquire — I've probably performed there, and I’ll tell you what works best in that specific space.
Written by
Children's Entertainer Dorset
Professional Children's Entertainer
Children\'s Entertainer Dorset is a full-time professional children's entertainer based in Bournemouth with 15+ years of experience throwing brilliant parties across Dorset. He has performed at thousands of birthday parties, school shows and family events.
