Upton Country Park celebrates 50 fantastic years
Upton Country Park is marking a major milestone this month.
The much-loved park is celebrating 50 years since it first opened to the public in 1976, and there are plenty of reasons to pop it in the diary for a visit.
BCP Council says the anniversary is a chance for residents and visitors to come together and celebrate one of the area’s most popular green spaces.
A special anniversary weekend (16–17 May)
The golden anniversary is being celebrated with a special “Upton Through the Ages” event, running:
- Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May
- From 11am
- Free entry (car parking charges apply)
Visitors can explore the park and the Grade II* listed Upton House, with themed activities designed to bring different eras of the estate to life.
Step into the Regency era
One part of the weekend will let visitors “step into the world of Bridgerton”, with:
- Regency-themed dancers
- Period costumes (with Arts University Bournemouth Historic Costume Society)
- Garden games
- Heritage displays about the estate
- Afternoon teas and picnics on the South Lawn
A groovy 1970s vibe in the Walled Garden
Because the park first opened in the 1970s, the Walled Garden will be turning back the clock with:
- Stalls
- A silent disco
- Inflatables
- 70s music and dancing
- Family activities, including a fancy dress competition
A place locals love
Cllr Rich Herrett, BCP Council Cabinet Member for destination and leisure, said the anniversary is a chance for everyone who loves the park to celebrate “a beautiful setting” and enjoy a great day out.
Upton Country Park Team Leader Roger Brewer added that the park welcomes around one million visitors per year, and the team is excited to share the 50-year celebrations with the community.
A little history: how Upton became a country park
The estate was gifted to the Poole Corporation (now BCP Council) in 1957 by the Llewellin family as a 55-acre estate, along with the Grade II* listed Upton House.
After being used in various ways over the following two decades, the country park officially opened to the public on 15 May 1976, offering 100+ acres of gardens, parkland and woodland on the shores of Holes Bay.
That same year also saw the creation of the Friends of Upton Country Park, which continues to support the house and grounds.
Upton Country Park today
If you haven’t visited in a while, there’s loads to explore. BCP Council describes Upton Country Park as an award-winning park beside Holes Bay Nature Park — a site recognised for its wildlife importance (including RAMSAR, SPA and SSSI status).
The park includes 160+ acres of woodland, gardens, meadows and parkland, with facilities such as:
- Parking
- Welcome Centre
- Tea Rooms
- Art gallery
- Walled Garden
- Play area
- Dog training area
It also relies on a nearly 200-strong team of volunteers, supporting everything from gardening and conservation to research and visitor experience.
Find out more
For more information, visit:
