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Upton Country Park
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Upton Country Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Upton Country Park
4.5
#14 of 55 things to do in Poole
Historic SitesParks
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
160 acres of park and woodland, 2.6km of shoreline, 32 acres of formal garden, 6 types of natural habitat, new Welcome Centre, Tea Rooms, art gallery, Walled Garden, Bird Hide, stepping stones, play trail, dog training area and 2,000 years of history… Upton Country Park has it all! Marvel at the grandeur of our Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion House and enjoy the rich diversity of wildlife along the shoreline. Allow the children to blow off steam at Spurrier’s Play Park or with a ball game on the front lawn. Join in with regular activities and events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the amazing horticulture and beautiful botanical Walled Garden.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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See what travellers are saying
  • Fidelscastrol
    Manila, Philippines766 contributions
    Ideal for dog walkers
    Not a great deal here really and parking expensive. Okay for dog walkers. Probably a lot nicer if covered in snow. Ideal play area for children. Bit boring really. Much better places nearby.
    Upton Country Park
    We think our parking charges represent good value for money at £3.50 for two hours and £6.50 for all day for example. Any money from parking is also an important source of income to keep Upton Country Park FREE to enjoy for all of our visitors, and also maintain and conserve the Park and House and support the many events that we put on through the year. A season parking ticket is also available for £45 that allows parking for an entire year. Upton Country Park has 160 acres of park and woodland, 2.6km of shoreline, 32 acres of formal garden, 6 types of natural habitat, new Welcome Centre, Tea Rooms, art gallery, Walled Garden, Bird Hide, stepping stones, play trail, dog training area and 2,000 years of history… Upton Country Park has it all! Marvel at the grandeur of our Grade II* listed Georgian Mansion House and enjoy the rich diversity of wildlife along the shoreline. Allow the children to blow off steam at Spurrier’s Play Park or with a ball game on the front lawn. Join in with regular activities and events – or simply find a quiet spot to admire the amazing horticulture and beautiful botanical Walled Garden.
    Written 2 March 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 January 2023
  • rodderssaz@gmail.com
    17 contributions
    How lucky are we to live here in Poole
    I live a 5 minute walk from upton country park. I have never really explored . Well I have now, its absolutely beautiful. I walked all the way through and around the sights . Then walked out the other side to hols bay, then on to poole.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 5 March 2023
  • msimps0n01
    Poole, United Kingdom14 contributions
    Better dog signs needed
    Took grand children for then Easter egg hunt today. Very enjoyable apart from so many dogs, some large ones off-lead on the egg trail. One of our grandsons is very nervous of dogs so didn't enjoy it very much. Needs better signage. Not everyone likes dogs and one or two were running off into bushes etc where birds may have been nesting.
    Upton Country Park
    Thank you for raising your concerns about dogs off leads. There are signs which most dog walkers are very good at following, however this is not always the case. If you see this happening again when you visit the Park please let a member of staff know and we can speak to the dog owners concerned.
    Written 26 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 5 April 2023
  • Marie192345678910
    Oxfordshire, United Kingdom70 contributions
    Very lovely morning out
    This was lovely even on a dull and miserable day like today. We decided to come and take part in the easter trail. There were so many people doing it. A good turn out. Our eldest throughly enjoyed it that much that she didn't even notice or ask to go on the play park there. Which also looked really good! She was to interested in recieving her prize which was lovely to have a choice. You could spend a long time here, the paths go off in all directions but we just stuck to tje easter trail.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 5 April 2023
  • eatdrinkstay
    Bournemouth, United Kingdom719 contributions
    Brilliant day out.
    We took a very excited 6 year old here who loved it. The highlight for her was the extra class we had booked for her “ making potions with the Rock and Rose shop and left with a little bottle to show. We took a picnic but the tea shop is very well equipped with very good quality food and great coffee . The park is beautiful and for her loads of great climbing places and swings. Crazy good good fun. Great look out for bird watching, handy to have binoculars. You do have to pay for parking but the park is free. A really good day out. Plenty of space to take a ball and games.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 August 2023
  • Millie
    World22 contributions
    Great!
    Upton Country Park is a beautiful green space for all ages. There is walks to woods, lakes, shorelines and around the formal gardens. The house is beautiful and entry is available at certain times during the week. There is multiple activities for children including parks, climbing, walking and a splash fountain. The coffee shop is clean and staff are friendly. There is also plenty of green space to take ballgames too. The park itself is free but parking is not. However, the fee for parking is minimal and you don't have to pay anything extra if you don't want too.
    Visited August 2023
    Written 12 August 2023
  • Peri-Jane M
    1 contribution
    Magical Potion Making at Rock & Rose Rituals
    What a lovely place to call in during our holiday in the New Forest. We are a family of 5 (kids aged 10-14) booked on to a potion making workshop at the magical Rock & Rose Rituals. We had an absolutely wonderful time. There is so much going on in Upton park to make it a perfect full day out with the children.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 August 2023
  • Pioneer28062332385
    Poole, United Kingdom2 contributions
    Rock and Rose Rituals Upton county park
    I had the great pleasure of visiting Rock and Rose rituals in Upton county park, and oh wow what an amazing place. I brought one of Lisa candles and I can honestly say it’s gorgeous. Not only does it smell wonderful filling the whole long after I put it out, but it burns clean. No soot no black smoke, no wax residue around the edges just a clean burn. This place is definitely worth a visit if you love crystals, candles, jewellery and more. Plus all the courses she runs. Definitely worth checking out her website and a visit to Upton county park.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 5 October 2023
  • Jet20887578573
    Bournemouth, United Kingdom2 contributions
    Always new art to be seen at The Gallery Upstairs
    The walks and views are great at Upton Country Park but don't leave without visiting The Gallery Upstairs, just above the Tea Rooms, which are also very good. The Gallery Upstairs is a community gallery, run by local art group, Poole and East Dorset Art Society (pedas). There is a different exhibition every couple of weeks. You might see paintings by an individual artist or a group of artist an art club or a society and there are often sculptures on show, photography, poetry, in other words an eclectic and surprising range of art on display. Entrance is free and fantastic, original art can be acquired.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 16 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
733 reviews
Excellent
403
Very good
222
Average
53
Poor
25
Terrible
30
Romi R
10 contributions
Good place to visit
Nov 2023 • Friends
It is a good place e to visit. Parking charges too high. Not enough signage. Parking area is too small.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jet20887578573
Bournemouth, UK2 contributions
Always new art to be seen at The Gallery Upstairs
Nov 2023 • Friends
The walks and views are great at Upton Country Park but don't leave without visiting The Gallery Upstairs, just above the Tea Rooms, which are also very good. The Gallery Upstairs is a community gallery, run by local art group, Poole and East Dorset Art Society (pedas). There is a different exhibition every couple of weeks. You might see paintings by an individual artist or a group of artist an art club or a society and there are often sculptures on show, photography, poetry, in other words an eclectic and surprising range of art on display. Entrance is free and fantastic, original art can be acquired.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pioneer28062332385
Poole, UK2 contributions
Rock and Rose Rituals Upton county park
Sep 2023 • Solo
I had the great pleasure of visiting Rock and Rose rituals in Upton county park, and oh wow what an amazing place. I brought one of Lisa candles and I can honestly say it’s gorgeous. Not only does it smell wonderful filling the whole long after I put it out, but it burns clean. No soot no black smoke, no wax residue around the edges just a clean burn. This place is definitely worth a visit if you love crystals, candles, jewellery and more. Plus all the courses she runs. Definitely worth checking out her website and a visit to Upton county park.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fourbaggs
5 contributions
Disappointing
Aug 2023 • Family
Drove a 25 mile round trip, paid the ridiculous parking fee (£2 an hour!) to play crazy golf. We walked to the crazy golf and it was shut! We had checked before leaving as well. We left disappointed. We decided as we had paid for parking e would go back walk the loop have an ice cream rather than waste the time and money. We walked the loop (nothing special really, although bird hide is lovely) then got to ice cream kiosk to find it shut! We used the toilets by cafe - smelly and unclean. Then we popped into cafe - awful ice cream choice and disappointing cake choice. We left a second time. I used to take my kids here when they were little - parking was free but we bought food and drink and spent the day. £2 an hour is high and doesn't seem to have made it better! I was very disappointed. Would it not be easy to put a board in car park saying golf shut? Ruined our afternoon! Should have stuck with poole park.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr A and Mrs T S
7 contributions
First time to this park. Superb way to spend a morning or afternoon. Something for all the family. Great walks and picn
Aug 2023 • Family
After all these years, finally visited Upton Country park.
What have we been missing.
Great place.
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bodie G
Tiverton, UK45 contributions
Dogs allowed to run around without control and not on a lead while dog owners were dismissive and abusive
Aug 2023 • Family
All was good until dog owners arrived and let their dogs roam at well.

I did not feel my grandchildren were safe with dogs off the lead and not under control

Today, a man with three dogs he allowed to run at will alongside cattle and then over low-lying long grassland let his dogs run on ahead, one was very quick and nipped my trousers near my testicles leaving a small Nick and its saliva. I told the owner he was required to keep his dogs under control at all times. He was disgruntled and abusive and even 50 yards away could be heard shouting at me saying various insulting statements. I had re-iterated that the Law required him to keep his dogs under control but again he used abusive and dismissive statements.

10 minutes earlier another dog owner had let their dog seek attention at my legs and genitals, her dog was not on a lead and obviously she didn’t keep it under control. I asked her to keep her dog away and she too just laughed and shrugged it off. Apparently, dog owners in Upton Park and Country House think they are above the Law and are willing to take the risk their dogs will not bite other people as so May other dogs do.

These were not isolated instances, there wer other dog owners who let their dogs runs where they wanted and laughed off any attempt at telling them they should not allow dogs to run free when close to animals or other people

Who will be liable when dogs attack and kill or maim a child or adult? Upton Park ?

Why is there no security ensuring people with dogs have them under control.

There was dog muck in places too - very unwholesome for adults and children
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Upton Country Park
Dear BodieG, I am sorry to read about your experience with dog walkers at Upton Country Park. There are areas of the Park where dogs are allowed to be off lead, however it is expected that owners are responsible and keep them under control, as the vast majority of our dog owning visitors do. While our team do actively monitor the Park it is not possible for us to employ security to monitor dog walkers across the 160 acre site. Like most other parks, open play areas and indeed the streets that we all live we have an expectation that people will behave responsibly to each other and keep their dogs under control. Where a report is made to us of an incident we will respond and seek out the owner and speak to them regarding their dogs. I hope that you reported this incident and allowed us to take positive action to prevent other people being similarly accosted. Thanks, Steve
Written 20 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peri-Jane M
1 contribution
Magical Potion Making at Rock & Rose Rituals
Aug 2023 • Family
What a lovely place to call in during our holiday in the New Forest.
We are a family of 5 (kids aged 10-14) booked on to a potion making workshop at the magical Rock & Rose Rituals. We had an absolutely wonderful time. There is so much going on in Upton park to make it a perfect full day out with the children.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie
World22 contributions
Great!
Aug 2023
Upton Country Park is a beautiful green space for all ages. There is walks to woods, lakes, shorelines and around the formal gardens. The house is beautiful and entry is available at certain times during the week. There is multiple activities for children including parks, climbing, walking and a splash fountain. The coffee shop is clean and staff are friendly. There is also plenty of green space to take ballgames too.
The park itself is free but parking is not. However, the fee for parking is minimal and you don't have to pay anything extra if you don't want too.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eatdrinkstay
Bournemouth, UK719 contributions
Brilliant day out.
Aug 2023 • Family
We took a very excited 6 year old here who loved it.
The highlight for her was the extra class we had booked for her “ making potions with the Rock and Rose shop and left with a little bottle to show.
We took a picnic but the tea shop is very well equipped with very good quality food and great coffee .
The park is beautiful and for her loads of great climbing places and swings.
Crazy good good fun.
Great look out for bird watching, handy to have binoculars.
You do have to pay for parking but the park is free.
A really good day out.
Plenty of space to take a ball and games.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
32 contributions
Crazy golf
Aug 2023 • Family
Lovely visit for a game of crazy golf, fun course and made even better by the staff member who took time to help my young nephew and gave lots of tips and encouragement! My teenage son even got a hole in one on the last hole!
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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UPTON COUNTRY PARK: Tickets, Tours & Things to Know (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Upton Country Park
Upton Country Park is open:
  • Sun - Sat 08:00 - 18:00
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