Upton Country Park
Upton Country Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
120 acres of open Parkland, shoreline, woodlands and formal gardens. Tea Rooms, Woodland PlayTrail, Splash Fountain, Plant Centre and year round events. Beautiful grade II* listed Georgian style Upton House is also available for weddings and private hire.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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Restaurants
272 within 3 miles
Attractions
103 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
715 reviews
Excellent
394
Very good
220
Average
52
Poor
22
Terrible
27
Janet Edwards
Bournemouth, UK1,137 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
The Upton Country Park lovely place to visit, lots of nice walks , for families and dogs.
Went in the Cafe there , very disappointed, both my friend and I wanted the sausage rolls and pies they had there, warmed up.
But was told not allowed to do it, as it’s a health and safety matter , never in my life come across in a cafe or restaurant, they will not warm the food they have .
All cafe’s and even supermarkets cafe do it . It was a bit over priced . Not offered a plate each or knives and forks , friend had to ask .
The latte I had to go across and collect it myself , but it was a lovely cup of coffee.
Very disappointed and there was 3 people standing around doing nothing , 1 person serving .
Went in the Cafe there , very disappointed, both my friend and I wanted the sausage rolls and pies they had there, warmed up.
But was told not allowed to do it, as it’s a health and safety matter , never in my life come across in a cafe or restaurant, they will not warm the food they have .
All cafe’s and even supermarkets cafe do it . It was a bit over priced . Not offered a plate each or knives and forks , friend had to ask .
The latte I had to go across and collect it myself , but it was a lovely cup of coffee.
Very disappointed and there was 3 people standing around doing nothing , 1 person serving .
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kate V
19 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
It was out first time visiting here and we loved the walk through the forest with the map guiding us to find the play trail activities. Due to COVID19 the splash fountain was closed but you could see how much fun this would be in normal circumstances. The site was safe with social distancing guidance and one way systems as well as PPE advice when buying snacks from the cafe.
This is a hidden gem 10 minutes away from a busy country park that gets extremely busy - Upton was beautiful, peaceful and the hole family had a great time. There were multiple areas you could see in progress of having new equipment being built.
Will definitely be going back to Upton again!
This is a hidden gem 10 minutes away from a busy country park that gets extremely busy - Upton was beautiful, peaceful and the hole family had a great time. There were multiple areas you could see in progress of having new equipment being built.
Will definitely be going back to Upton again!
Written August 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
pixydust2010
Ferndown, UK221 contributions
Jun 2021
Following the Castleman Trailway from Ringwood (approx 11 miles) you end up at Upton Country Park.
Large areas of wildlife habitat, walks, meadows for playing in, picnic areas, Upton house which houses a restaurant and cafe for food and drink.
Children's wooden adventure playground.
Walks
Cycle Trail
Large car park with toilets
Large areas of wildlife habitat, walks, meadows for playing in, picnic areas, Upton house which houses a restaurant and cafe for food and drink.
Children's wooden adventure playground.
Walks
Cycle Trail
Large car park with toilets
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gnomelette
Poole, UK65 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
Took my daughter to the new outdoor play park which was great. Decided a hot coffee on a cold day would be a good idea for the grown-ups so tried the cafe take-away service in the hope that staff attitudes had become a little sunnier these days. Sadly, this was not the case. After being ignored by her initially, the tall, blonde woman could only manage rude and grumpy service. Cafe staff here have always had the reputation of surly but I see it’s reached a whole new level of distain during Covid. I’m not really sure why the staff have chosen to work in hospitality when they are so apparently irritated by customers. The coffee is not great either. I’m afraid I’ll be bringing my flask next time and suggest other visitors do the same.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ems_erh
Southampton, UK107 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
The website makes this country park look huge and like it could fill a whole day, however it is much smaller than I expected, you could walk from one end to the other of the main mapped area in about 10 minutes.
The front lawn area is very pretty with lots of benches and the walls garden is lovely and sheltered, again with plenty of seating. The Spurrier Play Area is great and very well maintained, kept our 4 year old busy for a while.
We went into the woods to find the play trail but were only able to find 2 of the pieces of equipment - a climbing frame which didn't have much to it and was to difficult for our kids, and a long rope swing which they enjoyed. The play trail could have some signage as we weren't able to locate the other stations as there are no maps or signs to follow, which was somewhat disappointing.
We stayed for 3 hours which was long enough and I don't feel there was enough there to entertain us any longer than that. Good for short stops, but certainly not a whole day's entertainment.
The front lawn area is very pretty with lots of benches and the walls garden is lovely and sheltered, again with plenty of seating. The Spurrier Play Area is great and very well maintained, kept our 4 year old busy for a while.
We went into the woods to find the play trail but were only able to find 2 of the pieces of equipment - a climbing frame which didn't have much to it and was to difficult for our kids, and a long rope swing which they enjoyed. The play trail could have some signage as we weren't able to locate the other stations as there are no maps or signs to follow, which was somewhat disappointing.
We stayed for 3 hours which was long enough and I don't feel there was enough there to entertain us any longer than that. Good for short stops, but certainly not a whole day's entertainment.
Written April 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
terriers2017
Poole, UK11 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited the park yesterday with 2 very excited grandchildren clutching their Halloween Trail packs which we had downloaded from the website.
The packs looked great with lots of interactive stuff for kids but sadly the reality proved different.
To our disappointment & amazement there was Absolutely no signage for the trail & even the chap we asked seemed unaware of it.
So having trecked round for ages looking for various non existent pumpkins on the Spooky Trail containing a clue to make up the ‘hidden’ word we had no choice but to abandon the idea, apologising to 2 bewildered children & just head for the activity play area.
The packs looked great with lots of interactive stuff for kids but sadly the reality proved different.
To our disappointment & amazement there was Absolutely no signage for the trail & even the chap we asked seemed unaware of it.
So having trecked round for ages looking for various non existent pumpkins on the Spooky Trail containing a clue to make up the ‘hidden’ word we had no choice but to abandon the idea, apologising to 2 bewildered children & just head for the activity play area.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jay
7 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
Lovely walk in all the new areas.
Lovely new path ways and finished with a trip to the coffee shop.
During lockdown we made a weekly visit to Upton country park and could see lots of the new paths forming.
Haven’t been for a good 6 months and I think it’s really well worth the parking money and is a total bargain for what’s on offer.
Lovely new path ways and finished with a trip to the coffee shop.
During lockdown we made a weekly visit to Upton country park and could see lots of the new paths forming.
Haven’t been for a good 6 months and I think it’s really well worth the parking money and is a total bargain for what’s on offer.
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Francesca S
Worthing, UK56 contributions
Mar 2022
Plenty of walking routes to choose from. The children’s playground seemed very popular with families. Didn’t visit the tea rooms. You can’t use a credit card to pay for parking which was an irritation. I do not want to use a parking app.
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marie H
5 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Create at Upton country park - decopatch and pottery for my daughter's 7th birthday. We had a fabulous morning with Di who made us very welcome. I would highly recommend with picnic in the park afterwards! It's a great day out for children with an arty activity in the morning and then beautiful park and grounds for exploring!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
angel_w_20142014
London, UK173 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
Lovely place to visit but parking is expensive, however I understand if you visit this place often, it’s cheaper to purchase a season ticket.
My children loved the playground, but it does get very busy, so difficult to social distance. Lovely grounds to walk around and have a picnic.
My children loved the playground, but it does get very busy, so difficult to social distance. Lovely grounds to walk around and have a picnic.
Written May 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Are u open today please
crunchymunchy2017
Poole, UK10 contributions
Upton country park is open 7 days a week.
Can youd barbecue at Upton County Park? If yes, what is the allowed time?
etcov1981
Poole, UK32 contributions
No you are not able to BBQ at Upton Country Park
Jenny R
Barns Green, UK6 contributions
Can you take dogs into the tea room?
Hi Jenny, unfortunately dogs are not permitted inside the Tea Rooms, however there is plenty of seating outside for dog owners to use.
We hope you enjoy your visit.
Jenny R
Barns Green, UK6 contributions
Can you take dogs into the tea room?
Veronica C
Plymouth, UK195 contributions
No, but it has very sheltered outside seating in it's own courtyard, all year round.
If you held your wedding there can you provide your own catering and dj?
Hi Laura,
Thanks for getting in touch!
With weddings in Upton House we have internal caterers that provide the food and drink offering. With regards to a DJ, we do have a list of suppliers that have played at Upton House several times previously and can recommend but ultimately the choice is yours, providing the DJ has Public Liability Insurance.
There is the option to hire our Walled Garden within the Country Park for your wedding reception. This would require hiring marquees and external caterers to provide the food and drink which can be your choice providing they the correct certification. DJ's again are your choice for this option.
I hope this helps. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Cheers,
Susan B
Hythe, UK8,492 contributions
My daughter has bought me a Groupon. Voucher for Dorset Segways for Mother’s Day this Sunday.
How do I book the actual time please?
Alph
Holton Heath, UK485 contributions
Recently enjoyed a Segway session. Absolutely brilliant experience and hopefully will enjoy another in the future
Are you able to take dogs? If so are they allowed off lead? Thanks
thomas w
Sturminster Newton, UK90 contributions
I understand you can in certain areas .
Upton Country Park (Poole) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Upton Country Park
- Upton Country Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Hotels near Upton Country Park:
- (1.26 mi) Pineview Guesthouse
- (0.54 mi) Perry's Bed and Breakfast
- (0.33 mi) FAMILY FRIENDLY CHALET BUNGALOW WITH GARDEN AND PARKING - HB6189
- (1.30 mi) Coast 77 B&B
- (1.61 mi) South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park
- Restaurants near Upton Country Park:
- (0.36 mi) Delish Deli
- (1.27 mi) Robs Filling Station
- (2.02 mi) Karma Cafe & Meze
- (1.88 mi) Nusara
- (1.91 mi) Italian Diva