Upton Country Park is an award-winning park, located just a 5-minute drive or 30-40-minute walk from South Lytchett Manor camping and caravan site. This popular family attraction is free to enter (pay and display car parking) and open all year, offering families and couples a fun-filled and inexpensive Dorset day out.

A Grade II listed Georgian mansion is the focal point of the park. The extensive grounds are well maintained and picturesque, with lots of different areas to explore. The surrounding woodland contains marked trails of varying lengths, providing the perfect setting for leisurely walks in all seasons. Upton Country Park is a haven for wildlife with deer, squirrels and various species of bird regularly spotted. There are also a number of cycle routes from which you can explore Poole harbour.

The stunning walled garden is a horticulturist’s dream. Spend some time walking around the landscaped gardens and admiring the beautiful plants and flowers. It’s an incredibly peaceful spot to sit and enjoy some down time whilst enjoying a snack or drink from the onsite tea room or refreshment kiosks.

Family friendly activities

A trip to Upton Country Park is a must for visitors with children. Spurrier’s outdoor play park has a range of swings, climbing frames and treehouses on offer where younger members of the family can run around to their hearts content! The front lawn is the ideal place for summer picnics and ball games. There’s also a splash fountain where younger children can play.

Dog friendly day out

Upton Country Park is dog friendly with plenty of provisions to ensure a trip is enjoyable for your four-legged friend! As well as off lead walks there are two enclosed ‘dog play pens’, where you can exercise your pets safe in the knowledge that they won’t run off! An on-site self-service professional dog wash means you can take care of any muddy paws before making the journey home.

Events and activities

Throughout the year Upton Country Park plays host to a number of family friendly events, including outdoor cinemas, live music, sponsored runs and park yoga. In the school holidays there are often themed children’s activities and arts and crafts to enjoy.

Photo credit: Ian Kirk, Flickr