Events & Entertainment | Posted on May 15th, 2026 | return to news

Golden anniversary for Upton Country Park

Events are taking place at the park from 11am on both Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May and entry is free.

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Local people are invited to visit Upton Country Park this weekend to help celebrate 50 years since it opened to the public.

Visitors to the park and the Grade II* listed Upton House can step into the world of Bridgerton as part of an ‘Upton Through the Ages’ event, with Regency-themed dancers, period costumes from Arts University Bournemouth Historic Costume Society, garden games and displays about the estate’s fascinating heritage.

There will also be entertainment, afternoon teas and picnics on the rolling South Lawn at the rear of the house.

The picturesque Walled Garden turns groovy to reflect the 1970s era of the park’s opening, with a host of stalls, a silent disco, inflatables, 70s music and dancing, and family activities including a fancy dress competition.

Events run from 11am on both Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May. Entry to the event is free (car parking charges apply).

Cllr Rich Herrett, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Destination and Leisure, said: “This anniversary is a time for all our residents who love Upton Country Park to come together and celebrate this beautiful setting, and have a great day out.

“Upton Country Park is one of the best places in BCP to celebrate nature and our area’s rich heritage. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone this weekend, whether you know the park well or are making your first visit.”

Roger Brewer, Upton Country Park team leader, said: “We’re excited to celebrate this significant milestone with the local community.

“The park has become a highly popular destination for locals and holidaymakers and welcomes around one million visitors per year. We want to share our 50-year celebrations with everyone who values and appreciates the country park.”

The estate was given to the Poole Corporation (now BCP Council) in 1957 by the Llewellin family as a 55-acre estate along with Grade II* listed Upton House.

The house and estate were put to various uses through the next two decades, but the country park was officially opened to the public on 15 May 1976, offering more than 100 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland on the shores of Holes Bay.

The Friends of Upton Country Park was also established that same year to support the house and grounds and continues to be an invaluable partner for the future of the country park.