Meyrick Park is a 120-acre public park located just north-west of Bournemouth town centre. It combines open parkland, mature woodland, and sports facilities including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, bowling green and rugby pitches. The park has been in public use since the Victorian era and remains a popular destination for sport, recreation and quiet walks.
This page covers Meyrick Park’s history, its sports and recreational facilities, practical information for visitors, and how it fits into the wider network of Bournemouth’s green spaces.
The history of Meyrick Park
Meyrick Park’s origins date back to at least the Domesday Book of 1086, where the land is recorded as heathland. For centuries it served as common land used by local people for grazing livestock, turf-cutting and gathering wood. Following the Christchurch Inclosure Act of 1802, the land was acquired by Sir George Ivison Tapps, who planted Scots and maritime pine trees while preserving the locals’ common rights.
The Tapps family later adopted the surname Meyrick. In 1894, Lady Meyrick officially opened the park as one of Bournemouth’s first municipal parks. At that time it included a bowling green, playing fields and an 18-hole golf course. This golf course was notable as the first municipally owned golf course in the United Kingdom.
The park has evolved since then but retains much of its original character. The mature woodland and undulating parkland remain, alongside the sports facilities that have expanded and modernised. The park’s long history as a public green space contributes to its importance in Bournemouth’s heritage.
Sports and recreation facilities at Meyrick Park
Meyrick Park is a working sports ground as well as a public park. Its facilities cater to a range of activities:
Golf: The 18-hole golf course is the park’s best-known feature. Originally designed by professional golfer Tom Dunn, who also served as club professional and greenkeeper, the course was later expanded and redesigned by the renowned golf architect H S Colt. Today it operates as The Club at Meyrick Park, with a clubhouse and gym. The course is open to members and visitors, with green fees applicable.
Bowling: Bournemouth Bowling Club uses the park’s bowling green for league and social play. The green is maintained to competition standards and is located near the central park area.
Rugby: Oakmeadians Rugby Football Club plays its home matches on the rugby pitches at Meyrick Park. The pitches are well maintained and provide facilities for training and matches throughout the rugby season.
Tennis: There are several tennis courts available in the park. These courts are used by local clubs and casual players alike. Court hire charges apply.
Walking, running and cycling: The park’s network of paths and trails wind through open grassland and woodland. These routes are popular with dog walkers, runners and cyclists year-round. The terrain is mostly level with gentle slopes, making it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels.
Meyrick Park’s combination of formal sports facilities and informal green space makes it a versatile recreational area for residents and visitors.
Visiting Meyrick Park: access and amenities
Meyrick Park has open access at all times, with no general admission charge. The park is bordered by woodland and can be entered from several points:
Central Drive and Braidley Road: Entrances on the southern edge of the park provide easy access from nearby residential areas.
Meyrick Park Crescent: The northern entrance connects to roads leading towards Bournemouth town centre.
The park’s proximity to the town centre means it is an easy 15 to 20-minute walk from Bournemouth railway station or the town’s main shopping streets. This makes it a convenient green space for a break from shopping or sightseeing.
While general access to the park and its open spaces is free, some facilities charge fees:
The golf course requires green fees for visitors who are not members.
Tennis courts have hire charges, payable at the courts or online.
The gym and clubhouse at The Club at Meyrick Park operate on a membership or pay-per-use basis.
Other amenities within the park include benches, picnic areas and well-maintained paths. The mature trees provide shade in summer, while open grassland offers space for informal games and relaxation.
Meyrick Park in the context of Bournemouth’s green spaces
Meyrick Park is one of Bournemouth’s largest parks and an important part of the town’s network of green spaces. It sits just north-west of the town centre, offering a contrast to the coastal and formal gardens found elsewhere.
Nearby parks and gardens include:
Alum Chine Tropical Gardens: Located 1.5 miles south-east, this garden features exotic plants and a café, popular for leisurely strolls.
Kings Park: About 2 miles east, Kings Park offers playing fields, bowling greens and a café beside Vitality Stadium.
Meyrick Park’s woodland links: The park’s woodland areas connect to other green corridors leading towards the northern suburbs.
For visitors interested in exploring Bournemouth’s outdoor attractions further, the Things to Do section of this guide provides details on parks, gardens and leisure activities across the town.
Transport and parking near Meyrick Park
Meyrick Park is accessible by various transport options:
Walking: The park is within a 20-minute walk from Bournemouth railway station and the town centre.
Bus: Several local bus routes run along roads near the park, including routes on Central Drive and Meyrick Park Crescent.
Car: On-street parking is available on surrounding residential streets, though spaces can be limited during peak times. There are no dedicated car parks within the park itself.
Cycling: Cycle routes pass close to the park, and there are bike racks at the entrances.
For visitors arriving by train, Bournemouth station is the nearest mainline station, with regular services from London, Southampton and other destinations. More information on train travel can be found at National Rail.
Events and community activities at Meyrick Park
Meyrick Park hosts a variety of events and community activities throughout the year. These include local sports matches, golf tournaments and occasional open-air concerts or festivals held on the open fields.
The park is also a venue for charity runs, family fun days and community gatherings. Its large open spaces and accessible location make it suitable for events that attract residents from across Bournemouth.
For current and upcoming events, the What’s On section provides an up-to-date calendar of happenings in Bournemouth, including those at Meyrick Park.
Who uses Meyrick Park and when
Meyrick Park serves a wide range of users:
Sports enthusiasts: Golfers, rugby players, tennis players and bowlers use the park’s dedicated facilities regularly.
Families and dog walkers: The open grassland and woodland paths are popular for casual walks, picnics and play.
Runners and cyclists: The park’s trails provide a safe, scenic environment for exercise.
Visitors seeking green space: Its proximity to the town centre makes it a convenient spot for a quiet break outdoors.
The park is busiest during evenings and weekends, particularly in spring and summer when the weather is favourable. Winter months see fewer visitors but the park remains open year-round.
Nearby accommodation options
For visitors wishing to stay close to Meyrick Park, Bournemouth offers a range of accommodation. The town centre and West Cliff areas are within walking distance, featuring hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments.
One notable option is Flexiestays, which operates seven aparthotels with 130 serviced apartments on Bournemouth’s West Cliff. These provide self-catering accommodation close to both the seafront and green spaces such as Meyrick Park.
More details on local accommodation can be found in the Where to Stay and Hotels sections.