Redhill Park is a public recreation ground located in Northbourne, on the northern edge of Bournemouth. It lies directly adjacent to Redhill Common, a heathland nature reserve, and together these two green spaces preserve a significant part of the area's natural and recreational heritage. This page details the park’s history, facilities, access, and its role within the wider network of Bournemouth’s parks.
History and origins of Redhill Park
Redhill Park and Redhill Common share a common origin as part of the historic Turbary Common, a large tract of common land used for turf cutting and grazing. The Christchurch Inclosure Act of 1802 protected this land from development, preserving it as open space. Over time, parts of the common were adapted for recreational use. In 1937, the more developed section, with tennis courts, a playground, and a bowls green, was officially named Redhill Park. The wilder, less developed area retained the name Redhill Common.
The park’s bowls pavilion opened in 1938, becoming home to the Redhill Park Bowling Club. The club played on the green for eight decades until 2017, when declining membership and maintenance costs led to its closure. During the Second World War, the park served a practical role as a first aid post for air raid wardens. A water tank was sunk into the ground for firefighting, which was later converted into a children’s paddling pool after the war. The 1950s saw further additions, including two football pitches and a second playground, expanding the park’s appeal for families and sports enthusiasts.
Facilities and amenities at Redhill Park today
Redhill Park offers a range of facilities catering to different age groups and interests. The play area includes a paddling pool, a multiplay climbing frame, swings, a seesaw, and a small skate zone, providing varied activities for children. Adjacent to the play area is a ball court suitable for basketball and other ball games. Football pitches occupy a substantial portion of the park, with open playing fields available for informal sports and picnics.
Visitors can find refreshment at the café operated by The Parks Foundation, located near the main entrance. The café serves light meals, snacks, and drinks, making it a convenient spot for families and walkers. The park has on-site car parking, which is free to use, and the entire area is open daily with free entry.
Redhill Park is maintained as part of Bournemouth’s Five Parks charitable trust (registered charity number 299740). This trust also manages neighbouring Redhill Common, Kings Park, Queens Park, Meyrick Park, and Seafield Gardens, ensuring consistent upkeep and community engagement across these green spaces.
How to get to Redhill Park
Redhill Park is situated on Redhill Avenue in Northbourne, approximately 2.5 miles north of Bournemouth town centre. The park is accessible by car, bus, bicycle, and on foot.
By car, visitors can reach the park via the A338 Ring Road, exiting at Redhill Avenue. The on-site car park has space for around 40 vehicles and is free of charge. For those using public transport, local bus routes 4 and 13 serve stops within a five-minute walk of the park entrance. These buses connect Redhill Park with Bournemouth town centre, Winton, and other northern suburbs.
Cyclists can use the dedicated cycle lanes on Redhill Avenue and nearby roads. The park’s flat terrain and wide paths make it suitable for family cycling. Pedestrians from Northbourne and neighbouring areas can reach the park within 10 to 20 minutes’ walk.
For visitors arriving by train, Bournemouth railway station lies about 3 miles south of Redhill Park. A taxi or bus from the station takes roughly 15 minutes. The station offers regular services to London Waterloo, Southampton, and other regional destinations.
Costs and opening times
Redhill Park is open every day of the year from dawn until dusk. There is no charge for entry to the park or use of its outdoor facilities. The paddling pool operates seasonally during warmer months, typically from late May to early September, and is supervised during opening hours for safety.
The café has its own opening hours, generally from morning until early evening, with seasonal variations. Visitors are advised to check The Parks Foundation website or local signage for current café times.
Car parking at Redhill Park is free, with no time restrictions. The park’s maintenance and services are funded through Bournemouth’s Five Parks charity, local council support, and community fundraising.
Who uses Redhill Park and what it suits
Redhill Park serves a wide range of visitors. Families with young children are drawn by the paddling pool, playground, and open spaces for picnics and games. The ball court and skate zone attract older children and teenagers. Footballers and sports clubs use the pitches regularly for matches and training.
Local residents appreciate the park as a green space for walking, dog exercise, and relaxation. The café provides a social hub for community groups and casual visitors alike. The park’s proximity to Redhill Common offers opportunities for nature walks and wildlife observation, appealing to those interested in Dorset’s heathland environment.
Redhill Park is well suited for informal recreation rather than organised events, though community activities and seasonal programmes occasionally take place. Its accessible location and free facilities make it a popular destination for everyday leisure in Northbourne.
Redhill Park in the context of Bournemouth’s parks and green spaces
Redhill Park is part of a network of parks managed by the Five Parks trust, which collectively provide over 200 acres of green space across Bournemouth. Nearby Redhill Common offers a contrasting experience with heathland habitat and walking trails. Kings Park and Queens Park, located closer to the town centre, feature sports facilities, gardens, and playgrounds. Meyrick Park combines woodland and open lawns with a golf course, while Seafield Gardens provides tennis courts and bowling greens near Southbourne.
For visitors seeking more outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions, thebournemouthguide.com’s things to do in Bournemouth section lists parks, gardens, and other leisure options across the area. The Beaches page details Bournemouth’s seven miles of sandy coastline, while the Attractions section covers museums, the pier, and other points of interest.
Redhill Park offers a mix of natural and recreational amenities in a convenient Northbourne location. Its history as part of Turbary Common and continued role within Bournemouth’s park network make it a valuable resource for residents and visitors seeking outdoor leisure close to the northern edge of the town. For further details on local parks and outdoor activities, see the Explore section of the guide.
