Meyrick Park

Meyrick Park is a large public park in Bournemouth, Dorset, on the south coast of England. It combines open playing fields, wooded slopes and a historic golf course, and it sits close enough to the town centre that many locals use it as a green shortcut on foot.

What is Meyrick Park and where is it?

The park lies in the area of Bournemouth that carries the same name. Wikidata describes it simply as a park in Bournemouth, Dorset, England, and its coordinates put it a short distance inland from the seafront. It is generally counted as the largest park in the town, at roughly 194 acres, which makes it a very different experience from the small seaside gardens most visitors see first.

What will I see there?

The centre of the park is a main field used for rugby pitches. Elevated woodland rises on both sides of this field, so the area feels enclosed and sheltered even though it is inside an urban district. On the western side a golf course wraps around the park. A paved path runs along the main field, and it is popular with people heading to or from the town centre, as well as with walkers who just want an easy, flat route.

Dog-walking is permitted both on the field and in the woodland, so you will often meet local dog owners, particularly in the mornings and evenings. The woodland is a good choice if you prefer shade and uneven ground to open grass.

What is the history of the park?

The land was once part of a wide area of heathland and common. After an enclosure act in the early 19th century, the land was sold and planted with pines, and the sandy soil of the area is still noticeable today. The park opened to the public on 28 November 1894, and it took its name from the Meyrick family, with Mrs Jacintha Meyrick opening it.

The following day the 18-hole golf course was inaugurated. It is often described as the first municipally owned golf course in England. It was designed by Tom Dunn, who also served as the first greenkeeper and professional. The park was later enlarged in the 1920s with part of a neighbouring estate. In April 1914 the aviator Gustav Hamel landed his aeroplane in the park, an episode that local history accounts still mention.

Can I play golf at Meyrick Park?

Yes. The course sits within roughly 120 acres of parkland, and its fairways run through mature woodland. The sandy soil drains well, which helps keep the course playable for much of the year. The opening hole is a 244-yard par 3 and is often called one of the toughest starts in the area. If you do not play, you can still walk the public paths around the edges and enjoy the setting.

Frequently asked questions

Is Meyrick Park free to enter? The park itself is a public park, and walking there does not require a ticket. Playing golf is a separate paid activity.

Can I walk my dog there? Yes, dog-walking is permitted on the main field and in the woodland.

Is it close to the town centre? Yes. The paved path along the main field is commonly used as a route into the centre.

What is it best for? Relaxed walks, woodland shade, a view of local rugby matches and, for golfers, a round on a course with more than a century of history.