“The award places a spot light on our popular new Welcome Centre but also recognises and celebrates the wider enhancements that the Country Park has taken forward in recent years.  Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Parks for People fund, the Discovery Project has realised our ambitious plans for a new Welcome Centre, providing an accessible heritage attraction for visitors to relax, enjoy and learn in. Construction spanned January – November 2022, with an official opening in December that year. Located in the main car park, this striking new facility acts as a ‘front door’ to the Country Park.

Inside are interactive and immersive displays, bringing the park’s history to life, giving a glimpse inside the Grade II* listed Upton House and exploring the importance of the varied landscapes the park is so privileged to maintain and enhance.

A huge thank you to our staff, volunteers and partners who have made this possible and most importantly, a big thank you to all our park visitors who have enjoyed and supported us through this transformation.”

Roger Brewer, BCP Council