DORSET’S premier cricket ground is up for sale, along with the adjoining listed Pavilion.

Picturesque Dean Park, which has a capacity of 6,000, has been leased by Bournemouth University from the Cooper Dean Estate since 1995. It is also used by Dorset and Parley cricket clubs.

The lease, believed to be £100,000 a year, is due to end in November next year and both the Grade II listed pavilion and cricket ground are on the market.

There is no guide price but a spokesman for Symmons and Samson estate agents, who are working on behalf of the Cooper Dean Estate, said: “The Cooper Dean charity wants to allow plenty of time for people to come forward.

“The cricket ground and pavilion won’t necessarily be sold. They could be offered on a long lease.”

Dean Park has welcomed its share of famous visitors including Prince Philip who captained the Duke of Edinburgh’s XI to a thrilling one-wicket win over Hampshire in 1949.

WG Grace made the first of many appearances in 1903 and international players who have showcased their skills at the venue include Gordon Greenidge, Malcolm Marshall, David Gower, Robin Smith and Graham Gooch.

The Pavilion boasts a bar, kitchen and four to five receptions. Subject to consent, it could be suitable for a restaurant with a flat, and sold separately to the cricket ground.

Dating back to 1869, Dean Park is widely regarded as one of the best university cricket grounds in Britain.

The ground was used for first-class cricket by Hampshire until the late 1990s before the team moved to Southampton.

It has been used for cricket since the 1800s.

Bournemouth University’s head of regional community partnerships Ian Jones said: “Bournemouth University has been playing cricket at Dean Park since 1995 and our lease runs out in November 2014.

“We are very keen that cricket at BU is centred around the local community, so we are exploring new venues and potential partners to ensure that sport has a vibrant future.”