Lytchett Minster and Upton settlements are located to the north west of the town of Poole, on the edge of the rural hinterland to the conurbation. The two are separated by the busy A35 dual carriageway. Lytchett Minster is a small rural village, whereas Upton is a much larger suburban area, built up significantly during the 1970s and 1980's. Upton has its own facilities including a variety of shops and a library.