Ringwood

Ringwood, with its ancient market charter dating back to 1226, has plenty to offer visitors throughout the year.

This historic town still holds a lively Wednesday morning street market which complements the wealth of quaint and modern shops, local events, restaurants, pubs and cafes along the high street and in the lively Furlong Centre.

The exact history of the town remains unknown however in 955 AD, documents suggest that ‘Rimucwude’ is mentioned which translates into the ‘rim of the forest’. A church and a mill were also mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086.

In 1725, brewing took off in Ringwood as breweries made use of the waters of the River Avon giving rise to great beers.

Things to do in Ringwood
 

As well as the market and shopping areas, there are lots of things to do in and around Ringwood.

Wander down West Street to view the River Avon from the old three-arched stone bridge and the Saxon parish church of St Peter and St Paul, a landmark in the town. Old town charm is maintained by listed buildings such as Monmouth House and The Meeting House.

A visit to the famous Ringwood Brewery offers the chance to sniff the hops and sample the ales and beers made on the premises including favourites ‘Old Thumper’ and ‘Razor Back’. Guided tours are available on weekends or at other times for pre-booked groups. If you are unable to make a tour, it’s well worth popping into the Brewery Store, where you can purchase bottled beers and gifts of your trip.

Ringwood is well placed on the Avon Valley footpath, a long distance walking route that links Salisbury to Christchurch. Whether you choose to walk the length of it, or sections, you’ll get to follow the path of this beautiful chalk river and the nature that it beholds.

If you prefer to walk shorter distances, or are keen to learn more about the local history of the area then there are a number of local town trails to choose from and it makes an ideal base from which visitors can explore the area.

The Castleman Trailway, takes walkers, cyclists and horse riders along the disused railway track between Ringwood and Poole. It links with Moors Valley Country Park and goes through some of the area’s fantastic heathland.

Families should head out to Moors Valley Country Park, just a short distance away from Ringwood. The country park offers great walks, off-road cycling routes (with bike hire available) and the Go Ape! treetop challenge for the more adventurous visitor. On site you will also find Segway hire, a miniature railway, play parks, a wooden play trail and a Tree Top Trail offering fantastic views over the woodland. There is also a café with visitor centre.

At nearby Crow, Liberty's Reptile and Raptor Centre features some fascinating birds of prey. Watch bird of prey displays, head into the reptile house or take part in a falconry or owl experience day.

Head to Hockey’s Farm Shop where not only can you pick up fresh, local New Forest produce but have the opportunity to meet the farm’s many animals or simply relax in the licensed café. Hockeys is now also offering visitors bike hire for adults and older children. Bike hire includes a helmet, puncture repair kit plus a selection of maps covering 5 to 25 miles, a great way to explore the New Forest for yourself!

Get out on the lake with New Forest Water Park and try out Wakeboarding on their 5-pylon cable, perfect for all abilities. How about the Paddleboarding, waterskiing or kayaking too? New Forest Water Park is also home to the UK’s 1st Wibit Outdoor, Floating, Inflatable Sports Aqua Park!

Snowtrax is an outdoor alpine activity centre just a few miles from the centre of Ringwood. The centre has a dry ski slope offering ski and snowboarding lessons, coaching sessions, recreational skiing, ski bobbing and ringoing. For younger visitors there is an Alpine Adventure Park with trampolines, swings, slides and much more.

If you enjoy taking to the water then Spinnaker Sailing Club at Blashford Lakes is an RYA recognised training centre where you can learn to sail or practice your racing. There are also beginners’ sailing lessons for children available here.

Alongside the Spinnaker Sailing Club, you will find the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s Blashford Lakes nature reserve including its on-site education centre. It is a great location for wildlife spotting with six accessible bird hides plus viewing screens.

Keen equestrians can be taken on a hack through the New Forest with Bagnum Equestrian Centre, located near to the town.

Ringwood Health and Leisure Centre has an indoor swimming pool, gym, fitness classes as well as sauna and steam room. You may recognise some of it from its alter-ego ‘Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre’ as it starred in the BBC comedy, The Brittas Empire. 

Events in and around Ringwood
 

There is plenty to keep you entertained on a visit to Ringwood.

Ringwood Raceway, at nearby Matchams, offers an exhilarating programme of motoring events including banger racing and meet and greet nights. There are also regular car boot sales held here on a Sunday.

Blashford Lakes nature reserve offers various guided nature walks throughout the year, family nature events as well as courses and workshops for adults in this tranquil setting.

At Moors Valley Country Park look out for themed family nature trails, pond-dipping events and other outdoor activities and events including the popular pond-dipping sessions.

Keep an eye on our what’s on pages for upcoming events in and around Ringwood and don’t forget to make a trip to the weekly Wednesday morning market, held in the Market Place.

Places to stay in and around Ringwood
 

As a small town, Ringwood offers the staying visitor a variety of options including the cosy B&Bs of Moortown Lodge, The Shimmerings and Little Forest Lodge. Nearby, you can find camping and caravanning at Red Shoot Camping Park and self-catering options at holiday homes and holiday parks. Use the search box on this page to check availability for your visit.

Getting to Ringwood
 

Ringwood is situated along the A31 half way between nearby Southampton and Poole. There are regular buses from Bournemouth, Poole and Salisbury. Ringwood is also situated along the Red Route of the New Forest Tour Bus, a hop-on, hop-off bus service taking visitors around the New Forest National Park.