Heading on over to the New Forest for a family break or a romantic getaway? Well, that’s amazing – but the question is where in the New Forest will you stay as a base for exploring this beautiful part of the world?
On the western edge is Ringwood, a market town well known for its close proximity to the renowned Avon Valley, which is a wonderful walking path passing through the town. This part of the New Forest is often used as a fantastic link to busier areas, given its easy access and great roads which offer a quick commute to Southampton, Poole, Salisbury and Bournemouth. But let’s not rush off anywhere just yet…stay a while.
Ringwood is steeped in history, with its church and mill mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. Wednesday is market day – a tradition dating back since before time, with a huge range of goods on sale; at the weekend, similar market events run by farmers are held in The Furlong and Gateway Square – both sessions attract a flurry of vibrant activity in the area.
In addition to markets, awe-inspired architecture and wandering through history in Ringwood, there’s ample to do and see during your stay here – including a visit to the Jubilee Gardens, fishing on the River Avon, cycling, sailing and water sports, a state-of-the-art skate park and the leisure centre, which has fantastic adult facilities as well as a children’s pool and play area.
Sat within the picturesque landscapes of the New Forest National Park, Ringwood is a charming market town, serving as a welcoming hub for exploring the park’s natural wonders and abundant beauty. Situated along the River Avon, Ringwood offers a convenient base for venturing into the heart of the New Forest.
Ringwood sits on the western edge of the New Forest, making it an easily accessible gateway to the New Forest National Park’s vast expanse. It lies approximately 10 miles northeast of Bournemouth and 12 miles southwest of Southampton, making it a convenient stopover for travellers en route to gorgeous coastal towns.
Ringwood offers a delightful mix of historical charm, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures, making it a captivating destination for any visitor to the New Forest. For example, you can visit Moors Valley Country Park. The country park is a haven of natural beauty, offering a variety of walking and cycling trails, lakes ideal for fishing and boating, and a wealth of wildlife. The park also features the Go Ape! Moors Valley activity centre, perfect for an active day tiring out the little ones.
Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre is another great day out. Here you can get up close and personal with a fascinating array of owls, raptors, and reptiles. The centre offers educational insights into the creatures, with interactive displays, feeding demonstrations, and opportunities to handle some of the animals!
For a more casual day or afternoon out, venture to the village of Burley. Known for its traditional thatched cottages, quaint shops, and friendly pubs, you can take a stroll through the village’s narrow lanes, admire the picturesque architecture, and stop for a traditional English lunch or a pint of local ale at one of the village’s pubs.
Or perhaps you can enjoy a simple walk. Ringwood and the New Forest are abundant in gorgeous walks. Ringwood provides a convenient base for exploring its diverse landscapes. Embark on a leisurely walk through the River Avon Valley, or venture deeper into the forest to discover ancient woodlands, heathland, and meadows teeming with wildlife. Better still, hop on two wheels and race around the various New Forest cycle paths in the area and see the New Forest in a whole new, exciting way.
You’ll also find plenty of exciting National Trusts in and around lovely Ringwood, Beaulieu Abbey and Motor Museum, for example, includes a 13th-century abbey that is now home to a world-class motor museum, with over 250 vintage cars, motorcycles, and bicycles.
National Trust New Forest Northern Commons is an area of 9,000 acres of heathland, woodland, and bog and is home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, deer, and birds. There are several walking trails and cycle paths through the commons.
Bramshaw Commons is another great spot. This area of common land is home to a variety of wildlife, including ponies, deer, and birds. There are several walking trails through the commons.
Ringwood, New Forest is also home to Hockey’s Farm Shop, perfect for fresh and local produce – or there’s the array of high street shops, supermarkets, butchers, fishmongers and bakers in the town centre of Ringwood.
Now you know where to visit and have a list of exciting activities to keep you and the family occupied during your stay, you might need some support choosing a fabulous place to rest your head – and that’s where we come in.
New Forest Collection is home to some stunning accommodation options, including a country house hotel, a historic manor, a townhouse and a rural Inn. These are all located within half an hour by car; the closest is in Burley, just 11 minutes away, followed by Lyndhurst a little further out (22 minutes away), while Beaulieu is just over half an hour from Ringwood.
When it comes to hearty meals, cosy rooms, breathtaking woodland and accommodation that truly is a home away from home, the New Forest Collection ticks all those boxes and more!
Ashurst, Barton-On-Sea, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge, Lymington, Lyndhurst, New Forest, New Milton, Milford-On-Sea, Minstead
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