Ringwood

A historic market town nestled in the Avon valley

Ringwood - thatched cottages
add charming character

Ringwood continues to command an enviable position on the east bank of the River Avon, just as it has for centuries past. Described as the 'western gateway to the New Forest', the town developed at an important crossing point of the river.

Ringwood - distance from Lyndhurst
14 miles (23 kilometres)

Ringwood - did you know?
New Forest commoners for centuries bought and sold ponies in Ringwood's old market place. A cattle market was subsequently built but this has relatively recently been lost to development.

Shopping therapy – yes, of course

Ringwood market day - Wednesday (am)

Pubs and bars - yes, numerous

Restaurants - yes

Children's play parks - yes

Open spaces for football, cricket, rounders and relaxing - yes

Leisure Centre
Ringwood Health and Leisure

Walks
The Avon Valley Path, a 34 mile footpath, passes through both the town and a little to the north, a series of lakes originally created following mineral extraction, but now used for angling, water sports and as wildlife refuges.

Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul
A church has been present on the site since at least the eleventh century, although the first stone church, built around 1200, was demolished in the early 19th century. Construction of the present building took place between 1853 and 1855.

Museums
Ringwood Town and Country Experience at nearby Blashford.

Other local attractions
Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre, Crow Lane, Ringwood.

Ringwood Brewery
Fine beers have been produced at the Ringwood Brewery since 1978. No longer an independent concern, however, in 2007 Marston's Brewery took the reins with a commitment to continuing production of the finest real ales. Brewery tours are available and there is a shop on site. Ringwood beers are available in pubs throughout the New Forest and beyond.

(Image copyright - thatch at Ringwood, Hants (Ron Strutt) / CC BY-SA 2.0 ).