An idyllic setting in all seasons
Ringwood is a market town on the edge of the New Forest. It is an
ideal place
from which to explore this beautiful part of England. It has many
fine places
to eat and drink and a wide variety of shops, including a large Waitrose
and
Sainsbury’s all within walking distance. The market is on every
Wednesday.
Ringwood has several Italian restaurants including both Zizzi’s
and Prezzos.
There are also several Chinese and Indian restaurants, Bistro’s,
and a very
good Thai restaurant.There are any number of good pubs nearby, our
favourite being the Star Inn in the Market place ,which offers excellent
local
Ringwood Beer and wonderful oriental food.
One can cycle from the house
to the Castlemain Trailway, a cycle track
converted from the old railway which can be taken as far as Poole,
but
also allows easy access in to Moors Valley, a Forest Park less than
a Mile
away, with a playtrail , treetop walkway, cycle paths, miniature
steam
railway and Go-Ape, a high ropes course for the over 10’s. There
are a
number of cycle hire shops locally.
The New Forest
Established as royal Hunting grounds
nearly 1000 years ago the New forest
is now a National Park, but is still
managed by Commoners as it has been
for hundreds of years. Commoners
have ancient rights allowing them to
keep horses, cattle and pigs in the
Forest, which are allowed to roam
freely, including through its villages.
There are many historic places to visit within the National Park.
Beauliea House and its world famous motor museum are well worth a
visit. Nearby Bucklers Hard was once a thriving Naval Shipyard in the
days of wooden ships and has a very interesting museum and the old
village itself is very picturesque.
New Forestry Commision events booking and info:
Tel 02380 286840
New Forest links:
www.newforestpony.com
www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest
www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
www.moors-valley.co.uk
www.goape.co.uk
Surrounding beaches and towns
The long golden sandy beaches
of Poole are fifteen minutes away
by car. At Mudeford quay in
Christchurch, one can catch a
short ferry over to Hengistbury
Head, beautiful at any time of
year and an ideal place to go
crabbing or fishing.
Bournemouth is a lively,
attractive resort with an
excellent choice of restaurants, clubs, cinemas and shows. From
Poole one can catch a car ferry across the narrow opening of the
worlds second largest natural harbour to the isle of Purbeck, and
probably the best beaches in the area at Studland, owned by the
National Trust. From here one can visit Corfe Castle and take a
journey on the steam railway to Swanage.
The medieval city of Salisbury with its stunning Cathedral is 30
minutes by car, and Winchester a similar distance. Portsmouth
with its historic dockyards, including the famous HMS Victory
is 40 minutes away. London is just an hour and a half away
by car or coach from Ringwood.An ideal location for holidays, family celebrations and Hen Parties.
www.bic.co.uk
www.thepamperparty.co.uk
www.bournemouth.co.uk