IDYLLIC SETTING FOR 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 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.
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 Commission 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
BEACHES & 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.