Around Ringwood
Situated on the river Avon, and at the top of the pretty valley that runs down to Christchurch, Ringwood is an excellent centre for exploring the nearby New Forest.
Many years ago, Sir Maurice Berkeley slew a dragon near Ringwood, and the town’s history is recorded from before the conquest, when it was held by one Earl Tostig. History seems largely to have passed Ringwood by, and it has been spared most of the blood and suffering that characterises most Wessex towns.
Ringwood has buildings from all periods, with some good thatch, but the church is not particularly old, although it looks it; built in the 19th century, it has some 15th century brass. Take time to walk out of the centre of Ringwood, along the Christchurch road, where some really interesting shops, galleries and restaurants are to be found.
along with the station buffet. The second station, Lakeside, is located at the opposite end of the railway – an ideal stop for the picnic area and playgrounds.
Moors Valley Railway runs every weekend and during all school holidays. It runs daily from Spring Bank Holiday to mid September. There are numerous Special Events during the year including Santa Specials - please contact 01425 471415 for further details.
Continuing west and you soon reach Verwood, which stands at a Crossroads where the River Crane runs central to the ancient market towns of Ringwood and Cranborne. Roads ran north and south towards the established towns of Fordingbridge, Salisbury, Wimborne and Poole and even today the Crossroads is considered the focal point of the town.
Just a few miles west of Ringwood is Moors Valley Country Park, which is run as a joint venture between East Dorset District Council and the Forestry Commission. Situated at the edge of Ringwood Forest, which in turn borders the New Forest, it covers 750 acres of the Moors River Valley, entrance to the Park is free, but there are charges for parking. The Park boasts a range of beautiful walks and trails for you to explore at your leisure, including play trails, a treetops walk and lookout.
Facilities at the Park include a tearoom; country shop; adventure play areas for the children; and a visitor centre where you can pick up a map. Additional attractions include: a Cycle Hire centre, a Golf Course, the Go Ape! high wire adventure course and one of the best narrow-gauge steam railways in the country,Moors Valley Railway.
Home to 17 locomotives, 40 coaches and numerous other rolling stock, Moors Valley Railway is 7_” gauge and provides passengers with a ride of one mile in length. The railway runs with traditional signalling and has two signal boxes in operation. There is a model and gift shop at Kingsmere,
Just a mile north is the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, a great day out for all the family - Straight from the horse’s mouth! Here you will find something for everyone with interesting tours, talks and displays, FREE heavy horse wagon tractor and trailer rides, and even the chance to drive a real farm tractor!
There’s a busy timetable of hands on interaction with the friendly farm including over 20 rescued heavy horses, donkeys, miniature ponies, kunekune pigs goats sheep alpacas, rabbits ducks snow dogs and many more. The children will be kept amused with pony rides, a go kart arena, fun straw barn, giant bouncy castle and other play areas.
There is lots to do undercover in case the weather is not so good and you can treat yourself to some home cooked food in the café, surrounded by a backdrop of splendid views. When you visit, you will be helping to support over 20 rescued Heavy Horses. All in all, a great day out that won’t break the bank.
Moors Valley Railway
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