Ringwood, which for centuries has been known to be the foremost market town of the New Forest. It is located on the western edge of the New Forest at a crossing point on the River Avon. It has stood the test of time for so long that Ringwood`s market charter dates back as far as 1226.
This thriving little town has a lively street market every Wednesday morning. It has continued to be an unspoiled, lovely historic town that exudes both its old character, as well as its modern shops, restaurants, cafés, pubs and street entertainment.
Ringwood features a wide variety of shops to browse, including three supermarkets and a smaller selection of specialist retailers. Take the opportunity to wander down West Street where you can view the impressive River Avon from the medieval three-arched stone bridge. Close by is Jubilee Garden which also might be worth a stroll around. The old Saxon church of St Peter and St Paul is well worth making the time to visit too, as for over 1000 years the site has been an integral part of Ringwood life and the surrounding area.
The well recognised Avon Valley footpath which travels from Salisbury to Christchurch passes through Ringwood, so if this is a walk you embark on, this delightful town is ideal for an overnight stop. There are plenty of other things to see and do here and much of it can be discovered on foot. The visitor information centre provides details of local town trails, country walks and what is going on in the town.
Things To See And Do In Ringwood
- A weekly market every Wednesday held in the Market Place. This old town celebrated its 750th anniversary of the Market Charter in 1976.
- Old town charm is characterised by a number of listed buildings such as Monmouth House and The Meeting House.
- Ringwood has a famous Brewery in the area and stocks many of its fine ales to the local pubs. Cafés and restaurants in and around the town provide great food and beverages and there is varied entertainment offered regularly to cater for all tastes.
- This ancient market town can also be used a base for exploring the New Forest and Avon Valley on foot, bicycle or even horse back. There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the excellent fishing and water sports on offer in the area. Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is just a short drive outside of Ringwood as is the New Forest Waterpark which is just a little further on. Alternatively you can just marvel at the wonderful flora and fauna of the surrounding area which can be reached in just minutes.
- The Avon Valley footpath can easily be accessed from Ringwood and there are also a number of local town trails to choose from if a shorter walk is what you are after.
- Families should definitely venture out to Moors Valley Country Park, just a short ride away. This leisure park offers great walks for all abilities and the very popular Go Ape! treetop challenge for the adventurous. An onsite cafe provides all the usual refreshments. At nearby Crow, Liberty’s Reptile and Raptor Centre features some fascinating birds of prey and is also well worth a family visit.
- Ringwood also has a busy leisure centre with swimming pool and a local football club.
- Another popular attraction worth a visit is the nearby Town & Country Experience which depicts Ringwood in times gone by.
History Of Ringwood
“Rincevede” was the eleventh century name for Ringwood, which by all accounts meant a ford or “wade” (vede) over a river or watercourse (rine). A place ringed by trees, has suggested to people how it acquired its more modern name and both of these meanings are valid. As the River Avon is still much in evidence, though it became bridged, the ever increasing population has pushed the encircling trees further from the centre of the town. Monmouth House close to the Market Place is said to have lodged James, 1st Duke of Monmouth who was placed under house arrest after the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685.