(Average user rating
4.6/5)
Moors Valley Country Park, managed in partnership by the Forestry Commission and East Dorset District Council, is famous or its adventurous woodland Play Trail designed for families of all ages.
From a giant ant's nest to the snake pit to an enormous spider's web, the play trail with its imaginative and fun wooden play structures scattered along a 1 mile trail through the forest is a must. The park also has a visitor centre, cafe-restaurant, country shop, golf course, narrow gauge steam railway, cycle hire shop and much much more.
How to get there:
Take the Ashley Heath turning off the A31 just West of Ringwood (Moors Valley Country Park is signposted with a brown tourism signpost). Go through Ashley Heath and the park entrance is situated on the right just as you come out of the village.
Unfortunately no bus takes you to the entrance of the park, but the X34 bus from Bournemouth and Ringwood takes you to Ashley Heath. From there it is a 1/2 mile walk to the visitor centre.
Ashley Heath is the nearest town or village.
Postcode BH24 2ET (for satnav purposes)
Other places to go in Ringwood Forest
Facilities and Activities
Moors Valley Country Park has almost 20 miles of waymarked trails to follow as well as miles of other gravelled and grassy tracks to explore.
Bring your own or hire a bike on site so you can enjoy the miles of way marked routes that allow you to explore the far reaches of the Park without fear of getting lost. Please help us to help everyone enjoy their time at Moors Valley by not cycling on the Play Trail.
The park runs an extensive events programme as well as an education programme for schools. For more information about educational facilities at Moors Valley please visit www.moorsvalley.co.uk
Fishing is allowed in Moors Lake. All you need is your fishing rod and a permit which can be bought at the Visitor Centre on site.
From the shy roe deer which are best seen early morning to the dragonflies hovering over the parks many lakes in the midday sunshine to nightjars churring in the dusk light, Moors Valley is packed with wonderful wildlife to discover.
A map of the orienteering course is available from the visitor centre. Why not try out our new Trail-O course which makes orienteering accessible to everyone.
The Forestry Commission no longer has a barbecue site available to hire. However you are more than welcome to bring your own barbecue to use in the picnic area. The barbecues need to be on a stand more than 30cms in height. All charcoal and debris from the barbecue must be taken home with you. For more information on barbecuing at Moors Valley please contact Moors Valley Country Park on 01425470721
For younger children there is a fantastic play area with slides, tyres swings and fantasy castle which will keep them amused for hours.
Located in the heart of the forest the Lookout provides stunning views across the tree tops towards the coast that makes the all the effort worth. It's easy to find - just follow the finger post signs.
Why not GO APE! This hire ropes course is a must for anyone with a sense of adventure. As you can imagine this activity is very popular and advanced booking is essential to avoid disappointment. For more information or to book please call 0845 6439 215
Contact:
What's of interest
A whole day out and just one place to visit at any time of year.
Moors Valley Country Park is open from 8.00am to dusk (8pm at the latest)everyday, except Christmas Day.
Related pages
Useful sites
User Comments