Ringwood

Ringwood is the western gateway to the New Forest National Park, at a crossing point of the River Avon. It has been the traditional market town of the New Forest for hundreds of years, with its market charter dating back to 1226, and has over 13,000 residents.

The name Ringwood derives from documents dating from 955 AD referring to ‘Rimucwude’, which translates into ‘the rim of the forest’. The Domesday Book of 1086 records a church and a mill in the settlement, and in those early days Ringwood’s development was dependent on the River Avon for its mills and the forest for fuel for its industry.

Ringwood market became the main centre for produce sales in the Avon and Stour areas and for New Forest ponies and cattle. The weekly livestock market closed in 1989 but there is still a lively Wednesday morning street market. Ringwood offers both quaint and modern shops, street entertainment, restaurants, pubs and cafes.

The town has an ale-brewing history dating back to the 18 century, and the award-winning Ringwood Brewery still thrives today.

The Southampton & Dorchester Railway opened Ringwood Junction station in 1847, putting the town on the main line from London to Dorchester. The line was axed under Beeching in 1964 and the New Forest stations of Ringwood Junction and Holmsley were closed.