Fun-filled family days out in Ringwood and The New Forest!
 Come rain or shine (preferably shine!) there are always loads of new and exciting things to do in Ringwood and The New Forest – and lots of old favourites too. For the active there's cycling, pony-trekking, rock-climbing and more. For the less adventurous there are some great museums, theatre workshops, art & craft events and more.
   There really is something for everyone. So grab your coat and get out of the house. And don't forget to tell us about your favourite Ringwood and New Forest activities.

1. New Forest Cycle Hire
The RingwoodTown team love nothing more than meeting up on a Sunday morning for a spot of breakfast, then it’s off to the Forest for some much needed exercise.
   Whatever your age or ability, The New Forest is undoubtedly one of the greatest places in the UK to come cycling. There are over one hundred miles of traffic free cycle routes, making it extremely safe for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The wildlife, fauna, great range of accommodation & eateries makes this place an unforgettable cycling destination.
   There are lots of cycle hire companies to choose from but we love the eco-friendly approach of Cyclexperience (or Cyclex!). They are the original specialist cycle hire company in the area. And have a huge amount of experience regarding the Forest, the cycle routes, the secrets and the best technology to get you around, safely. Cyclex actively promotes greener living so be sure to check out the Car(e) Free pages on www.newforestcyclehire.co.uk

 2. Ringwood Brewery Tour
Brewing is a craft that has changed little over the centuries - the beauty of the traditional brewhouse at Ringwood is that the whole process is visible and easy to follow so you’ll come away after the tour with a clear idea of how ale is produced.
   Visitors can taste the different malted barleys and have a rub and sniff of the hops. They can also see the copper where the malt extract is boiled and the fermentations bubbling away in the Tun Room.
   Admission includes a tour of the brewery, a souvenir 1/2 pint glass, and sampling of Ringwood beers. Visit www.ringwoodbrewery.co.uk for information about tour times, opening hours, ages restrictions and important visitor advice.

 3. Exbury Gardens
A spectacular 200-acre woodland garden, world-famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, rare trees and plants, a riot of colour in spring, and a dazzling sight in the autumn.The Gardens re-open on Saturday 8th March for the 2008 season. Visitors can enjoy exploring twenty miles of pathways, or “let the train take the strain” on a 20 min journey, or take a buggy tour to see the best of the colour.
   Mr Eddy’s Tearooms, the Gift Shop and Plant Centre will open between 10am and 5pm on all Garden open days.
   Visit www.exbury.co.uk for more information, and please mention RingwoodTown.co.uk

4. Buckler’s Hard
Buckler’s Hard is a picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson’s fleet were built, but whether your interest is as a visitor - as an individual, family, group or educational party - or as a sailor wishing to moor in the River, the things to see and enjoy are as varied as the history of the area itself.
   For more information visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/bucklershard

 5. Liquid Logistics
 Based in the heart of The New Forest on the Beaulieu
River, Liquid Logistics offer a great range of canoeing
and kayaking activities.
   Our two hour taster sessions in open canoes are perfect for families and our kayaks are great for those keen for more adventure. Beginners are welcome and all sessions are guided by a member of the team.
   For bookings and information call 01590 612377 or visit www.liquidlogistics.co.uk

6. The New Forest Centre
Located adjacent to the main car park, Lyndhurst
 The New Forest Centre features displays
on every aspect of life in the New Forest and details of its intriguing history.
Who are the verderers? What is the common of mast? Are New Forest
ponies wild? Find out the answers to
these questions and much more.
   The Centre’s gift shop has a wide selection of souvenirs and gifts, as well as a wide range of local books.
   A must for all New Forest visitors! For information visit www.newforestmuseum.org

7. New Forest Owl Sanctuary
Crow Lane, Crow, Ringwood BH24 1EA
Visit the stunning collection of owls and birds of prey. The flying demonstration will give you a closer view, and an understanding of these wonderful birds, as they fly close to the audience, accompanied by an entertaining commentary. There is a gift shop and a café for food and souvenir requirements. The New Forest Owl Sanctuary also offers good accessibility with hard surfaces for wheelchairs and pushchairs alike. Proceeds from the entrance fee go towards the upkeep at a hospital for injured birds and animals.
   For more information telephone 01425 476487

 8. The Forest Arts Centre
Situated at the southern edge of the New Forest, Hampshire half way between Christchurch and Lymington on the A337. The Forest Arts Centre offers film, theatre, dance, half-term activities, exhibitions, activities for adults and so much more – It’s an absolute must visit for those looking to fill their days with an excellent combination of fun and learning.
   For more information please visit www.forest-arts.co.uk – Click the map to enlarge

9. Golf in the New Forest
 Located just 1 minute from the M27, Bramshaw Golf Club, the oldest in Hampshire, is home to two excellent and contrasting 18-hole courses. The mature parkland Manor Course is 6,537 yards (Par 71), and the heathland Forest Course is 5,774 yards long (Par 69) both situated at Brook in the heart of the beautiful New Forest National Park.
   The Forest Course, like a links course but inland, offers the unusual feature of playing amongst roaming deer and forest ponies (and even pigs in the autumn!). Those who have visited the New Forest before will understand and appreciate the sheer pleasure of being among the unique heathland.
   For more information visit www.bramshaw.co.uk

10. Beaulieu
 For information on the following three attractions visit www.beaulieu.co.uk
THE NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM
Few car museums in the world can match the unique collection of the world renowned National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Managed by the National Motor Museum Trust, Beaulieu is also the home of the world famous Beaulieu International Autojumble and Automart.
   With the Collection now comprising some 250 vehicles - from some of the earliest examples of motoring to legendary World Record Breakers like Bluebird and Golden Arrow - you are sure to find something to fascinate you.

 PALACE HOUSE
Formerly the 14th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House is set in glorious grounds and gardens with immaculate spreading lawns and walkways overlooking the Beaulieu River. The House has been in Lord Montagu’s family ownership since 1538, when Sir Thomas Wriothesley, later 1st Earl of Southampton, bought the Estate after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
   Palace House remains a family home still lived in by the present Lord Montagu and his family and much loved by them.

BEAULIEU ABBEY
 Beaulieu Abbey was founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks on land given to them by King John. Although much was destroyed at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII, there is still much for visitors to see today.
   In medieval times, when the Abbey was an important Cistercian monastery, the monks would have provided hospitality to visitors. Indeed, by the 15th century when the monks’ numbers had dwindled, the Domus was adapted to accommodate important guests. That tradition remains today, for the Domus is now regularly used for events, dining and corporate hospitality.

Information and pictures collated from the featured sites

What's your favourite local attraction?
LET US KNOW AND YOU COULD WIN A PRIZE – You've seen some of RingwoodTown.co.uk's favourite places to visit, now tell us yours! Write to us with the name and address of your favourite local attraction, and let us know why you and your family enjoy it so much. We might use your mini-review as part of a local feature! As if that wasn't enough you will also be entered into our fabulous 'Grand Giveaway' competition (details coming soon). Life is for living, so why not share in the fun.