Living in Ringwood

Ringwood’s community spirit is one of its most appealing qualities. The town hosts a renowned weekly market on Wednesdays, drawing both locals and visitors since medieval times. Annual events such as the Ringwood Carnival and the New Forest Show actively involve the community and celebrate local traditions.

Green spaces are abundant, with the Avon Valley Path and Castleman Trailway providing fantastic opportunities for walking, cycling, and connecting with nature. Local groups, from amateur dramatics to sports clubs and environmental societies, offer plenty of ways for residents to get involved and meet others. The town centre is dotted with independent shops, craft stores, and friendly cafes, creating an inviting hub for socialising and supporting local businesses.

Ringwood is widely regarded as a safe town with a low overall crime rate compared to national averages. Its community-oriented feel and active Neighbourhood Watch schemes contribute to a reassuring environment for residents. The police presence is visible, and local initiatives encourage responsible behaviour and engagement from all members of the community.

While petty crime can occasionally occur, as in all towns, anti-social behaviour and more serious incidents are comparatively rare in Ringwood. The town's location, sense of community, and ongoing investment in local services help maintain its reputation for safety.

Parking in Ringwood is considered generally straightforward, with plenty of options for both visitors and residents. The town center features several pay-and-display car parks and limited on-street parking, particularly near the High Street and central shopping areas. Resident parking permits are available in some residential zones to help manage demand near popular spots.

Ringwood’s excellent road access via the A31 makes it easy for those commuting to and from nearby towns and cities. Ringwood is located near the junction with the A338, offering direct routes to Bournemouth and Salisbury. The roads can become busy during peak tourist seasons, especially as visitors arrive for the New Forest and coastal attractions. However, congestion is generally manageable compared to urban centers.

Nearby key destinations:

• Bournemouth – approx. 25 minutes via A338 (12 miles)
• Southampton – approx. 35 minutes via M27/A31 (20 miles)
• Salisbury – approx. 45 minutes via A338 (21 miles)
• Poole – approx. 35 minutes via A31 (25 miles)
• Winchester – approx. 50 minutes via M27 and M3 (33 miles)

Ringwood has a vibrant and varied food scene, offering everything from traditional country pubs and tearooms to popular gastropubs and international cuisine. The Fish Inn and The Star Inn are longstanding favourites for classic pub meals and local ales, while The Noisy Lobster brings a modern twist to seafood dining. Several cafés, including Café Velo and Coffee Mongers, provide welcoming spaces for breakfast, coffee, and homemade cakes.

The nightlife in Ringwood is relaxed, with a handful of friendly pubs and wine bars offering live music or quiz nights. Although the town isn’t known for a high-energy club scene, the proximity to Bournemouth and Southampton means that a livelier night out is always within reach. Takeaways, including fish and chips, Indian, Chinese, and pizza, are well represented for those after an evening at home. The nearby New Forest not only inspires much of the produce on offer but also hosts some of the region’s sought-after pubs and fine dining spots.

School Quality: Ringwood offers several highly-rated primary schools, including Ringwood Church of England Infant School and Poulner Junior, as well as a secondary school rated Outstanding by Ofsted. There is easy access to nurseries and preschools in town.

Parks and Green Space: With the New Forest on its doorstep, and Avon Heath Country Park nearby, families have exceptional access to outdoor play and adventure. Playgrounds and recreational grounds are well-maintained within the town itself.

Childcare: A selection of established nurseries and childminders operate in the area, supporting working parents and young families.

Safety: The low crime rate and strong community ethos offer families peace of mind. School crossings and local safety schemes contribute to a secure environment for children.

Family Activities: Family life in Ringwood is enhanced by community events, child-friendly pubs, local libraries, leisure centres, and easy access to cycling, walking, and open-air activities. Seasonal fairs and festivals broaden entertainment options for all ages.

Ringwood is especially appealing for pet owners, thanks to its proximity to the New Forest National Park and a network of footpaths and open spaces ideal for dog walking. Avon Heath Country Park and the Castleman Trailway offer safe, scenic routes for exercise with pets.

Several local veterinary clinics, including Ringwood Vets and Lynwood Veterinary Clinic, as well as pet supply shops, provide support and care for animal companions. Many pubs and cafés in the area are dog-friendly, adding to the inclusivity for pet owners.

Attitudes towards pets in rental and owned housing tend to be positive, with many landlords and homeowners welcoming well-behaved animals, especially given the area's strong outdoor lifestyle and love of animals.

Ringwood’s transport links make it convenient for residents who need to commute both locally and regionally. While there is currently no train station in Ringwood itself, nearby Bournemouth and Brockenhurst stations provide direct rail links to major cities such as London, Southampton, and Weymouth.

The town is strategically situated on the A31, one of southern England’s main arterial routes, providing fast road access to the M27 and M3 motorways. This makes commuting by car straightforward for those travelling to Southampton, Bournemouth, and further afield.

Regular bus services connect Ringwood with Bournemouth, Salisbury, Southampton, and neighbouring New Forest villages, with the X3 and X6 routes being particularly popular. National Express coaches also operate services to London and other parts of the UK.

Commute Times to Key Locations:

• Bournemouth – 25 minutes by car or 35 minutes by bus (12 miles)
• Southampton – 35 minutes by car (20 miles)
• Salisbury – 45 minutes by car (21 miles)
• London – Approx. 2 hours by car (90 miles), or by rail from Brockenhurst or Bournemouth
• Southampton Airport – 30 minutes by car (21 miles)
• Bournemouth Airport – 15 minutes by car (7 miles)

Ringwood offers a range of educational opportunities, making it attractive for both local families and those relocating to the area.

Primary Schools: The town’s primary provision is led by Ringwood Church of England Infant School, which is well-regarded and centrally located (Ofsted rated Good, 2019). Poulner Infant and Poulner Junior Schools, both located in the northern part of Ringwood, are popular choices with good reputations in the broader community (Ofsted Good, 2022 for Poulner Infant).

Secondary Schools: Ringwood School is the main secondary and sixth form provider, a large academy-rated school attracting pupils from both Ringwood and surrounding villages (Ofsted Outstanding, 2012). There are also comprehensive options in nearby towns such as The Burgate School and Sixth Form in Fordingbridge (Ofsted Good, 2019).

Colleges and Further Education: Ringwood School offers sixth form education, while Brockenhurst College, situated just a short drive away, is a popular choice for vocational and academic courses. Other options include Bournemouth & Poole College, within easy commuting distance for higher and further education.

Universities: There are no universities in Ringwood itself, but the town is well located for access to Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth (approx. 12 miles), as well as the University of Southampton which is easily accessible by road.