Name: Moors Valley Country Park & Forest
Rating: 5.0

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest , Horton Road, Ashley Heath , North Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2ET, England

1-90 Years

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Description

Moors Valley Country Park & Forest is a sprawling outdoor destination on the border of Dorset and Hampshire, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Ringwood. This expansive country park and forest offers a massive variety of activities ranging from high-ropes courses and a narrow-gauge steam railway to tranquil lakeside walks and themed play trails. It is a fantastic spot for families to reconnect with nature while enjoying structured outdoor play and adventure.

Entry to the park is free, but you pay for vehicle parking, with off-peak rates starting from £2.20 for an hour and peak all-day parking reaching £17.00. Additional costs apply for specific attractions like the steam railway, which is approximately £4.50 for a return trip, and Go Ape adventures. Many of the forest play areas and trails are accessible at no extra cost beyond the parking fee.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh air with diverse entertainment, this is it. It provides an educational day out through its environmental center and a world of sensory play along the many woodland trails. Whether you want a quiet picnic by the lake or a high-adrenaline climb through the treetops, the park caters to every energy level.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Moors Valley Railway: A grand 7.25-inch narrow-gauge steam railway that takes families on a scenic journey through the forest.
The Play Trail: A mile-long walk featuring unique, giant wooden play structures like the "Crocodile" and the "Ants Nest."
Go Ape: A high-ropes course including Treetop Adventure for younger kids and Treetop Challenge for older teens and adults.
The Crane Lake: A beautiful spot for a gentle walk where kids can spot ducks, swans, and perhaps even a water vole.
The Gruffalo Discovery Land: A permanent trail featuring life-sized carvings of characters from the beloved Julia Donaldson books.
The Adventure Playground: A large, gated area near the visitor center designed for older children with challenging climbing frames.
The Forest Segway: Guided off-road tours through the woodland trails for those aged 10 and up.
The Ranger Den: A small environmental center where kids can see local harvest mice and learn about forest wildlife.
Zog Trail: An interactive trail designed for younger children to follow the story of the accident-prone dragon.
The "Forest Guardians" Sculpture Trail: A brand-new series of massive, interactive environmental sculptures designed to teach kids about sustainability through play.

Facilities

Seasons Restaurant: Offers a full menu of hot meals, snacks, and refreshments with indoor and outdoor seating.
Bike Hire: A fully equipped center offering mountain bikes, trailers for toddlers, and tag-alongs.
Accessible Toilets & Changing: Full Changing Places facilities are available at the Visitor Centre.
Buggy Friendly Paths: The main trails around the lake and the Play Trail are well-surfaced and suitable for most prams.

What to see

Pro-Tips

Arrive Early: During school holidays, the car park can reach capacity by 11:00 AM; arriving at 9:00 AM ensures a stress-free start.
Check Height Requirements: Go Ape and Segway sessions have strict height and age limits; check these online before booking.
Bring Change for the Train: While many areas take card, having some small change is helpful for the smaller kiosks around the park.

What Visitors Love

Variety of Play Areas: Parents often mention that the "hidden" play structures on the trail keep kids motivated to keep walking.
Accessibility: The park is highly praised for being truly inclusive, with specialized equipment and smooth paths for wheelchairs and buggies.
Atmosphere: Even when busy, the sheer size of the forest means it rarely feels overcrowded once you are away from the main hub.

What Visitors Don't Like

Parking Costs: Some find the peak-time parking charges a bit steep, especially if staying for the whole day.
Queueing: During peak summer weekends, the wait for the steam railway and the restaurant can be significant.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Evening Barn Hire: Set in an easily accessible location with plenty of parking and seating for up to 120 people, our beautiful 18th century barn can be hired for evening functions from 7pm to midnight.
Moors Valley Railway: The perfect party for train mad children. Let the train take the strain and enjoy a picturesque journey along the banks of Moors Lake with your friends and family. Then return to Kingsmere Station where you can have a picnic and watch the trains go by.
Go Ape: Gather your tribe and celebrate in style with a forest adventure at Go Ape Moors Valley. There’s a high ropes course suitable for all youngsters over 1m tall, plus Nets Adventure to add some bounce to your birthday. Continue your party in the Go Ape Forest Shelter, the perfect place to cut your cake. Then there are party bags and even free invitations to make this birthday the best one yet!
Adventure Valley Golf and Land Rovers: Book our Adventure Golf or Mini Land Rovers for your special day, by calling 01425 470721 or pop into the Visitor Centre between 9am and 5pm.
Laser Tag: Group bookings for birthday parties can also be arranged for Laser Tag.

Visit the website for timing information.

Address: Moors Valley Country Park and Forest , Horton Road, Ashley Heath , North Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 2ET, England

Post Code: BH24 2ET

Council: Dorset

County: Dorset

By Car: Located at Ashley Heath, Ringwood. Easily accessible from the A31 and A338. Follow the brown signs.
By Bus: Very limited service; the MoreBus X3 and X6 stop nearby, but involve a long walk into the park.

Visit the website for parking charges information.