Ringwood lies at a crossing point on the River Avon, on the western edge of the New Forest. Its architectural history spans from a church site at least 1,000 years old to the Ringwood Meeting House, built in 1727; the Old Bridge also recalls the river’s former importance as a crossing into Ringwood. The Avon Valley Path runs through the town and forms part of a 34-mile route between Christchurch and Salisbury. Ringwood therefore offers both points of interest for culturally minded visitors and a connection to a longer-distance trail.

Architectural History and Exhibitions

The Ringwood Meeting House was built in 1727 by English Presbyterians. This date places the building in the early 18th century. Exhibitions by various individuals and organisations are held there regularly, adding a recurring cultural offering to the historical setting. Visitors who want to explore Ringwood beyond its architectural history can include this exhibition programme as a distinct feature in their travel plans.

The Church of St Peter and St Paul

The Church of St Peter and St Paul stands at the Market Place, belongs to the Parish of Ringwood in the Diocese of Winchester, and lies within the Ringwood Town Conservation Area. The building is listed at Grade II*. It is important to distinguish between the church site and the present building when considering its history: a church has stood on this site for at least 1,000 years, but the present building was constructed between 1853 and 1855. The church is open daily from 10:00 to 15:30; check the opening hours before your visit.

Wednesday at the Market Place

The Charter Market is held at the Market Place every Wednesday. Market day therefore provides a specific point of reference for planning, while the church is open daily. As both are at the Market Place, the market and a church visit are part of different daily rhythms at the same named location. Check the specific market dates before travelling and the opening hours before visiting the church.

The Old Bridge on West Street also tells the story of Ringwood’s relationship with the river: for centuries, it was the main crossing over the River Avon into Ringwood. This historic role adds a story of crossing to the town’s present-day location at a river crossing point. Together, the bridge and the church site give the town two distinct historical points of reference.

Riverside Setting, Gardens and Long-Distance Trail

The Avon Valley Path connects Christchurch with Salisbury, is 34 miles long, and runs through Ringwood. Its overall length makes the path a different kind of travel connection from the individual historic sites in town: Ringwood lies along this longer route. The trail can therefore be a factor in planning without equating a visit to the town with completing the entire route.

Another landscape feature can be found in the Jubilee Gardens, which are crossed by a millstream. This brings together two distinct connections with water: the River Avon as part of Ringwood’s geographical setting and the millstream as a feature of the gardens. Along with the history of the church and bridge, this makes for a stay whose focus can be chosen from among culture, local history and landscape.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: North Waltham, Stroud, Oakley, Fareham, Aldershot, Breamore, Whitehill, Lyndhurst

For the broader travel overview: Hampshire.