Key Takeaways:
- Ringwood offers rural charm with modern amenities: It combines countryside living with award-winning shopping and a renowned local brewery.
- Ideal for families: The town has several good schools, safe suburbs, and easy access to nature, making it attractive for those leaving city life.
- Plenty of outdoor activities: With the New Forest National Park on its doorstep, residents enjoy woodland trails, lakes, riding stables, and wildlife reserves.
- Strong community feel: Despite being officially a town with 14,000 residents, Ringwood retains a village-like atmosphere and close-knit community.
- Variety of neighbourhoods: From the bustling town centre to quiet hamlets like Hangersley or retirement-friendly Ashley Heath, there’s a mix of lifestyles available.
Nestled on the western edge of the New Forest National Park, Ringwood offers the perfect blend of market town vibrancy and countryside tranquillity.
With its historic character, excellent transport links, and diverse neighbourhoods ranging from luxury estates to family-friendly suburbs, this Hampshire gem has something for everyone seeking quality of life in one of England's most beautiful regions.
Is Ringwood a nice place to live?
Ringwood is undoubtedly a great place to live, and here’s why.
For activities, there are more parks, woodland trails, lakes, riding stables, and countryside walks than you could see in one lifetime. With instant access to the New Forest National Park, you can find beautiful forest trails and wild ponies at your doorstep.
In the centre of town, you have easy access to the Furlong Centre, which has all of your favourite shops. You can find everything here, from high-street brands to designer boutiques with cafes and restaurants dotted throughout.
In the evening, there are over a dozen small bars and restaurants to choose from. The town even has a live music venue. The Barn in Ringwood is an intimate entertainment venue that features live acts every week.
Further afield, Bournemouth is just 30 minutes away by bus. Whether you’re after the vibe of a larger town or a trip to award-winning beaches, both are easily accessible.
Is Ringwood a town or a village?
Ringwood is a town, although you could be fooled. According to the latest census data, just over 14,000* people live in Ringwood and the surrounding areas, giving it a village feel with a strong sense of community. This number has increased steadily, thanks to new homes being built in and around the town.
What is Ringwood known for?
Ringwood is best known for its local nature reserves, which cater to all manner of wildlife. Besides the national park next door, there is also Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre and Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve.
Aside from the local wildlife, Ringwood is also known for its multi-award-winning brewery. Ringwood Brewery produces tens of thousands of bottles every year and supplies pubs throughout the country with its signature bitter.
What towns are near Ringwood?
There are several towns neighbouring Ringwood. St. Ives lies to the east of Ringwood and is the closest neighbouring town (not to be confused with the St. Ives in Cornwall). St. Ives sits on the border of Hampshire and Dorset and offers a quaint little escape from larger towns such as Bournemouth.
Bournemouth is the largest town in the nearby area and is directly south of Ringwood. This coastal resort town is over 10 times the size of Ringwood and offers a far faster pace of life. Bournemouth also has a train station, so you can travel here and then travel further throughout the UK.
The best places to live in Ringwood
Ringwood is a fantastic place to live, but where are the best places to live in Ringwood?
Town Centre
The town centre is perfect for anyone looking for close access to amenities without the added noise of a large town or city. Here, you can enjoy all of the benefits of the Furlong Centre, which is within walking distance. There is also easy bus access to Bournemouth and coach access to London.
For any young families thinking of moving to the area, Ringwood Junior School and Ringwood School Academy are both rated highly.
Poulner
Poulner is a peaceful village on the outskirts of Ringwood, home to around 2,000 residents who enjoy a strong sense of community spirit.
This suburb has earned a reputation as one of the most affordable areas in Ringwood, making it particularly attractive to first-time buyers and young families.
The area features a mix of residential properties from cottages to contemporary homes, all within easy reach of Ringwood town centre.
Hangersley
Hangersley is a small hamlet situated approximately one mile east of Ringwood within the New Forest National Park. This exclusive area is characterised by luxury homes set on spacious plots, with properties on Hangersley Hill commanding premium prices.
Hangersley attracts professionals, families, and retirees seeking a blend of rural peace and urban convenience. Properties range from traditional cottages to large detached residences, some offering extensive land.
Being within the New Forest National Park, development is carefully regulated to protect the rural character and natural environment, including designated tree-preservation zones.
Hightown
Hightown is a small, well-connected village lying just 0.8 miles southeast of Ringwood, bordering the New Forest National Park.
Hightown appeals to families, professionals, and retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle with Ringwood's amenities just minutes away. The area features a mix of older homes and tasteful new developments, including luxury properties along Hightown Hill.
Regular bus services connect the village to Ringwood and neighbouring areas, whilst the nearby A31 provides convenient road connections to Southampton and Bournemouth.
Ashley Heath
Ashley Heath is a leafy, affluent village situated on the Dorset-Hampshire border, approximately two miles west of Ringwood. Recognised as one of the best areas to live in Dorset, this prestigious location combines an excellent residential environment with access to outstanding green spaces.
The village features luxury detached homes, often set on large plots with premium prices reflecting the area's desirability. Properties along Avon Castle Drive are particularly sought-after, offering privacy, spacious gardens, and proximity to the New Forest.
With its historic market town charm, highly rated schools, vibrant shopping and dining scene, and immediate access to some of England's most treasured landscapes, Ringwood truly offers the best of Hampshire living.
