Avon Heath Country Park |
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Avon Heath Country Park takes its name from the very special heathland habitat. This could be found extensively in Dorset but has reduced in area by 85% over the past 200 years. Considerable conservation work goes on, involving the RSPB, to restore the heathland and enhance its value for wildlife.
The large areas of heathland are scattered with trees, while purple banks of flowering heather provide a stunning sight in the summer. You may also be lucky enough to see some of the rare birds - the Dartford Warbler and Nightjar are just two of the internationally rare species - and reptiles that make Avon heath their home.
The North Park contains the visitor centre and facilities and has a large pay and display car park. There are a number of waymarked trails of up to 2½ miles in length. Local walkers and cyclists have direct access to the park via the Bridleway Bridge over the A31 dual carriageway.
The South Park has extensive views across to the coast and beyond to the Isle of Wight, while inland a panorama of North Dorset can be seen. South Park is connected to North Park by a bridleway of about ½ mile. Matchams View is a relatively small area providing superb views across much of the River Avon as it winds its way southwards to Christchurch.
A waymarked trail of just over ½ mile takes you through tall conifers. Of particular interest is the embankment where the original railway from Ringwood to Christchurch (and later Bournemouth) once ran.
General Information:
- Visitor centre
- Countryside shop
- Organised events
- Waymarked trails
- Picnic areas and BBQ hire
- Children's play area
- Café
- Toilets and telephone
- Well behaved dogs are welcome
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
Park Gates Opening Hours:Open at 8.00am. Entrance gate closes at 6.30pm or dusk whichever is sooner - Exit gate closes at 7.30pm. |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
Free entrance. Parking Charge 50p for 1/2 hour.£2.00 for up to 2 hours. £3.50 for all day. |
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Directions
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| 2 miles west of Ringwood on A31. Follow the signposts. |
| Show map of Avon Heath Country Park... |
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Avon Heath Country Park Postcode for SatNav: BH24 2DA |
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Nearby Attractions
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Knoll Gardens
(5 Miles)*
Within a superb framework of mature trees and shrubs there is a wealth of colour and form throughout the season - bright colours of early spring through to autumn's mellow hues. |
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Stapehill Abbey
(5 Miles)*
For nearly 200 years, Stapehill Abbey was a place of quiet retreat and meditation locked away from the outside world, Home to a Silent Order of Nuns. It is now a museum, farm, gardens and craft centre. |
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Edmondsham House and Gardens
(6 Miles)*
Edmonsham House is a fine Tudor Manor House with Georgian additions, which has remained within the ownership of the same family since the sixteenth Century. |
| more nearby attractions... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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