Avon Heath Country Park

Avon Heath Country Park is Dorset's largest country park. It is dominated by heather, which is broken only by clumps of birch and pine. The miles of tracks offer an opportunity to explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife.

The park is accessible to families and people with a wide range of abilities and interests. Avon Heath Country Park is situated two miles west of Ringwood on the A31 and comprises of North and South Park and Matchams View.

Grid reference: SU 121 029

Size(Ha): 230 ha

Look out for: Sand Lizards and Smooth Snakes, Dartford Warblers, Woodlark and Silver-studded Blue.

Habitats: lowland and wet heath, acid grassland and screening birch and pine areas

Site designation: Site of Special Scientific Interest

Owner: Dorset County Council

Managed by: Dorset Countryside

Nearest town: Ringwood

Nearest bus stop: St Leonard's Hotel

Nearest train station: Bournemouth

Parking: Large car park by the visitor centre

Accessibility: Gravel and sandy tracks with slight inclines. One gravel track of ¾ mile, suitable for buggies and some wheelchairs

Opening times

Visitor centre open 11am-4pm everyday except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Park gates open 8am
The entrance gate closes at 6.30pm or dusk whichever is sooner. The exit gate closes at 7.30pm

Entrance charge

Entry to the park is free but there is a charge for parking.

How to get there
Park facilities
Avon Heath Country Park's facilities include a Heathland Discovery Centre, cafe, gift shop and barbecue hire.
Friends of Avon Heath Country Park
Education at Avon Heath Country Park
Avon Heath Country Park Team
Events at Avon Heath Country Park
Join in the fun at Avon Heath by taking part in one of the country parks events. Some of the events are extremely popular and so it is a good idea to book well in advance. Payment for the event is required at the time of booking and can only be refunded if the event is cancelled by the park.