The park is owned by Dorset County Council and managed by Dorset Countryside.

Opening times

• Visitor centre open 11.00 am-4.00 pm everyday (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day )
• Park gates open 8.00 am
• The entrance gate closes at 6.30 pm or dusk (whichever is sooner)
• The exit gate closes at 7.30 pm

Entrance charge

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

Wildlife

The miles of tracks offer an opportunity to explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife.

The park is dominated by lowland and wet heath, acid grassland and heather, which is broken only by clumps of birch and pine. Look out for Sand Lizards and Smooth Snakes, Dartford Warblers, Woodlark and Silver-studded Blue.

• How to get there

  Avon Heath Country Park is on the south coast. It is 25 miles north west of Southampton, 10 miles from Bournemouth, 2 miles west of Ringwood (A31) and comprises of North and South Park and Matchams View.

• Park facilities

  Avon Heath Country Park's facilities include a Heathland Discovery Centre, cafe, gift shop and barbecue hire.

• Events at Avon Heath Country Park

  Join in the fun by taking part in one of the country parks events. Some of the events are extremely popular - so it's best to book well in advance.

• Education at Avon Heath Country Park

  We specialise in running a full educational programme, designed around the National Curriculum, but adaptable on request. Activities include woodland maths, mini-beast safaris, pond dipping, mystery mud and pongy plants!

• Friends of Avon Heath Country Park

  Avon Heath Country Park is Dorset's largest country park and is home to internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife. Help support the work of the rangers in the park by becoming a Friend of Avon Heath.

• Avon Heath Country Park Team

  Find out the contact details for the countryside rangers and staff.

• Name: Avon Heath Country Park
  Tel: 01425 478082
  Fax: 01425 478470
  Full details for Avon Heath Country Park