There are rather a lot of things to pack for camping in Ringwood. A nicely old-fashioned wicker basket firstly: Ringwood’s been a market town since the Middle Ages and savvy peeps have traded wares here for centuries (sally forth for bargains on Wednesday mornings and to the farmers’ market on the third Saturday of a five-week month). Also bring a camera, as a Ringwood campsite will put you on the edge of the New Forest, with resultant ponies... And walking boots for hikes in the forest and along the 34-mile Avon Valley way via Sopley or Fordingbridge... and a fishing rod for forays into the River Avon.
You’ll probably want to pack a small person or two as well, since Ringwood is a quick drive from the New Forest’s Peppa Pig World (tasty), and Adventure Wonderland is about nine miles away at Christchurch. Other things to do for pipsqueaks in the area include seeing Liberty and pals at the Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre (appropriately placed on Crow Road) and Go-ing Ape at Moors Valley Country Park, where small people will also find woodland trails, a miniature steam train and regular events. Lots of soothing go-to-sleep-it’s-midnight tricks should probably be packed too.
