Ferndown Forest has numerous paths and trails, open areas and streams. Would you like your days to focus on the landscape, a particular sport or a mix of both?
Forest Trails and Routes
The Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail starts in Ferndown, passes through the forest and heath, and follows the banks of the River Stour. It then returns to the starting point across farmland. The route thus links several landscapes with a return to the start. The Stour Valley Way and the Castleman Trailway also pass through Ferndown. There is a specific difference to consider when choosing a route: the first trail starts in Ferndown and returns to its starting point; the other two routes pass through the town.
In Ferndown Forest, numerous paths and trails sit alongside open areas and streams. By factoring your interest in nature into your day’s plans, you can take account of both the route and the different landscape features. The Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail offers a specific change of scenery; the two routes that pass through Ferndown are another option.
Sport and Leisure
The King George V Pavilion and Recreation Grounds include a children’s playground, six tennis courts, four football pitches, a cricket pitch and a bowling green. The facilities therefore offer several sports as well as a playground. If you would like to plan your stay around a particular leisure activity, you will find several specific options here.
A six-court tennis facility is available year-round at the King George V Playing Fields. The bowling green at the King George V Playing Fields is open to the public at certain times; check the times before visiting. The access arrangements therefore differ: tennis is available year-round, while bowling is available only at specific times.
The KGV Wheeled Sports facility includes a concrete park with a halfpipe, a blended jump box, a pump bump and a volcano. These specific features make the facility a distinct option if wheeled sports are among your interests.
At Ferndown Forest Golf Course, the Toptracer Driving Range is open to everyone, and pay-and-play golfers are welcome. Operating, booking and access arrangements may change. Check them before visiting if you plan to play golf.
Heath and Culture
The boardwalk at Slop Bog crosses the sphagnum bog and offers opportunities to explore the ponds. This provides a different natural focus from the forest trails: here, the emphasis is on crossing the bog and exploring ponds. Seasonal conditions may affect the experience; take this into account when planning your visit.
Near Ferndown, in Hampreston, stands the Church of All Saints, a Norman parish church with a Grade II* listing. It adds a cultural and historical focus to nature and sport, for example for travellers interested in church architecture and local history.
The attractions can be grouped according to different interests for the day: a specific route through the landscape, a particular sport or a nature visit shaped by the season.
Discover more destinations: Burstock, Higher Frome Vauchurch, Puddletown, Pilsdon, Marnhull, Buckhorn Weston, Saint Ives, Frome St Quintin
For the broader travel overview: Dorset.
