Moors Valley Country Park - Days out in Dorset
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is situated near Ringwood, just over the county border in Dorset. It is ten miles from Bournemouth. It is very close to the A31 road that runs through the New Forest.
If you travelled to the attraction by car is adequate parking provided by the attraction?
Plenty of parking. Not near any railway stations.
What was the cost for you and your family to enter the attraction?
Entry to the attraction is free. However you must pay to park the car. Charges vary depending on season and midweek or weekend.
1-2 hours can be as little as £1-£2 off peak times of year. Peak times cost £7 for over 4 hours. An annual parking ticket may be purchased for £35 for all hours and £25 for a quiet times ticket. See www.moors-valley.co.uk for more details.
Please briefly describe the nature of the attraction (zoo, farm etc)
The attraction is a forest trail for cycling, walking and orienteering.
How "buggy friendly" is the attraction?
Very - suggest an off-road buggy for the dirt tracks.
Is the attraction mainly outdoor or indoor? If outdoor, what indoor activities (if any) are available during bad weather?
Totally outdoor with exception of restaurant and country store (shop).
Can the attraction be enjoyed by all ages of children? If not, why not and what age is it best suited for?
Yes. Small playground areas for the very young and high wire aerial trekking for the older children.
Can food be purchased at this attraction?
Yes - a good quality restaurant with plenty of tables. Child's meals around £5, adult up to £10.
Did the attraction cater for differing tastes i.e. Vegetarian, healthy food option?
Yes. Sandwiches, Jacket potatoes, Salads, Vegetarian burgers.
Are there facilities for people wishing to bring a picnic to the attraction?
Many picnic areas available dotted around various locations.
Did you find the toilet facilities clean?
Yes. Excellent soap, water and air dispenser units. Also lower toilets and wash facilities for younger children.
Do you feel it is possible to see the whole attraction in one day?
Yes.
Are there other attractions or activities to pay for in addition to the entrance fee (other than food and drinks)?
There is a miniature steam railway that runs at peak times of the year. Cost is £2.50 per adult and £1.80 per child (2-15 years).
'Go Ape' is the high wire forest adventure; rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides up to 40ft up in the trees. Minimum age is 10 years. Cost is £20 for children to 17 and £25 for adults. Check www.goape.co.uk for opening times and to pre-book.
What was the highlight of the day?
Adventure playgrounds for our toddler. There are many different playground areas on the nature trail through the forest, these are wood playgrounds that blend into the environment.
From your experience, what advice would you offer to other visitors of the attraction?
Wear wellies and waterproof all weather gear for the children. Use the toilets at the visitor centre (near where you park) before you leave for the play trail through the forest, as there are no toilets on route.
What areas would you suggest visitors make sure they experience, and why?
The play trail, as it is very peaceful and wears the children out.
What improvements could be made to make the attraction better, if any?
Additional toilet facilities.
Overall what are your feelings about the attraction?
It is very well run and the equipment is well kept. A great place to visit off peak as it is very quiet. It is also great value for a family especially if you take a packed lunch.
Please rate this attraction out of 5 stars. (1 is poor and 5 is excellent). Please consider if you are rating a Zoo/Farm type attraction, take into account the apparent care of the animals as this would and should be a primary concern for the running of the attraction. For example the standard of the facilities for visitors at one of these attractions would probably not be the same as in a theme park.
5 stars
Finally, do you have any other information about the attraction that may be of interest to future visitors?
The attraction also has a family 9-hole pitch and putt course. Bike hire is available on site, adult and children bikes are £10 for day, infant seat is £3.50 for day. Helmets are free! There is also a treetop trail which is a 200 metre wooden walkway through the tops of the trees (this is not suitable for pushchairs). Visitors are also welcome to bring their own bikes to cycle around the area. Coarse fishing on the Moors Lake with day tickets available from the Information point. www.moors-valley.co.uk
What do you think?
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