Located on the edge of New Forest National Park, Ferndown is a small town in the English county of Dorset. It’s traversed by scenic walking routes that include the Stour Valley Way and the Ferndown, Stour and Forest Trail, both of which access the wildlife-filled heathlands surrounding the town.
Things to do in Ferndown
Established in 1912, the Ferndown Golf Course was originally designed by Harold Hilton and was where the English professional golfer Peter Alliss honed his skills. Today, it boasts two courses nestled in a picturesque heathland setting. Ferndown’s Pro Shop stocks a wide range of golfing apparel and accessories and custom fitting sessions.
On the other side of Ferndown’s town centre is King George’s Recreation Ground, where you’ll find tennis courts, a soccer pitch and a bowling green. Kids can let loose in the children’s playground or take advantage of the skate park. The Ferndown Leisure Centre features a 25-metre swimming pool, squash courts and a gym, plus a studio where workout classes are held.
Ferndown makes an excellent base for visiting Adventure Wonderland, a family-friendly amusement park with gentle rides, trampolines and a miniature train. Just across the River Stour is the Kingfisher Barn Visitor Centre, an informative gateway for exploring the Stour Valley Nature Reserve. Learn about the plants and animals that inhabit the area, together with its smuggling past, then stretch your legs along one of the nature trails.
Getting around Ferndown
Ferndown is around 15 minutes’ drive from Bournemouth and 10 minutes from Bournemouth International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Ferries connect to France and Spain from Poole, which is 20 minutes away. Buses travel through Ferndown, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.