Moors Valley Railway and the Play Areas
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Moors Valley Country Park

4.6
·9k reviews·Ashley Heath, United Kingdom

A vibrant country park with a treetop walkway, steam railway, bike park, and extensive woodland trails for all ages.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Moors Valley Railway and the Play Areas

Moors Valley Country Park

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant country park with a treetop walkway, steam railway, bike park, and extensive woodland trails for all ages.

4.6
(9k reviews)

"A fabulous place for young children with plenty to do, even without the paid attractions!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Smart

Consider parking outside the park to avoid high fees. Walk or cycle in to save money! :car:

🌳 Explore the Trails

Wander through the beautiful woodlands and discover hidden gems on the various walking routes. :hiking_boot:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Treetop Walkway

Treetop Walkway

Forest Canopy

Experience the forest from a new perspective on this elevated walkway, offering stunning views and a unique adventure.

Watchmoor Bike Park

Watchmoor Bike Park

Near the entrance

A newly redesigned bike park with progressive trails for all skill levels, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.

Play Trail

Play Trail

Woodland paths

An engaging one-mile trail featuring ten unique wooden structures for climbing and exploring, ideal for families.

Moors Valley Railway

Moors Valley Railway

Central area

A charming narrow-gauge steam railway offering scenic rides through the park's beautiful landscapes.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking Costs & Alternatives

Parking fees at Moors Valley can add up quickly, with some visitors finding it over £12 for less than two hours. Consider parking outside the park and walking or cycling in to save money and enjoy the surroundings.Reddit

Embrace the Trails & Activities

With extensive woodland trails, a play trail, and the exciting Watchmoor Bike Park, there's plenty to explore. Plan your visit to make the most of the free activities before considering paid attractions like the steam railway.Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy the sunshine and activities
Crowd
High
When
Autumn, late afternoon
Why
Beautiful foliage, fewer people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#PlacesToVisit #placestovisitwithkids #halftermideasforkids #daysoutwithkids #daysoutinhampshire #hampshireuk #moorsvalleycountrypark
@super_fun_play
1.1K likes • 108.4K views

🚗 Park Smart

Consider parking outside the park to avoid high fees. Walk or cycle in to save money! Reddit :car:

🌳 Explore the Trails

Wander through the beautiful woodlands and discover hidden gems on the various walking routes. :hiking_boot:

Introducing our stunning Abi Ambleside holiday home features 2 spacious bedrooms, an en-suite, and is fully furnished for ultimate comfort. With high-spec integrated appliances, full wraparound decking, and scenic views by a beautiful stream, this could be your dream getaway for just £120,000. Don't miss out! Please visit our website to view all of our available stock https://prestigecountryparks....
@prestigecountryparks
329 likes • 6K views
Watchmoor Bike Park is now open! Following a full redesign and a six week rebuild, Watchmoor Bike Park in Moors Valley Country Park is now back open. We've totally refreshed the park with progressive trails for all abilities, commissioned by @forestryengland 🟢 Green trail loop with some awesome fun berms and rollers. 🟦 Blue trail top to bottom, an absolute roller coaster of a flow trail. 🔺 Red ...
ontrackcc
825 likes • 15.3K views

🚂 Ride the Steam Train

A delightful experience for all ages, offering scenic views of the park. Book tickets in advance! :train2:

🚴‍♀️ Cycle Tracks Galore

Moors Valley offers cycle tracks for all abilities, including the exciting Watchmoor Bike Park. :bike:

Located in the Moors Valley Country Park near Ringwood, Hampshire, why not come and visit this weekend.
moorsvalleyrailway
125 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Smart

Consider parking outside the park to avoid high fees. Walk or cycle in to save money! Reddit :car:

🌳 Explore the Trails

Wander through the beautiful woodlands and discover hidden gems on the various walking routes. :hiking_boot:

🚂 Ride the Steam Train

A delightful experience for all ages, offering scenic views of the park. Book tickets in advance! :train2:

🚴‍♀️ Cycle Tracks Galore

Moors Valley offers cycle tracks for all abilities, including the exciting Watchmoor Bike Park. :bike:

🧺 Picnic Spots

Plenty of lovely areas to set up a picnic, especially near the main playground. :sandwich:

👻 Halloween Trail

Don't miss the spooky Halloween trail with eerie lights and characters for a memorable experience. Instagram+1 :jackolantern:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(9k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Moors Valley for its beautiful woodland setting and the abundance of activities for families, including the play trail and treetop walkway. However, the high parking fees are a recurring point of dissatisfaction for many, leading some to seek alternative access methods.

"I hadn't visited in ages and I'll make sure I don't leave it too long before coming back. The amazing weather helped of course. Good to see they're reinvesting into the place with added installations, additional seating, and a refreshment stand on the play trail. Kids were happy and there are far worse surroundings. The woodland is beautiful. We parked offside and walked in which paid for the ice creams!"

Tony Cross

"Parking crazy expensive. I fully understand this is put towards maintaining the lovely area but I would prefer to pay a one off fee then relax knowing we aren't being charged by the minute/the longer we stay the more it costs.

We stayed for less than two hours, for a short walk around to break up a long journey and see if the go ape looked like something we could do with our kids on another visit or use our bikes in the area.

It cost us over £12 for the parking fee!

We won't be returning here unless we park outside if the area and walk/ride in."

Julia Carling

"Such a fabulous place for young children! Yes the parking charge is high but there is no entrance fee so it seemed good value to us, the one mile play trail of ten wooden structures to climb and explore dotted around the forest was the perfect length. Lovely park area near the main playground to bring a picnic etc. We didn't go on the train (costs extra) as there was more than enough to do without that."

Victoria Troth

What People Like

Beautiful woodland setting
Excellent family activities
Treetop walkway experience

What People Dislike

Expensive parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Moors Valley Country Park is located near Ringwood, Hampshire. You can reach it by car via the A31. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. Some visitors suggest parking offsite to avoid high parking charges.Reddit

Yes, there is a large car park at the start of the park. However, be aware that parking fees can be quite high, with some visitors reporting over £12 for a short stay.Reddit Consider alternative parking options if budget is a concern.

Absolutely! Moors Valley has excellent cycle tracks and is a popular destination for cyclists. You can bring your own bikes or rent them there. Cycling in from an external parking spot is also a great option.Instagram+1

The park itself is generally accessible throughout the year. However, specific attractions like the café and toilets may have set closing times, often around 5:30 PM.Reddit It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours for all facilities.

Public transport options to Moors Valley are limited. While buses may serve the general area, direct routes to the park are not common. Driving is the most convenient way to access the park, or consider combining it with a cycling trip if coming from a nearby town.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entrance fee to access Moors Valley Country Park itself, which makes it a great value destination for exploring the woodlands and playgrounds.Reddit However, charges apply for parking and specific attractions like the steam railway and Go Ape.

Parking fees at Moors Valley can be substantial. Visitors have reported costs exceeding £12 for short stays, which some find expensive.Reddit It's advisable to factor this into your budget or explore offsite parking options.

While not always mandatory, booking tickets for the Moors Valley Railway in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee your spot on this popular attraction.Instagram

Information on specific discounts for attractions like the Moors Valley Railway or Go Ape is best found on their respective websites or by contacting the park directly. Family tickets or package deals might be available during certain times.

Yes, Moors Valley is a fantastic destination for cycling! There are dedicated cycle tracks for all abilities, and the Watchmoor Bike Park offers challenging trails for mountain bikers.Instagram+2 Bike rental is also available.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Moors Valley boasts a treetop walkway, the Watchmoor Bike Park, a scenic steam railway, extensive woodland trails, and a popular play trail with ten wooden structures.Instagram+2

Absolutely! The one-mile play trail with its ten climbing and exploring structures is perfect for young children. The park also has playgrounds and open spaces for them to enjoy.InstagramReddit+1

Moors Valley offers a variety of walking trails through beautiful woodlands, catering to different fitness levels. From gentle strolls to more challenging routes, there's something for everyone.Instagram

Yes, there are toilets and cafes located at the start of the park. However, note that toilets may close around 5:30 PM, and bins are primarily located at the start, so it's best to plan accordingly.Reddit

Moors Valley hosts a popular Halloween Twilight Hour trail with spooky displays, immersive characters, and atmospheric lighting, creating a magical and eerie experience.Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafes located at the start of the park offering refreshments, ice creams, and slushies. Visitors also recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas.Reddit

Definitely! Moors Valley has lovely park areas, particularly near the main playground, that are perfect for picnics. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.Reddit

The cafes typically offer a range of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and light meals. You can expect items like coffee, ice cream, and slushies, as mentioned by visitors.Reddit

While specific menus can vary, cafes at country parks often provide a selection of vegetarian options. It's advisable to check with the cafe directly for the most current vegetarian and vegan offerings.

The park area near the main playground is frequently mentioned as a great spot for picnics. You'll also find numerous scenic locations throughout the woodlands to enjoy your meal.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the treetop walkway, the steam railway, the vibrant autumn foliage, and the diverse woodland scenery. The play trail also offers unique photographic moments.Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. The Halloween trail at twilight provides a magical, atmospheric setting for unique shots.Instagram

The elevated views from the treetop walkway, the picturesque scenes around the lake, and the winding paths through the forest are all excellent for photography. Don't forget the charming steam train! Instagram

Moors Valley is home to various bird species, squirrels, and other small woodland creatures. Keep an eye out during your walks for opportunities to capture nature's beauty.Instagram

Yes, you can take photos from the train and of the train itself. It's a classic country park scene that makes for wonderful nostalgic pictures.Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moors Valley Country Park is an absolute gem for families. The one-mile play trail is a standout feature, offering ten imaginative wooden structures for children to climb and explore.InstagramReddit+1 It's designed to be engaging and fun without being overly strenuous. Beyond the play trail, you'll find excellent playgrounds and ample open space for kids to run around and burn off energy.

Don't miss the Moors Valley Railway for a charming steam train ride through the park.Instagram While it's an extra cost, it's a magical experience for children. For the more adventurous, the Watchmoor Bike Park offers trails for various skill levels.Instagram Remember to pack a picnic, as there are many lovely spots to enjoy lunch amidst nature.Reddit

🚴‍♀️ Cycling Enthusiasts

For cyclists, Moors Valley Country Park is a dream destination. The park boasts a network of cycle tracks suitable for all ages and abilities, making it accessible for casual riders and families.Instagram If you're looking for a more challenging ride, the Watchmoor Bike Park has been recently redesigned with progressive trails for mountain bikers, offering berms, rollers, and more technical sections.Instagram+1

Whether you bring your own bike or opt for rental services available at the park, you're set for an active day out. The scenic woodland routes provide a beautiful backdrop for your cycling adventures, making it a perfect spot for both leisurely spins and more intense trail riding.Instagram

🌳 Nature Lovers & Walkers

Moors Valley offers a serene escape into nature with its extensive woodland trails. These paths wind through beautiful forests, offering opportunities for peaceful walks and a chance to connect with the natural environment.Instagram The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a pleasant place for birdwatching and spotting small wildlife.Instagram

Beyond the walking trails, the treetop walkway provides a unique perspective of the forest canopy, allowing you to experience the woods from a different vantage point.Instagram For those seeking a bit more structure, orienteering courses are also available. The park's natural beauty is particularly stunning during autumn when the foliage transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colours.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Watchmoor Bike Park

The Watchmoor Bike Park at Moors Valley Country Park has undergone a significant redesign and rebuild, offering progressive trails for riders of all abilities.Instagram Whether you're a beginner looking for fun berms and rollers on the green trail or an experienced rider seeking more challenging blue trails, there's something to get your adrenaline pumping.Instagram It's a fantastic addition for families and cycling enthusiasts visiting the park.

This bike park is a testament to the park's ongoing investment in its facilities. The Forestry England commission ensures that the trails are well-maintained and cater to a modern riding experience. It's a great spot for a dedicated mountain biking session or as part of a broader day out exploring Moors Valley's extensive network of cycle tracks.Instagram+1

Family Fun on the Play Trail and Railway

Moors Valley Country Park is a haven for families, with the one-mile play trail being a particular highlight. This trail features ten unique wooden structures designed for climbing, exploring, and imaginative play, making it a hit with younger visitors.InstagramReddit+1 It's the perfect length to keep children engaged without becoming too tiring.

Complementing the play trail is the charming Moors Valley Railway, a narrow-gauge steam train that offers a delightful journey through the park's scenic landscapes.Instagram While it's an additional cost, many families find it a worthwhile experience that adds a touch of magic to their visit. Combined with the free playgrounds and open spaces, these attractions ensure a memorable day out for all ages.Reddit

Navigating Parking and Costs

A significant point of discussion among visitors to Moors Valley Country Park revolves around parking costs. Several reviews highlight that parking fees can be surprisingly high, with some individuals paying over £12 for less than two hours of stay.Reddit This has led some visitors to suggest alternative strategies to manage expenses.

One popular recommendation is to park offsite and then walk or cycle into the park.Reddit This approach not only saves money but also allows for an extended exploration of the surrounding countryside. While the park itself has no entrance fee, the parking charges are a key consideration for budgeting your visit. It's worth weighing the cost against the convenience of parking directly at the park's main entrance.Reddit

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