What does Ashley Heath offer?
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Dorset, Ashley Heath boasts an enchanting blend of rustic charm and colourful nature. As a tranquil hamlet near Ringwood, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city life, with its verdant spaces brimming with lush woodland, winding walking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. Here, every season paints a fresh, stunning tableau, from the vibrant hues of spring blossoms to the autumnal palette of the falling leaves. Ashley Heath is not just an idyllic retreat for nature enthusiasts, but a haven for leisure seekers too. The highlight of the area is the Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, a sprawling expanse that offers myriad outdoor activities. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely round of golf, ride along the forest cycle paths, or even embark on a thrilling treetop adventure. For those seeking a slower pace, the quaint tea rooms and local pubs offer a delightful taste of traditional Dorset fare. With its unique blend of natural beauty and leisurely pursuits, Ashley Heath embodies the quintessential charm of the English countryside.
1. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, this expansive green space offers scenic walking and cycling trails, along with a thrilling Go Ape treetop course.
2. Avon Heath Country Park: Known as one of Dorset's largest country parks, this location boasts beautiful heathland and woodland areas, with marked trails for walking and cycling.
3. Adventure Wonderland: This family-friendly theme park offers a wide range of thrilling rides and attractions, making it a perfect destination for a day out with children.
4. St Leonards Farm Park: An enjoyable setting for a family visit, this farm park offers a variety of animal encounters, tractor rides, and an indoor play barn.
5. The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park: This award-winning attraction offers a unique experience with its displays of heavy horses and vintage vehicles. It's a wonderful place for both children and adults to learn about Dorset's rural history.
1. Smugglers Lane: Known for its peaceful environment and picturesque surroundings, Smugglers Lane is indeed a highly desirable area in Ashley Heath. The properties here offer a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, with spacious gardens and easy access to local amenities.
2. Hurn Road: Offering a range of beautiful homes and excellent connectivity, Hurn Road is a popular choice amongst families and retirees alike. Its proximity to Moors Valley Country Park makes it an ideal location for nature lovers.
3. Pine Drive: Pine Drive is a favourite for those who want a quiet, suburban lifestyle. The street is lined with well-maintained homes, and its close-knit community spirit is a major draw.
4. Fir Tree Close: A modern residential area, Fir Tree Close boasts large, detached homes with ample gardens. It's an ideal place for those seeking tranquility and privacy.
5. Meadow Road: Known for its charming houses and scenic views, Meadow Road offers a serene living experience. The area is also close to a number of local shops, schools, and parks.
6. Ringwood Road: A bustling yet peaceful area, Ringwood Road is valued for its proximity to both the town centre and beautiful countryside walks. The road has a mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern properties.
7. Ashley Drive: With its large, elegant homes and leafy surrounds, Ashley Drive offers an upmarket residential experience. It's situated close to key amenities, making it a convenient and desirable place to live.
8. Heathfield Road: Heathfield Road is an attractive location, offering a variety of property types surrounded by greenery. The road is well-connected and close to local amenities, schools, and parks.
9. Oakwood Road: A haven for families, Oakwood Road is a vibrant residential area known for its community spirit, beautiful homes, and safe environment.
10. Sandy Lane: Sandy Lane is a quiet residential area offering a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced properties. It's ideally located for easy access to the surrounding countryside and local amenities.
1. Unrivalled Natural Beauty: Ashley Heath is home to the famous Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, a haven of serenity and picturesque landscapes. With acres of woodland, tranquil lakes, and abundant wildlife, it offers endless opportunities for walking, cycling, and bird watching.
2. Unique Local Culture: Experience quintessential English village life, with traditional country pubs serving local ales and hearty, home-cooked meals. Regular farmers markets showcase the best of Dorset's local produce, and community events keep the village spirit alive and vibrant.
3. Easy Access to Historic Towns: Ashley Heath is ideally located for exploring the rich history of Dorset. Nearby Ringwood is a charming, historic market town, while the coastal towns of Bournemouth and Poole are just a short drive away.
4. Thriving Arts Scene: Ashley Heath and the surrounding area boast a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and craft centres showcasing the work of local artists. The annual St Ives September Festival is a highlight, featuring music, literature, and visual arts.
5. Exceptional Educational Opportunities: The area is renowned for its quality education, with a range of excellent schools, both public and independent. Plus, with Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth nearby, there's a vibrant student community and plenty of opportunities for lifelong learning.
1. Limited Amenities: Owing to its rural nature, Ashley Heath lacks many amenities that would be easily accessible in larger towns or cities. This includes a limited number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
2. Lack of Public Transport: The area is not well-serviced by public transport, which could pose a challenge for those without personal vehicles or for residents who rely on buses and trains for commuting.
3. Limited Employment Opportunities: As a small rural area, Ashley Heath does not offer a wide range of job opportunities. This could necessitate commuting to nearby towns or cities for work, which might be inconvenient for some residents.
4. Limited Educational Facilities: There are a small number of schools in the area, which could restrict educational choices for families with children. For higher education, one must travel to larger cities.
5. Higher Cost of Living: Given Ashley Heath's popularity as a picturesque and tranquil residential area, property prices and the overall cost of living can be higher than in other parts of Dorset or further afield.
Data technology & local insight to give you an edge
Chimnie helps you make better property decisions.
© 2025 Little Chimney Ltd. All rights reserved.