Culture, Events & Entertainment, History | Posted on September 2nd, 2025 | return to news

Heritage Open Days expand in Ringwood

This year, for the first time, The Ringwood Society has co-ordinated a range of events to expand the Heritage Open Days calendar in Ringwood.

Founded in 1962, The Ringwood Society aims to protect Ringwood’s unique character and says the new events comprise a series of opportunities to look behind closed doors in the town, learn more about the heritage and history of some of the most-loved places, and even includes a pub tour. These are in addition to the regular independently organised events such as the opportunity to visit Bisterne Manor.

New events:

Greyfriars Community Centre guided tour 13 September

Find out about Greyfriars from the Georgian era as a private house through its journey to becoming today’s Community Centre. Local historian Mary Baldwin and manager Claire Alexander will be giving tours around the old house, including some normally unseen areas including the cellars. Step back in time to hear out about the families who lived at Greyfriars in previous centuries and their place in Ringwood’s history. Also find out why the various halls, now part of Greyfriars, gained their names.

Ringwood Meeting House and History Centre open day 13 September

The Ringwood Meeting House was built in 1727 by a local group of Presbyterian dissenters. It is now the only dissenting Meeting House in Hampshire to survive from the period before 1800 in a virtually unaltered state. The survival of its original box pews has gained the building its Grade II* Listing in recognition of its outstanding national merit. This is a chance to visit the community social building showcasing many of the facilities on offer.

Ringwood Meeting House and History Centre guided tour and walk 13 September

Ellie Abrams, chair of trustees will be giving a guided tour and talk to share the wonderful history of this unique building. It is now the only dissenting Meeting House in Hampshire to survive from the period before 1800 in a virtually unaltered state. The survival of its original box pews has gained the building its Grade II* Listing in recognition of its outstanding national merit.

Ringwood Meeting House and History Centre Time Travellers historical talk 13 September

Led by local resident, Andrea Rix, this will be a step back in time to learn about the historic town of Ringwood, hearing stories of people who lived in the area long ago.

Ringwood Parish Church Tour 13 September

A 30-minute guided tour of the parish church focusing especially on the surviving medieval parts and the chancel, stained glass of national significance and recently revealed wall paintings. Following the tour, you will have the chance to climb the tower to see the historic clock dating back to 1776, which is currently awaiting the funds to support the restoration, and to take in the stunning panoramic views from the roof.

The Ringwood Society Historical Pub tour walk 13 September

A packed afternoon visiting all the local historical pubs in Ringwood and maybe grabbing a pint on the way too! Visit The Elm, The London Tavern, The White Hart, The Crown Tap, The Pour House, The Railway, The Furlong, The Star Inn, Original White Hart, and The Fish Inn. Learn about the famous visitors and historical figures that once frequented these local public houses and taverns. The history is varied and interesting.

All events are free, but do require advance booking, full details about the events and how to book are available on the Heritage Open Days website www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Chairman of The Ringwood Society; Alex Bancroft commented: “This has been the first year we have co-ordinated events for Heritage Open Days, though it has been something we have wanted to do for a couple of years.

“We have been very lucky to have been joined on our committee by an expert in this field and we are very grateful for her input. Ticket bookings have already been swift with some events already close to selling out, so get booking fast. We look forward to taking part in Heritage Open Days 2026 after the success of this year already and would welcome anyone with an historic or unusual property in Ringwood who would like to be involved next year to get in touch with us.”

Contact via www.ringwoodsociety.org.uk or email infor@ringwoodsociety.or.uk. The society can be found at Greyfriars.

Heritage Open Days 2025 runs between 12 and 21 September and is an annual national scheme established in 1994.