Bournemouth Women - Away Day Guide

Lillies member and serial away day traveller Laura McManus shows us the ways to make the most of a day out to Bournemouth Women's stadium, Ringwood Community Hub.

AFC Bournemouth Women, by playing at Ringwood Community Hub, have saved you the inconvenience of what I have declared ‘the most boring walk of the Premier League’ back to Bournemouth station. Tottenham to Seven Sisters may be longer, but the walk has been made infinitely more enjoyable by the recent 2-1 victory by the men.

My thoughts on walking over, let’s be realistic - you’re going to need to drive to this one. Ringwood doesn’t even have a railway station, let alone an infrequent service. Making the assumption that as Fulham fans, you’re approaching Ringwood from London, I recommend you stop off along the way.

Half way lunch/brunch: Long Barn in Alresford is basically the shop equivalent of a Fulham Vicky sponge and away day cheeseboard. The food offering is better than any garden centre (with beer and wine), you can buy a half time slice of cake, and pick up some stocking fillers too. 

Pit stop: park in Lyndhurst and stop for a coffee at The Woods Cyclery (yes, everyone will be in bike Lycra around you but the coffee is very good). There’s lots of places before Lyndhurst to pull over and go for a walk in the New Forest, with added ponies!

Post match: Ringwood appears to have the usual town fare with a few independent restaurants to fuel up at. The burgers at The Railway Pub look like it would be a good post match stop.