The name, Ferndown, is believed to have been derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “fiergen”, which means wooded hill, and this area, on the edge of the beautiful New Forest, still boasts many woodlands. The name was originally two separate words, which were combined during the last century when a market garden was founded here by William and David Stewart from Dundee.
The community grew around this new business and is now the largest town in East Dorset, with a population of 16,000. Ferndown is not far from the coast at Bournemouth and Poole, so is within easy reach of the amenities offered by these places. It boasts its own modern shopping complex, playing fields and a sports centre with swimming pool and squash courts. This is also an area popular with golfers.
The town is close to the main A31 trunk road, making it an ideal centre from which to explore the area. There is plenty of available accommodation for tourists and Ferndown has plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants.
