The New Forest

The ancient New Forest is England’s newest National Park and is around 30 minutes’ drive from Bournemouth. Once a popular royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, this ancient woodland is a charming and rather unique destination. Nowadays it is home to wandering deer, ponies, donkeys and cattle that roam free in the vast countryside. Meandering tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys make up this 566sq km national park.

Clean rivers, shady groves and hidden hamlets provide tranquillity and a car-free environment perfect for walking, horse riding or cycling. Forgotten your bike? Fear not; there are plenty of opportunities to hire a bike from a number of registered vendors.

There are few better places to enjoy a proper pint of locally brewed beer or cider in a traditional country pub. At the New Forest and its quaint villages you won’t be hard-pressed to find your new retreat. Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Burley and Lyndhurst boast some of the most charming watering holes in the south as well as a variety of independent cafes, antique shops and boutiques.

The charm and natural beauty of this endless landscape attracts thousands of visitors every year yet, due to its expanse, it rarely becomes crowded.

The New Forest is a cyclist’s dream, with dedicated cycle-paths of various levels for all ages and abilities.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience New Forest produce all grown, reared, brewed, and caught in the area; easily identified by looking out for the New Forest Marque.

Visit The New Forest Official Tourist Website

Beaulieu

The picturesque and historic village of Beaulieu nestling on the bank of the Beaulieu River has delighted visitors through the centuries. It was here in 1204 that King John gave the area, known as Bellus Locus (Beautiful Place), to the Cistercian monks and it is now believed that a little way up the river, in 1100, King Rufus was killed with an arrow.

Brockenhurst and Burley

In Brockenhurst or Burley you will soon see ponies and cattle grazing freely and further exploration will reveal deer roaming through the mighty oaks and heathland. Brockenhurst is well-known for its diversity of shops, tea houses, pubs and high-quality restaurants. Burley depicts everything you would expect from a traditional old New Forest village. It is in a lee of a hill and surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Lymington

Lymington is lovely Georgian market town with cobbled streets and Quay. Along the nearby tidal salt marshes there is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and ten miles of nature reserves.

Fordingbridge and Bickton

Fordingbridge, on the edge of the New Forest is a traditional riverside town and an ideal picnic location is Riverside Park. Explore the tiny hamlet of Bickton – a great spot for fishing and home to an 18^th century mill.

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