New Forest
Why we love the New Forest
Welcome to the New Forest – where the wild Hampshire coastline meets rolling countryside, criss-crossed with bike trails and hiking paths. But this isn’t just a landscape for admiring, you know: it’s for paddling, pedalling, foraging and swimming; for action-packed days and star-gazing nights.
The New Forest is one of Britain’s smallest national parks, at just 219 square miles (566 square km), but its diversity is staggering: from wildlife-rich woodlands and deer-dotted heath, to historic villages and long golden beaches. Roman ruins, Tudor castles, smugglers’ hideouts – you’ll find them all here.
But don’t just take our word for it: here’s how to plan a New Forest adventure, and see this wild wonderland for yourself.
Walk on the wild side
There’s a walk for everyone in the New Forest – whether you’re spotting deer and ponies on Bolderwood’s forest trails, or soaking up sea views from the Solent Way. There are also 10 fully accessible routes, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, in some of the park’s loveliest nature reserves.
Go off-road on two wheels
Hit the trail! The New Forest has cycling routes for all abilities, from smooth asphalt to cross-country loops. With no high peaks to contend with, you’ll see more and travel further (and your thighs will thank you, too). Fancy a challenge? Try the Northern Forest Circular trail for 17.8 miles (28.6km) of untamed woodlands and heath.
Meet the furry locals
What’s got four legs, fabulous hair, and has lived in the New Forest for over 2,000 years? The famous ponies, of course. These beauties are free to graze in the park, and there are around 5,000 in total. You’ll spy them everywhere, but for near-guaranteed sightings head to Beaulieu or Brockenhurst’s ‘Watersplash’ (ford).
Discover a smugglers’ hideout
Pretty Lymington wasn’t always so peaceful: for centuries, this seaside town was a haven for smugglers, who hid their swag in a maze of underground tunnels. Trace its swashbuckling history on a walking tour, and explore its shops, yacht-filled harbour and quirky pubs too. In summer, tuck into the Lymington Seafood Festival.
Get hands-on with history
Built by Henry VIII, one of Britain’s most notorious monarchs, 500-year-old Hurst Castle looms large on the coast. It’s one of the park’s many treasures: other historic hotspots include the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey, the shipbuilding hamlet of Buckler’s Hard, and Rockbourne’s Roman villa.
Try a new challenge
Get stuck into the great outdoors! The New Forest is full of adventures – from kayaking the Beaulieu River and paddleboarding on the coast, to abseiling, geocaching and ziplining in its many activity centres. Or maybe you’ll learn a new skill, such as foraging, archery or axe throwing?
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The New Forest National Park in Hampshire, southern England, is a region of forest, open countryside and coastline, famed for its free-roaming ponies.
Immerse yourself in history at Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Hurst Castle, with sweeping views towards the Isle of Wight.
Try wakeboarding at New Forest Water Park, kayaking along the Beaulieu River, or explore by bike along more than 100 miles (161km) of cycle paths.
Discover the yacht-filled harbour of market town Lymington, once a haven for smugglers, head to the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst, or spot deer on Bolderwood’s forest trails.
Fun fact
Fun fact
William the Conqueror established The New Forest in 1079 as a royal hunting ground for wild deer and pigs.
Did you know?
Did you know?
One of Britain’s smallest National Parks, The New Forest covers an area of 218 square miles (566 square km), including 40 miles (64km) of coastline.
The New Forest is the largest remaining Royal hunting forest in the UK, although the last monarch known to have hunted here was King James II, more than 300 years ago.
Ponies have been a part of the New Forest for almost 2,000 years and can be seen grazing in small groups throughout open land, with around 5,000 roaming freely.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum is home to a large collection of cars, ranging from F1 cars to land speed record breakers and those from James Bond films.
Things to do in the New Forest
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Featured things to do
Glorious bluebells
Spring has sprung – and so have the bluebells. In April and May, stroll and cycle through the cerulean blooms at Pondhead Inclosure and Roydon Woods.
Learn more about the New Forest bluebells
SUP at sunset
On summer evenings, slip away for a twilight SUP adventure, with a peaceful paddle along the coast and a private beach picnic for two.
Try out SUP with New Forest Activities
Peaceful trails
The hiking trails are quieter in autumn, and October brings the New Forest Walking Festival, for wildlife watching and expert-led rambles.
Learn more about the New Forest’s autumn adventures
Rev up for winter at Beaulieu
Get up-close with Bond cars, vintage classics and F1 superstars: Beaulieu has one of the world’s greatest motor collections. During the holiday season, the National Motor Museum and nearby Beaulieu House put on a real show – check their events calendar for this year’s festivities.
Discover winter at BeaulieuPlaces to stay in the New Forest
Woodland lodges
For a wild escape with a few creature comforts, glamping lodges have tranquil scenery on their doorstep – and maybe even a hot tub too.
Homely bed and breakfasts
Love local tips? Bed-and-breakfast guesthouses are usually run by local families, who happily share their insider knowledge.
Country hotels
Some of the New Forest’s grandest mansions have been transformed into lavish hotels – offering spas, swimming pools and more.
Explore nearby
Getting to the New Forest
Trains run from London Waterloo to various stations in the New Forest, such as Brockenhurst and Ashurst, with a journey time of around 90 minutes. Heathrow and Gatwick airports can be reached in around two hours by train, or 60–90 minutes by road. The airports at Bournemouth and Southampton are closer, around a 20-minute drive away.
Getting around
You don’t need a car to explore the New Forest: take your pick from trains, buses and ferries too. Public transport services are plentiful and well-connected, while there are over 100 miles (160km) of way-marked cycle tracks throughout the park – with bike hire available from various locations.
By bus
With the breeze in your hair and beautiful scenery in every direction, the open-top bus service is always a joy.
By car
While there’s no need to hire a car, it does give you more freedom and flexibility – though watch out for roaming New Forest ponies, which have right of way.
By car
While there’s no need to hire a car, it does give you more freedom and flexibility – though watch out for roaming New Forest ponies, which have right of way.
By train
There are several train stations in the New Forest, which link up with local bus services too.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in the New Forest?
Planning a business event in the New Forest?
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