25 Fun Things to Do in the New Forest

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Have you ever ever been to the New Forest? As we reside there, folks usually ask us what are the perfect issues to do within the New Forest. This is without doubt one of the largest areas of forests and heathland in South England. These are our favorite New Forest sights that you just shouldn’t miss.

Finest Issues to Do within the New Forest

The New Forest is unfold over 218 sq. miles in Southern England. The world contains the New Forest Nationwide Park, one of the crucial scenic locations within the UK.

1. Afternoon Tea at Rhinefield Home Lodge

Hidden away in lush woodland, Rhinefield Home is a really gorgeous New Forest country hotel. The constructing blends parts of Gothic and Tudor structure.

Set in 40 acres of grounds, Rhinefield Home Lodge boasts the two AA Rosette awarded Armada Restaurant. There’s additionally the casual Conservatory, with views over decorative ponds.

Take pleasure in afternoon tea on the spacious terrace in Summertime or within the cosy Lounge Bar. Take a stroll alongside Rhinefield Decorative Drive after tea.

Handle: Rhinefield Highway, Brockenhurst SO42 7QB, United Kingdom

2. Avon Tyrrell Out of doors Centre

This outside studying venue is devoted to the event of younger folks. There are a number of actions obtainable for households there too, together with bike trails and kayaking.

Attempt your hand at abseiling, bushcraft or a number of the different Go Journey actions on supply. There’s an on website cafe and picturesque lakes set in 65 acres of grounds.

Avon Tyrrell Home is in-built a really uncommon fashion. This Grade I listed manor is the final identified calendar home within the UK.

Calendar homes include symbolical numbers of architectural parts. Avon Tyrrell has 365 home windows, representing the times of the yr and seven exterior doorways, representing the times of the week.

There are additionally 52 rooms, symbolizing weeks, 12 chimneys representing months and 4 wings symbolizing the seasons.

Handle: Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8EE

3. Beaulieu Palace Home

Some of the picturesque villages in Hampshire, Beaulieu is dwelling to the Nationwide Motor Museum, a Cistercian abbey and Palace Home. Beaulieu means lovely place and this medieval village definitely lives as much as its identify.

Beaulieu Palace Home has been the house of the Montagu household since 1538. Previously the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, this Victorian nation home is certainly one of ten Treasure Homes of England.

You’ll be able to go to the Victorian kitchens and see Lord Montagu’s library, with its false bookshelf door. Discover out extra concerning the Secret Military, a coaching institution for 3,000 Particular Operations Government (SOE) throughout World Struggle II.

Handle: John Montagu Constructing, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom

4. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Positioned near the city of Lyndhurst, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary has a viewing platform the place you possibly can observe herds of fallow deer. To maximise your probabilities of seeing the deer, come between 12.30-2.30 pm from April to September.

In some unspecified time in the future between these instances, a Forestry Fee Ranger feeds the deer. There’s additionally a spacious picnic space and three round strolling routes.

Handle: Bolderwood Arboretum Decorative Drive, Lyndhurst SO43 7GQ, United Kingdom

5. Brockenhurst Village

This charming New Forest village is the most important by inhabitants within the New Forest. It’s a preferred UK vacation vacation spot, because of its central location and prepare station.

You’ll be able to usually see donkeys and wild ponies wandering across the streets of Brockenhurst. There are lots of good locations to eat or have a drink.

A few of our faves embrace:

Albero – for Italian dishes
Escape Gin Bar – on the Thatched Cottage Lodge – open to non-residents
Rosie Lea’s – a tea room with nice truffles
The Huntsman – a trendy New Forest pub with a big backyard

6. Buckler’s Laborious

This picturesque hamlet overlooks Beaulieu River, and is a nice 2.5 mile stroll from Beaulieu village. Buckler’s Laborious was as soon as an necessary shipbuilding middle.

The 18th century Georgian cottages had been dwelling to the shipwrights who constructed vessels for Nelson’s Navy. Discover out extra concerning the historical past of the village on the Maritime Museum, and look inside a shipwright’s cottage. Refreshments can be found on the Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms.

7. Castleman Trailway

Often known as Castleman’s Corkscrew, this mild path is standard with cyclists and walkers. Stretching for 16.5 miles, The Castleman Trailway follows the previous Southampton to Dorchester prepare line.

Passing by way of forests and heathland, this East Dorset path connects with the Moors Valley Nation Park, Upton Nation Park and Avon Heath Nation Park. It takes its identify from Charles Castleman, the solicitor who organised building of the unique railway line. The Castleman Corkscrew prepare line closed in 1964.

8. Biking within the New Forest

There are lots of nice biking trails within the New Forest, together with over 100 miles of off highway tracks. You’ll be able to select from family-friendly bike rides or more difficult cycle routes such because the Grand Slam.

This 42 mile New Forest path is called after the RAF bomb that was dropped right here in 1945. It begins and finishes at Brockenhurst prepare station.

There are a number of locations to lease bicycles within the New Forest, together with Cyclexperience Bike Rent in Brockenhurst, Forest Leisure Biking in Burley, New Forest Actions in Beaulieu and Hockeys Farm in Fordingbridge. The village of Lyndhurst has two bike rental outlets – AA Bike Rent and The Woods Cyclery.

9. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Located near Beaulieu and Buckler’s Laborious, Exbury Gardens are identified for his or her gorgeous azaleas and rhododendrons. The miniature steam railway could be very standard with households.

Created by Lionel de Rothschild, the Exbury property is unfold over 200 acres. Spot big koi carp within the Prime Pond, take the Camellia Stroll and stroll across the Sundial Backyard.

Seize a chew to eat at Mr Eddy’s, positioned within the former property smithy, or at The Previous Tennis Courts outside cafe.

Handle: Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AZ, United Kingdom

10. Hurst Fortress

With an enviable location overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight, Hurst Fortress was constructed between 1541 and 1544. It was commissioned by Henry VIII to defend towards invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.

Hurst Fortress is now run by English Heritage and the Pals of Hurst Fortress. Guests can benefit from the panoramic views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight from the roof of the Tudor hold.

A shocking characteristic of Hurst Fortress is the Garrison Theatre, which was used to entertain the troops through the Second World Struggle. On website, there’s additionally a restaurant open from April to November and a present store within the Guard Room.

Handle: Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0TP, United Kingdom

11. Knightwood Oak

Regarded as the oldest oak tree within the New Forest, Knightwood Oak is over 500 years outdated. Nicknamed the Queen of the Forest, Knightwood Oak is 7.38 metres broad.

This mighty oak is an effective instance of pollarding, a standard technique of harvesting wooden with out killing the tree. This concerned pruning the higher branches to advertise the expansion of thick new branches.

There are some very scenic strolling trails across the outdated oak tree. It’s positioned simply off Rhinefield Decorative Drive.

Handle: Minstead, Ringwood SO43 7GR, United Kingdom

12. Lepe Nation Park

This coastal space near Southampton performed a key position within the D Day landings. On 6 June 1944, Allied troops left Lepe Seaside for the seashores of Normandy.

Lepe was a secret building website for concrete caissons. Undersea oil pipelines, code-named Operation PLUTO, had been constructed to hold gasoline to the Isle of Wight and the troops in Normandy, France.[irp posts=”39179″ name=”Winchester Christmas Market 2020 | Best Tips for Visitors”]

You’ll be able to nonetheless see the stays of the wartime efforts, together with the Lepe dolphins. These are wood remnants of pier heads that had been used for loading conflict ships.

Additionally in Lepe Nation Park, there’s The Lookout cafe, along with flower meadows and a child’s playground.

Handle: Nation Park Lepe, Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD, United Kingdom

13. Lunch at Limewood

Some of the luxurious New Forest motels, Limewood is positioned near the village of Lyndhurst. It’s a part of the Dwelling Grown Motels group, which additionally owns the varied The Pig restaurant and rooms.

Cooks Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder do the cooking at Hartnett Holder & Co. This casual Italian restaurant has trendy interiors and a big outside terrace overlooking the gardens.

After lunch, wander across the grounds, e-book into Herb Home Spa or keep in a single day in one of many spacious rooms.

Handle: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ, United Kingdom

14. Lymington

The picturesque coastal city of Lymington in Hampshire has some quaint cobbled streets. Lymington Harbour is a well-liked yachting centre, with three marinas.

The Haven Bar and Restaurant has a primary flooring terrace with nice views over The Solent. You can even seize a chew at Espresso & Drift, positioned on Lymington Quay.

Lymington Excessive Avenue has some wonderful Georgian and Victorian buildings and plenty of trendy boutiques. Lymington Constitution Market takes place each Saturday and is the most important road market within the New Forest.

15. Moors Valley Nation Park and Forest

Unfold over 800 acres, Moors Valley Nation Park is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do within the New Forest. There are a number of strolling and biking trails together with the By way of the Forest singletrack route.

Youngsters will love the Play Path, Gruffalo Sculptures, Journey Play Space and Treetop Path. Go Ape run quite a lot of actions contained in the park, together with two Treetop journey programs and New Forest segways.

The Moors Valley Railway is a miniature steam railway with a one mile circuit. There’s a mannequin railway store and snacks can be found at Kingsmere Railway Station.

You can even eat at Seasons Restaurant, which makes seasonal meals utilizing native Dorset and New Forest produce. Picnic tables will be discovered by Moors Lake and likewise within the forest.

Handle: Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET, United Kingdom

16. Nationwide Motor Museum Beaulieu

Identified for its assortment of over 280 basic vehicles and bikes, the Nationwide Motor Museum is nicely price a go to. Positioned in picturesque Beaulieu, the museum options F1 and sports activities vehicles in addition to different well-known automobiles.

Spot Mr Bean’s inexperienced Mini, Dr Who’s Bessie and Del Boy’s Reliant Regal from Solely Fools and Horses. World of Prime Gear showcases vehicles which can be left within the situation they had been in after filming.

Jack Tucker’s storage is a devoted replica of a Thirties storage, whereas The Luxurious of Motoring options gorgeous glass Lalique mascots.

Handle: John Montagu Constructing, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom

17. New Forest Lavender Farm

In Summertime, the New Forest Lavender Farm has a beautiful show of lavender of their annual gardens. You can even discover an ideal choice of crops within the nursery – not simply lavender varieties but in addition herbs, perennials and roses.

Take pleasure in tasty selfmade quiches and scones at The Lavender Tearooms.

Handle: Giles Lane, Landford, Salisbury SP5 2BG, United Kingdom

18. New Forest Ponies

The star attraction of the New Forest are its free roaming ponies and horses. Usually described as wild, they’re truly owned by native folks, or Commoners.

There are round 5,000 New Forest ponies which graze on the land. Throughout the New Forest Drifts, the Commoners spherical up their ponies to test on their well being.

If you wish to spot New Forest ponies, it’s a query of pot luck as they transfer round freely. There are sometimes New Forest donkeys and horses in Beaulieu, Burley and Brockenhurst. You shouldn’t feed or contact the ponies.

19. New Forest Heritage Centre Museum

Discover out extra concerning the New Forest horses and the historical past of the world on the New Forest Heritage Centre Museum in Lyndhurst. There’s an informative museum and exhibition gallery.

The present store has a pleasant choice of forest-themed toys, handmade soaps and native craft works. Tip, Leaf & Bean Cafe is canine pleasant and has gluten free and vegan choices.

The Christopher Tower Reference Library is dwelling to one of many largest collections of New Forest memorabilia.

Handle: Important Automobile Park, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY, United Kingdom

20. Paultons Park – Peppa Pig World

Some of the standard UK theme parks, Peppa Pig World is predicated on the youngsters’s TV collection character. Set inside 140 acres of parkland close to the village of Ower, this can be a enjoyable household time out.

There are over 70 rides and sights, together with Mr Potato’s Playground, the Discovery Path and Water Kingdom. Beastie Burrow is a bug emporium with distinctive fish, lizards and bugs.

Take pleasure in many theme park rides equivalent to Raging River Log Flume, the Viking Boats and Velociraptor. There are many eating choices equivalent to Base Camp and The Railroad Diner.

Handle: Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL, United Kingdom

21. Pub Lunch in Rockford

The Alice Lisle in Rockford is a captivating New Forest pub. You’ll be able to usually see New Forest donkeys and horses within the automotive park. Turnstile entry prevents them from accessing the property itself ;-).

Named after Girl Alice Lisle, a Hampshire nobelwoman who was executed for harbouring a Nonconformist minister in 1685. This quaint crimson brick pub was previously Rockwood Main College. In Summertime, you possibly can dine within the massive pub backyard.

Handle: Rockford Inexperienced, Rockford, Ringwood BH24 3NA, United Kingdom

22. Rhinefield Decorative Drive

Positioned between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, Rhinefield Decorative Drive was planted within the late 1850s. It options two of the tallest New Forest timber, that are big redwoods.

From late Could to early June, you too can admire lovely azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom. There are a number of strolling trails round Rhinefield Woodland and Blackwater Arboretum.

The Tall Timber Path is a 1.5 mile round route taking you from Blackwater automotive park on a gravel path by way of the forest. Rhinefield Highway and the encircling trails are additionally a preferred New Forest cycle trip.

Handle: Brockenhurst SO42 7QB, UK

23. Ringwood Brewery Tour

Based by Peter Austin, the primary chairman of the Society of Unbiased Brewers (SIBA), Ringwood Brewery are identified for his or her craft beers. The brewery emblem is a wild boar and their motto is “Go to the Winding Downs”.

Beer has been brewed since medieval instances in Ringwood. The Ringwood Brewery Tour is rated the highest attraction in Ringwood by TripAdvisor.

You should purchase beers within the store, in addition to beer flavoured chocolate and chutney. There’s additionally a spread of shirts and sportswear.

Handle: 138 Christchurch Rd, Ringwood BH24 3AP, United Kingdom

24. Setley Ridge Winery

A household owned enterprise, Setley Ridge boasts a preferred farm store in addition to a backyard centre and nursery. This New Forest winery culitvate the grapes, make and bottle their wine on website.

A member of New Forest Marque, selling foods and drinks produce from the native space, they provide wine tastings and winery excursions.

Setley Ridge produce oaked crimson, dry and medium dry white and rose wines. The Kitchen at Setley Ridge is a tea room serving selfmade truffles on classic crockery.

Handle: Lymington Highway, Brockenhurst SO42 7UF, United Kingdom

25. The Cider Pantry

Positioned within the coronary heart of Burley, New Forest Cider makes some scrumptious merchandise. They use cider fruit from Herefordshire and Somerset.

Attempt unpasteurised cider proper from the barrels, in addition to champagne technique cider. Tuck into selfmade truffles, cream tea, cider and coffees in The Cider Pantry.

Handle: Pound Ln, Burley, Ringwood BH24 4ED, United Kingdom