Originally the deer hunting area of William the first 1079, the somewhat misnamed 'New Forest' is anything but new. A very protected national park, the New Forest is a spectacular and vast area for walking, cycling and horse riding.
The open pastures that have been preserved since the area was created provide not only a real sense of freedom but also some of the most contented animals - both wild and somewhat domestic. Read more
Delawarr Cottage is on a quiet country lane that's only a 15-minute stroll from the busy waterfront town of Lymington, with its Georgian buildings and historic quay. The welcoming holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is convenient for exploring the Hampshire coast and beaches like Milford-on-Sea and the wonderful New Forest National Park. Footpaths and cycling routes are accessible from the door, as are swimming, sailing, fishing, SUP'ing, kayaking, and golf. Local attractions include Hurst Castle, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, and Paulton's Park and Peppa Pig World.
No. 51 sleeps 2 and is a great space for couples, friends or single travellers. The property is only a 10-15 minute walk away from Lymington High Street. For convenience there are shops and great selection of take away's literally on the doorstep. Having recently undergone a little refurb the place is fresh and clean and is an ideal base to explore the local area.
An ‘upside down' quirky terraced cottage by the harbour and with off street parking. This cottage is light, comfortable & tastefully presented with a relaxed coastal feel. It has a spacious living area with French doors leading out on to the balcony with its vibrant ever changing river mouth views, there’s a marina in front of you and the sea in the distance with ferries and all sorts of boats to watch. In the living area find 2 sofas, a large round dining table comfortably seating 5, coffee tables, Smart TV, DVD player and unlimited WiFi internet. There is a modern well equipped kitchen leading from the dining area with fan oven/electric grill/gas hob/microwave oven, fridge with ice box, dishwasher etc. Downstairs find Bedroom 1 with king sized bed, ample storage/hanging space, bedside chests and lamps, chair and hairdryer. Bedroom 2 with single bed, bedside chest, chest of drawers, under-bed drawers, chair and robe hooks. Bathroom (refurbished 2020) with powerful over-bath shower, back-lit shaving mirror, basin, heated towel rail and window. Cloakroom (refurbished 2020) with lavatory, basin, mirror and towel rail. Porch, very handy for outdoor clothing, Utility unit with Belfast sink, washing machine, tumble dryer, freezer, microwave, kettle, ironing equipment and bike stands. 1 private secure patio garden (SE facing) is off Bedroom 1 and has a high locked gate, garden furniture and pretty shrubs. The other private and secure patio garden is off the porch again with a high locking gate, garden furniture and pretty shrubs. Close by - Mayflower Hotel, Haven Restaurant & Bar, Nick Cox chandlery/convenience store. The location is ideal for walking into the Georgian town of Lymington, visiting the Saturday Charter Market, or exploring the New Forest and nearby beaches. We send much information in advance and meet and greet our guests on arrival. We live just around the corner and are on hand should a problem occur. We are now open to taking children under 6 years of age so long as people are fully aware of the balcony and stairs leading directly off the living room and we ask for a £200 security deposit in this instance.
A modern stylish Four Star Gold self-contained annex in the Hampshire village of Godshill within the New Forest National Park. Close to Fordingbridge, Wayside is an ideal place for enjoying all the forest has to offer including fabulous walking, cycling and horse riding. Family swimming passes for the pools and gym at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A detached, delightful ground level cottage, no stairs. Visit England rated 4* Stars and 100% awarded for cleanliness. Cosy gas central heating and all utilities, broadband, quality linen and towels included. Two bedrooms - a kingsize double and a twin bedroom, sleeps 4 plus a cot for an infant. Each bedroom has an en-suite shower room with wc and hand basin. Open plan living, dining and fitted kitchen maintained to a high standard, Games room and furnished garden ideal for alfresco dining. Rural aspect, superb location on New Forest / East Dorset border, perfect for a variety of sites and pursuits. Walking or cycle route into Moors Valley Country Park activities. Easy access to all areas of the New Forest National Park, Dorset heathland and your choice of beaches. Ringwood Market Town and New Forest tour bus. Children and Pets welcome. EV Charger by arrangement. Safe Direct Booking with the on-site owner - no booking fees, vat, or security deposit. Enquiries welcome. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Sitting in an acre of grounds, this well presented holiday home is perfect for families, friends and pet owners. Located on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border in the village of West Tytherley with good pub within walking distance, there are a multitude of attractions within easy reach including Salisbury, The New Forest, Winchester and Stonehenge. Whether you want to simply relax or explore, this welcoming cottage is an excellent choice.
Located in the New Forest National Park midway between Lymington and Brockenhurst, this spacious holiday home provides a good self-catering base for families and couples to explore the areas many attractions. Spout House Studio is a great choice for walkers and cyclists.
A picturesque thatched holiday retreat on the edge of the New Forest National Park providing a superb self-catering base for exploring the forest, and also the many attractions of the area including Winchester, the South Coast and Stonehenge. The county town of Fordingbridge with a good choice of shops and eateries is just half a mile away. It is just 25 mins from Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs are welcome (up to 2 in Wishing Well). Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details - www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk
A pretty thatched self catering holiday cottage on the edge of the New Forest, providing very comfortable holiday accommodation and an ideal base for touring the area being just a few miles from world famous Stonehenge, Bournemouth and beaches. Just half a mile from Fordingbridge with a good choice of amenities close by. Just 25 mins to Peppa Pig World and 25 mins from beaches. Dogs welcome (up to 3 in Little Thatch) - secure back garden/yard area leading off from the kitchen door. Late offers sometimes available - see owners website for details. www.burgatefarmhouse.co.uk ..
Located on the edge of the Dorset village of Alderholt is this pretty holiday cottage for two with log burner and romantic double bedroom. The Hampshire riverside county town of Fordingbridge is just three miles away and the New Forest National Park is five minutes in the car with miles of forest tracks and trails for cyclists, walkers and horse riders.
Offering the perfect blend of rustic charm, cosiness with log burner and modern day conveniences to ensure a high standard of comfort, Barn Cottage sits on the outskirts of Alderholt in Dorset. A pretty village with pub for meals out, a mill serving cream teas at the weekend, and a shop for forgotten provisions, Alderholt is just three miles from the county town of Fordingbridge and a five minute car ride into the New Forest National Park with an abundance of forest tracks to satisfy the keenest of walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This welcoming holiday cottage is a perfect self-catering base for exploring both Dorset and Hampshire including the Forest and South Coast.
A delightful holiday cottage in the picturesque Test Valley ideally placed on the borders of Hampshire and Wiltshire just ten minutes drive from the New Forest. A peaceful location with stunning countryside views. Presented to a high standard with an outdoor (shared) pool, this is a perfect place for a family holiday
Little Owls is as sweet as its name and a lovely choice for families, friends and couples who want to explore the many attractions of both Hampshire and Wiltshire. Nestling in a peaceful position in the picturesque Test Valley, guests can enjoy stunning countryside views, the shared use of an outdoor heated swimming pool (June - September), lovely walks and plenty of relaxation
Offering single level self-catering, Teal Cottage at Burgate Manor Farm is perfect for families and friends and offers an ideal base for exploring the New Forest and enjoying all it has to offer. Spend your days visiting the many attractions and cycling, walking or pony trekking the miles of forest tracks and trails before you retire back to relax in this comfy welcoming holiday cottage. Just a mile from Fordingbridge on the edge of the forest, Paultons Park, the Moors Valley Country Park, Lymington, Salisbury and Portsmouth are all within easy reach.
The New Forest National Park is such a popular holiday destination because it offers something for everyone. Mallard Cottage is one of seven excellent holiday homes to rent on Burgate Manor Farm, a mile from Fordingbridge and close to fantastic attractions including the New Forest Waterpark, Paultons Park, and the Moors Valley Country Park. It is also an easy drive from places like Lymington, Salisbury and Portsmouth, and footpaths, bridleways and cycling trails are abundant nearby. Whether you are getting the kids out into the fresh air for a family holiday or arranging a special celebration with your friends, the amenities and welcome at Burgate Manor Farm are perfect.
Kingfisher Cottage is ideal for couples and families visiting the New Forest National Park. Only a mile from Fordingbridge and within walking distance of The George pub, the holiday cottage is on a private 230-acre farm beside the banks of the Avon River, surrounded by meadows and fields. There is space for four people in two bedrooms, with a double sofa-bed that opens out to sleep up to two more adults. Paulton's Park, the National Motor Museum and Moors Valley Country Park are all within easy reach, as are miles of footpaths, traffic free cycling routes and bridleways. With its pretty thatched cottages, free-roaming ponies and ancient forests and woodland, the New Forest is a beautiful holiday destination at any time of the year.
Couples and families love Grebe Cottage, which offers 4-star accommodation in 230 acres of private farmland in the north of the New Forest National Park. There is space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms, and the holiday cottage can be booked on its own or reserved with one of several other lovely cottages on Burgate Manor Farm to accommodate larger groups of family and friends. Fordingbridge's medieval arched bridge and The George pub are only a mile away, while popular New Forest attractions like Beaulieu and Moors Valley Country Park are nearby. There are miles of beautiful footpaths, cycling trails and bridleways to help you explore the New Forest and enjoy being close to nature in this incredible ancient landscape. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Blue House is a characterful holiday cottage in Lymington on the edge of the New Forest, sleeping six guests across three bedrooms. Built in the 1840s and instantly recognisable by its distinctive blue brick exterior, this self-catering holiday home blends period charm with modern comforts, including a well-equipped kitchen, stylish living space and a secluded courtyard garden. Situated within easy walking distance of Lymington’s bustling quay, independent shops and famous Saturday market, it offers an excellent base for exploring the New Forest, the Solent coastline and nearby Dorset. With beaches, sailing, forest walks, and nearby ferry trips to the Isle of Wight, it suits families, couples, and small groups.
Chapel Lodge is a peaceful studio retreat for two in the New Forest village of Sway. Ideal for couples and dog owners, it features a king-size bed, comfortable sitting area, well-equipped kitchenette, and a modern en-suite shower room. Outside, a sunny enclosed patio offers a quiet space to relax after exploring the forest trails just moments from the door. The Hare and Hounds pub is a ten-minute walk, and Brockenhurst, Lymington, and the coast are all within easy reach. Dog-friendly, private, and perfectly placed, Chapel Lodge is one of three charming cottages available for individual or group bookings.
Chapel End is a cosy studio cottage for two tucked at the end of a converted chapel in the New Forest village of Sway. Perfect for couples, it features a king-size bed, well-equipped kitchenette, private bathroom with bath and separate shower, and an enclosed courtyard garden. The village shop, bakery, and Hare and Hounds pub are just a short stroll away, and open forest trails begin at the gate. Explore nearby Brockenhurst, Lymington and Lyndhurst, or head to Milford-on-Sea and Barton-on-Sea for beach walks and clifftop views. Dog-friendly and full of charm, it’s ideal for a relaxing New Forest escape.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
BurleyFordingbridgeHytheLymingtonLyndhurstNew MiltonRingwoodSome local suggestions:
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There are several excellent places to stay in the New Forest, all of which have something different to offer. With towns like Burley, Fordingbridge and Lymington all popular tourist spots, it is worth checking these out when looking for New Forest accommodation or somewhere to stay.
The town of Burley is favoured by those seeking wildlife in the New Forest. With wild ponies roaming freely and stunning surrounding countryside, you will find plenty to see and do here. Visit one of the 16th-century pubs for a cosy atmosphere and hearty meal after exploring the area.
You will also find lots to do in Fordingbridge, especially for those seeking to spend some time outdoors. Hiking and cycling are popular in this part of the New Forest, providing the perfect place for those looking to enjoy adventures with the whole family.
With several excellent restaurants, pubs and bars, Lymington is a lovely place to visit if you’re looking for a bustling market town in the New Forest. This is a great spot to wander through the different stalls selling fresh produce on a Saturday morning. Alongside its great atmosphere, Lymington also displays Victorian and Georgian architecture scattered around the town, providing a lovely area to explore.Before booking your holiday cottage in The New Forest, you can find all the information you need for your trip here. For more tips, check out our complete New Forest Guide.
The New Forest offers a huge landscape, meaning there is something for everyone here. Its stunning countryside and natural scenery, alongside the many quaint towns and villages, make it the ideal spot for all.
Being in the southern part of the UK means that the New Forest typically enjoys less rain and warmer temperatures. With longer daylight hours and more sunshine, summers are the perfect time to visit as this is when you can make the most of the great outdoors. Temperatures average around highs of 21 °C and lows of 13°C during summer in the New Forest. This provides a pleasant climate with a mix of sunny days and extended evenings.
Spring in the New Forest is a beautiful time to visit for those looking to make the most of the region's stunning scenery. With flowers blooming throughout the county, you will get the most out of the lush greenery during this time. There is a slight drop in temperature in spring, with average highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. It's always best to pack layers when visiting as the weather can be a little unpredictable!
Winter is a magical time to visit the New Forest. With the rolling hills and encompassing countryside covered in a light frosting, the setting here is utterly breathtaking during this time. The temperatures are rarely extreme in the New Forest and it would be unusual for it to drop below -5°C during winter. Although, it's always best to get wrapped up warm, as you head out to explore the stunning New Forest, whether that be the national park, or the many idyllic towns and villages.
When you're all walked out, there are plenty of other attractions to entertain, such as the beautiful Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, which offers over 200 acres of expertly manicured grounds. You can admire the sights on foot or from the comfort of a quaint steam railway. Beaulieu also combines pretty gardens and man-made machines with the National Motor Museum – a must-see for motoring enthusiasts with an interest in some very old classics!
For the kids, there are plenty of family days out including wildlife and nature attractions. Lovers of all things nautical should not miss a trip to Buckler's Hard or the pretty coastal town of Lymington. From here you can jump on a ferry and take a day trip to the lovely Isle of Wight.
If you are travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance to the New Forest, so you know what to expect when choosing to visit by car.
London: 82 miles
Birmingham: 146 miles
Glasgow: 432 miles
Liverpool: 242 miles
Bristol: 60 miles
Manchester: 228 miles
Leeds: 248 miles
Edinburgh: 435 miles
Newcastle: 335 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to the New Forest. Its excellent public transport links in many of its towns and villages mean you can journey by train or bus from numerous major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip, as well as alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
Being a national park, the New Forest is a highly protected area, with proud locals who will happily tell you about the rich and fascinating history the county boasts. There are plenty of historical sites for those interested in tracing the steps of significant figures from the past, such as the Rufus Stone Memorial, which marks the spot where William's son is said to have died.
Though the locals will tell you all about the place, the best way to experience the New Forest is by getting out and seeing it. You can do this on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Take a guided tour of the area or grab a map and go it alone.
Some locals that you are guaranteed to encounter are the county’s oldest residents – the New Forest Ponies. The wild and pretty herds roam freely throughout the forest and uphold the tradition of open pasture that has been kept alive since the time of William the first.
The New Forest is a beautiful part of the UK, surrounded by diverse landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re looking to explore dense woodland or stroll through quaint towns, you will find it all here.
When it comes to discovering the nicest part of the New Forest, it is difficult to narrow it down to one place. Although if you’re looking for somewhere brimming with nature you will want to head to Burley. Here you will find quaint cottages, an idyllic setting and the renowned New Forest ponies as they wander through the village.
Boasting an extensive national park, historic castles, lovely towns, excellent hiking routes and much more, there are plenty of things to do in the New Forest. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing in the pretty villages or would prefer to get active, there is something here for everyone.
With lots of outdoor space, the New Forest is a great place to go for a range of activities. From biking to horseback riding, you can fill your visit with lots of adventures!
There are several great New Forest accommodation options in and around the National Park, meaning you can visit here and get an authentic experience. With numerous towns and villages around the park, you can find your perfect rental cottage to fully immerse yourself in all that the New Forest has to offer.
It's important to remember to be respectful when visiting the New Forest. Always tidy up after yourself to ensure that the nature remains untouched and pristine for all to enjoy.
