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, in the UK. Read more
Salterns Cottage is a true gem, not just for its appealing decor but also for the idyllic position it enjoys. With a big garden that has a decking area with sun loungers for relaxing, sun house with bar, and direct access onto the Lymington River for watersports enthusiasts (storage for kayaks and SUPs available at the cottage) it has all the right ingredients for a relaxing holiday. Even better, whilst in a semi-rural position, it is within walk distance of the popular Georgian market town of Lymington with great bars, pubs and restaurants, boutiques and high street names, regular market, marina and access to the Isle of Wight. What more could you ask for from a holiday or weekend away?
Comfortable self-catering annexe set in an idyllic location within the New Forest National Park close to Fordingbridge in Hampshire. A peaceful, secluded retreat which is ideal for exploring the areas many attractions with direct access to forest walks from the front door. A peaceful haven with two pubs in walking distance and plenty of opportunity for cycling, horse riding, fishing and walking locally.
A spacious and stylish self-catering holiday home located in New Milton in Hampshire on the edge of the New Forest. With a ground floor bedroom, this dog friendly rental is ideal for families and friends who like plenty of space and comfort and offers the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds with the forest and coast close by. The nearest beach is just over a mile from the cottage, and there are miles of forest tracks and trails just waiting to be explored.
In a superb position by the marinas and yacht clubs in the bustling Hampshire market town of Lymington, this 'upside down' cottage benefits from having off-street parking for 1 car, secluded outside seating areas and vibrant views of nautical life with The Solent and Isle of Wight on the horizon. An ideal base for exploring the New Forest and the coast with plenty of amenities and places for a meal out on the doorstep and an abundance of attractions nearby. The best of both worlds allowing you to explore the coast and forest, as well as the Isle of Wight (just a ferry trip away).
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 at the nearby Sandy Balls leisure centre are provided. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Experience the beauty of the forest and the sea during your stay at Forest Barn. The contemporary holiday home sleeps up to four guests and is popular with couples, friends (having flexible sleeping) and also young families. The sleeping and living area enjoys far reaching views, while the enclosed garden is perfect for watching the kids play and ride their bikes while you relax with an evening drink. Forest Barn is in the village of Bashley with two pubs, a garden centre, riding stables and a farm shop. Beaulieu, Barton on Sea, Paultons Park, Lymington and Lyndhurst are all within reach, and there are a wealth of wonderful walks through the forest and beaches (including Bournemouth) for a day out by the sea. The New Forest and Hampshire are perennial favourites with holiday makers and you'll understand why when you stay at Forest Barn.
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.
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.
A comfy forest retreat in a quiet position just a short stroll from the centre of the picturesque village of Burley in the New Forest National Park. Pubs and shops on the doorstep, mainline rail access and the open forest with miles of walking and cycling on the doorstep. Oakapple Cottage is perfect for a short break or longer self-catering holiday at any time of the year.
Perfectly placed right in the heart of Lymington on the High Street, this welcoming holiday home has a great choice of eateries and shops on the doorstep and is perfect for exploring both the coast and New Forest National Park on the doorstep. Hop on the ferry and visit the Isle of Wight, walk or cycle the many miles of forest trails, go sailing on the Solent, pony trekking in the forest or simply relax and enjoy the waterside setting.
Eastwoods is a New Forest holiday home where you can re-connect and celebrate spending time with family and friends. It's incredibly spacious yet wonderfully welcoming and homely, with space for 14 people to sleep in six bedrooms and expansive grounds that include an outdoor pool. Eastwoods is a mile from Sway, where there is a good choice of shops, a mainline train station, and four friendly pubs. Lymington, Brockenhurst and the Hampshire coastline are all within a few miles. Short breaks and more extended stays are available all year round.
Hampshire, and particularly the New Forest National Park, is a wonderful place for a self-catering holiday. Even if you only have a few days to escape, the natural beauty and relaxed pace will help you unwind and recharge. There is so much to see and do from walking through ancient forests, to cycling along country lanes, climbing trees, swimming, sailing, playing golf, and visiting museums and stately homes. This cottage is on a quiet street just a few minutes' walk from Lymington high street, offering comfortable accommodation for up to four people.
There's no question why the New Forest is one of England's favourite holiday destinations. Two hours from London by car or train, with beautiful beaches, historic towns and gorgeous woodlands, it has something to appeal to everyone in every season. Nutshell Cottage is a welcoming holiday home a short walk from the centre of Lymington, with original Victorian features and space to sleep six people in three bedrooms. It's child and pet-friendly and comes with two parking permits. There is plenty to do such as swimming, walking and cycling to shopping, visiting museums and taking a half-hour ferry trip to the Isle of Wight.
The New Forest is always a great idea! Rowes Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms, suiting couples and families. This lovely cottage is on a quiet no-through lane in East End, within walking distance of a pub and a beach. Donkeys graze on the grass outside the fence, and there is moorland and woodland a short stroll from the door to add to the idyllic charm. Lymington and Beaulieu are four miles away and within cycling distance. Take the ferry to the Isle of Wight for a day, explore Hurst Castle, visit the National Motor Museum, and discover the history of Buckler's Hard.
Escaping to the country has never been easier! Brockwell is a lovely red brick cottage in the heart of the New Forest National Park, within walking distance of Brockenhurst's shops, pubs, cafes and train station. With its free-roaming ponies and relaxed atmosphere, Brockenhurst is a friendly village with great amenities that are close to many favourite New Forest sights and attractions. The self-catering cottage can sleep up to six adults plus a baby and is ideal for families and friends.
Thatched Hat Cottage is in the New Forest hamlet of Norley Wood, where ponies, donkeys and cattle graze beside quiet lanes and views that roll over the heath towards the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It has everything you could want from a New Forest cottage including a well-tended garden full of colourful flowers, a log burner, an Aga and, as the name implies, a roof thatched by a local thatcher. There is space for up to six people to sleep in three bedrooms, one of which is downstairs, so it's ideal for families and friends. Lymington and Brockenhurst are both within a 10-minute drive, and there's an excellent pub a mile away.
The sleepy hamlet of Keyhaven is part of the Keyhaven Nature Reserve. Surrounded by mudflats, salt marshes and the Solent, it is a haven not only for birds and wildlife but also for those who need a peaceful escape from busy lives. Although it feels remote and sleepy, the location is great for exploring the New Forest National Park, day-trips to the Isle of Wight, sailing, kayaking, strolling along sections of the Solent Way Walk, and cycling. With room for four guests in two bedrooms and fantastic waterfront views, Coastguards Cottage is excellent for couples and families.
Perfectly placed in the coastal village of Milford-on-Sea, this stylish luxury 5 Star Gold holiday home offers the chance to enjoy all of Hampshire's best bits. The beach is just a short stroll away and the New Forest National Park is only a minute by car. Whether you want to enjoy forest walks, bike rides, relax on the beach or explore Hampshire's many attractions, Mulberry Barn is an excellent choice. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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.
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.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
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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 area 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 some of the New Forest's oldest residents – the New Forest Ponies. These wild and pretty ponies roam freely throughout the forest and uphold the tradition of open pasture that has been kept alive since the time of William the first.
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 – another step back into history. 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 where you can jump on a ferry and take a day trip to the Isle of Wight, just one of our wet weather recommendations.
The New Forest is a unique and fascinating area, with a wealth of history, stunning forests and intriguing tradition. Read more about things to do in the New Forest.
