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
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 ..
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
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.
Situated in a small hamlet surrounded with beautiful country side. Badgers Holt hosts a delightful self-contained annex. This modern accommodation is ideal for 2 persons. the double bedroom is spacious with ample storage space and a lovely bay window that looks out on to an attractive garden and fields. The lounge is comfortable and cosy with your own heater, TV and settee. There is a small dining area with a fully equipped fitted kitchen including a washing machine and tumble dryer. The kitchen has an exterior door leading to a convenient area for parking and also a secluded garden with a BBQ area that is the perfect setting for relaxing. The Bathroom is modern with shower in the bath.
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.
The Old Chapel is a beautifully converted studio cottage in the New Forest village of Sway, just a short walk from pubs, shops and forest trails. Ideal for couples or small families, it features a king-size bed, a day bed that transforms into two single beds, a well-equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom, and a cosy sitting area with an electric stove. Outside has a private seating area where ponies and donkeys often wander past. Located close to Brockenhurst, Lymington, Lyndhurst, and the coast, it’s perfect for walking, cycling and day trips. One of three cottages on site, you can book The Old Chapel with Chapel End or Chapel Lodge for group stays.
There's nothing rustic about this well-appointed Shepherd Hut. Set in a field with gorgeous views, the holiday cottage is two modern timber and corrugated metal huts sleeping four people in two bedrooms with electricity, running water and a proper bathroom. Shepherd Hut is on the family-run Michelmersh Farm, where the owners raise dairy cows, sheep and keep horses and chickens. It's an idyllic location only a few miles from Romsey and within easy reach of the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, the Hampshire coast, Stonehenge, Winchester and Salisbury. Shepherd Hut is romantic for couples and fun for families.
Enjoy a self-catering farm holiday within reach of the New Forest National Park, Southampton, Winchester and Salisbury at Bluebells on family-run Michelmersh Manor Farm. There are some beautiful footpaths and cycle routes nearby, as well as golf, fishing and horse riding.
This elegant wing of a listed property dates back to medieval times, although the standard of self catering accommodation is firmly in the 21st-Century! It is part of a working farm and enjoys rural views of fields and farmland from the house and a private garden. Located close to Romsey in Hampshire, the Manor is ideal for families who can easily explore Salisbury, Winchester and the New Forest National Park as well as the south coast and sites such as Stonehenge.
Perfectly located, this stylish barn is a popular 'bolt-hole' for couples and enjoys a peaceful position just a short stroll from the very heart of Burley and its shops and pubs. Being based right in the heart of the New Forest National Park allows you to explore the many attractions of the area, get active in the great outdoors or simply relax and unwind. This delightful holiday cottage is perfect for a weekend away or longer holiday.
With a gorgeous garden for outside relaxing and socialising, a country-style kitchen and a cosy sitting room with log burner, Gardener's Retreat is an excellent choice for a holiday with family or friends. Sitting in an idyllic position just a short stroll from the Hampshire village of Burley in the New Forest National Park, this beautifully presented self-catering cottage is perfect whether you want to explore the areas many attractions or simply relax and unwind.
A secluded stylish hideaway in a highly desirable corner of the New Forest near to Beaulieu. Great for walkers, cyclists and those wanting to explore the many attractions of the New Forest National Park.
Dating back 350 years, this chocolate box thatched holiday cottage provides a welcoming retreat within the New Forest National Park between Lymington and Beaulieu. Close to both the coast and forest, Keepings is perfect for discovering the many attractions of the area.
A single storey detached self-catering studio apartment sitting in a quiet leafy lane in the heart of the New Forest National Park providing an ideal base for exploring the areas many attractions. Within walking distance of Minstead (with pub and shop), Woodside Studio is close to Lyndhurst and just yards from the open forest.
Little Home Farm is a fabulous New Forest holiday home, half a mile from Lymington with fantastic views towards the Lymington River. It sleeps six people in three superb ensuite bedrooms and is ideal for families and friends. Walking, cycling, golf, sailing, and kayaking are readily accessible, while local attractions include Hurst Castle, Milford-on-Sea beach, and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. The welcoming cottage has recently been refurbished to a very high standard and features an enclosed garden with a seven-person hot tub. It's available for bookings all year round and is child-and-pet friendly.
If you are looking to explore the New Forest and the South Coast, Hucklesbrook Farm is a good choice and offers welcoming self-catering accommodation set around a courtyard on the owner's family farm. Ideally located, the forest tracks and trails where ponies roam freely are on the doorstep. Perfect for touring, relaxing and outdoor adventures. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Three 4 Star holiday homes in a courtyard setting on the owner's family farm within the New Forest. Ideally located, the self-catering cottages are a short drive from the sandy beaches of the South Coast offering guests the perfect combination of outdoor adventures and relaxing days by the sea. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Hucklesbrook Farm sits within the New Forest and is home to three Four Star holiday homes. Set around a courtyard the cottages are a short drive from the South Coast. Spend your days exploring the tracks and trails of the forest, browsing the shops or relaxing by the sea. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
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.
