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
A much loved family holiday home for over thirty years, Graylands Cottage affords a tranquil position with lovely views, nicely tucked away in the New Forest National Park with walks starting from the cottage gate. Spend your days exploring the forest by foot, pony trekking, cycling, getting out and about exploring the areas many attractions or simply sitting back in the large garden and soaking up the lovely views and wildlife.
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
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.
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 well-equipped holiday cottage located in the attractive downland village of Rockbourne near to the New Forest National Park, Cranborne Chase and Salisbury. Garden Cottage is deal for relaxing, walking or visiting Hampshire's many attractions.
A warm welcome awaits at Mary's Barn. Set in the grounds of the owner's thatched property, this delightful holiday home is ideally placed in the very heart of the New Forest National Park with forest walks and bike rides straight from the front door. Perfect for relaxing or exploring the areas many attractions.
This charming and homely holiday cottage is tucked away down a country lane in the pretty village of West Dean on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border. With an open fire place for cosy winter nights in and a stunning garden for alfresco dining in the summer, it is always a good time of year to visit this idyllic spot. Enjoy country walks from the door, leisurely pub lunches or explore the delights of the New Forest National Park and the Jurassic coast. No 4 Railway Cottage sleeps four guests in two double bedrooms and well behaved dogs are welcome too.
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.
Fernlea is a fresh family home with space for up to five people to sleep in three bedrooms. It's in the quiet residential village of Sway, three miles from Brockenhurst and within easy reach of Lymington. It's perfect as a base for exploring the New Forest National Park as well as the Hampshire coastline. The area is rich with opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, golf and other outdoor activities. Local attractions include Buckler's Hard, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Monkey World, Paulton's Park and Peppa Pig World.
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.
This impressive holiday house is located in a fantastic position in the heart of the coastal town of Lymington. Refurbished to a high standard with extra thoughtful touches throughout, Courtyard House provides the perfect mix of indulgence and comfort. Sleeping six guests in three beautiful bedrooms it is perfect for families and friends who want to explore the Hampshire coast and New Forest National Park. Spend your days walking and cycling along the many footpaths and bike routes, enjoy a number of different watersports or visit the National Motor Museum, Bucklers Hard and even the Isle of Wight.
Chocolate box pretty, this delightful thatched holiday cottage sits in the Hampshire village of Winsor in the New Forest National Park. Oozing character features beautifully blended with modern conveniences, Thimble Cottage is just a mile from the open forest with fantastic walks and miles of cycling to enjoy.
You and your family will have all the space you need at Lions Lodge. The three-bedroom holiday home sleeps seven people, but the vast backyard makes this place stand out. There is a large lawn, seating and a patio with a hot tub so you can soak your tired legs and sunburned shoulders after a day cycling through the New Forest, climbing at Go Ape, or swimming and surfing at Bournemouth. There are two pubs within walking distance of this welcoming self-catering rental in this quiet village near Ringwood and Poole.
Well equipped, this spacious Regency-style holiday home sits in a quiet part of Pennington near Lymington on the outskirts of the New Forest National Park and is well placed for enjoying everything that both the forest and coast have to offer. Fabulous walks and an abundance of attractions for day trips out.
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
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
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
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.
Put your feet up in the stylish surroundings of Wild Rabbit Cottage. Beautifully decorated and extremely well-equipped, it's just outside New Milton and within easy reach of the New Forest National Park, Hampshire Coast, and favourite attractions like the National Motor Museum, Buckler's Hard, and Peppa Pig World. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms, with accommodation suitable for guests over the age of eight. A well-behaved dog is also welcome, and many of the beaches and local pubs are dog-friendly.
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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.
