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
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
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.
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.
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 farm holiday in this lovely holiday cottage on Michlemersh Manor Farm near Romsey. Foxglove Cottage sleeps four people in two double bedrooms and is welcoming and comfortable for couples or families. The farm has roots going back to 1205. The current owners raise dairy cows and sheep, and it's a great way to introduce children to the delights of country life. There are excellent footpaths and cycling routes nearby. Days out can include exploring the New Forest National Park, shopping and sightseeing in Salisbury and Winchester, visiting Stonehenge, or sunning yourself on Hampshire beaches like Milford-on-Sea.
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.
With its quiet location within walking distance of the centre of Brockenhurst, Hazel House is perfect for large or extended families or groups of friends who want a comfortable holiday house from which to explore the beautiful New Forest National Park. There is little passing traffic (safe for free-roaming ponies, donkeys and deer) and the house has space for up to eight guests (plus an infant) in four bedrooms. Favourite New Forest attractions like Beaulieu National Motor Museum are nearby, whilst the beach and Solent are only a few miles away.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Set in the New Forest National Park, Bowerswood is a large 5-6 bedroom house accommodating up to 12 people, ideal for 2-3 families holidaying together, extended family gatherings or single families who just want lots of space. There is plenty of room for everyone in the house and a garden extending to 0.6 acres. There is an above-ground swimming pool in the garden, plus a games room with table tennis, table football etc and garden cabin with snooker table. The New Forest National Park provides great opportunities for walking, cycling and horse-riding. The medieval city of Salisbury is 15-minutes away and Stonehenge 30-minutes. The sandy beaches at Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch are just 35-40 minutes away. Up to 4 pets are allowed.
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.
Treat yourself to a healthy dose of R&R in the New Forest National Park. Bluebell Copse Cottages is on a family-run farm in Winsor, 10 minutes from Peppa Pig World, 20 minutes from Lyndhurst, and with fantastic walks and bike rides from the door. It sleeps six people in three bedrooms (two kings with ensuite and one double) and is ideal for families and friends. You can walk to the local pub and farm shop and spend happy days exploring before returning for a barbecue and a soak in the private outdoor hot tub. The self-catering holiday cottage is highly convenient for the M27 and favourite New Forest sights and attractions despite its wonderfully quiet location.
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.
In an enviable position with direct forest access in the New Forest National Park close to the renowned beauty spot of Hatchet Pond between Lymington, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu this spacious comfy and well equipped holiday cottage has a versatile layout which makes it suitable for couples and family groups alike.
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.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
BurleyFordingbridgeLymingtonNew MiltonSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly New Forest cottagesOr search further afield:
Search within South and South East England
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.
