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
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 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.
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.
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.
A stylish holiday retreat in a quiet spot, ideally located within three minutes walking distance of the centre of the popular New Forest village of Burley where ponies and cattle roam freely. Beautiful forest walks and bike rides on the doorstep as well as pubs and shops.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Spend a romantic break in the New Forest in this lovely Shepherds Hut, which offers the option of on-site livery. It is finished and furnished to a high standard so you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and freedom of camping without sacrificing a hot shower or a comfortable bed. The hut is on Rushcroft Farm, just five minutes from Sway where there are two friendly pubs, an excellent butcher and a train station. Lymington is only four miles from the farm, with Beaulieu, Bucklers Hard and Lyndhurst also within easy reach. Available from April - October.
Rushcroft Lodge sits in the New Forest National Park on the edge of the Hampshire village of Sway. With easy access to the coast (Lymington is just 4 miles) and direct forest access from the front door, this welcoming comfy holiday cottage is a good choice for walkers, cyclists and horse riders (on-site livery available for those who wish to bring their own horse). A great self-catering base for visiting the many attractions of the New Forest.
One of three holiday cottages located at Rushcroft Farm in the appealing Hampshire village of Sway within the boundaries of the New Forest National Park. A perfect base for exploring the areas many attractions, the farm offers guests direct access out onto miles of forest tracks and trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. Take the ferry from nearby Lymington (4 miles away) to the Isle of Wight, visit Beaulieu Motor Museum, or spend the day at the coast with the beach at Milford on Sea within easy reach by car and Bournemouth, Poole and Southampton accessible by train.
A welcoming holiday retreat in the Hampshire village of Sway with forest walks straight from the front door. Sitting within the New Forest National Park, Rushcroft Farm is ideal for walkers, cyclists, horse riders (on-site livery available) and those who want to visit the areas many attractions. Just four miles from Lymington and within easy reach of the coast.
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.
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.
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.
The Boat Shed has been designed to pack a considerable amount into a compact area while still feeling spacious and welcoming. The ground floor provides studio-style accommodation with a sofa that opens into the main bed, and a clever kitchen is hidden away behind smooth cupboard doors. It's a fantastic retreat for couples or individuals but has a 4ft-wide mezzanine bed to sleep an extra person or two children who don't mind sharing. The Boat Shed is steps away from Lymington Royal Yacht Club and the fantastic Mayflower pub, and only a short walk from the historic town centre and Solent Way footpath.
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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.
