The New Forest National Park ticks every box when planning the perfect holiday. Easy to reach? Check! It’s under 100 miles from London with excellent links to the M25 and the M3 to make the journey simple. Even better, for those who don’t want to drive, the area has eight train stations and trains run directly from handy locations such as London Waterloo Station, Southampton and Weymouth. Beautiful views? Check that one off the list as well! The New Forest has ancient woodlands, charming countryside and beautiful beaches and coastline, making it an ideal year-round destination for all types of travellers. Accommodation for all sizes and budgets? Absolutely! Visitors have an enormous choice of cottages to rent, ranging from listed thatched cottages to comfortable bungalows and contemporary barn conversions.
Tucked away in amongst it all is the pretty village of Burley, where New Forest ponies roam happily and the 16th Century pub hides a less-than-savoury secret. Read on to find out why staying in Burley should be the top of your list when planning a holiday in the New Forest. Read more
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.
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 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.
Helmsdale is everything you could wish for in a New Forest holiday cottage. Postcard pretty, this welcoming self catering retreat is perfectly placed just a short walk from the heart of the popular village of Burley, with shops and pubs for a meal out. With miles of forest tracks and trails to explore by bike, foot or horse back and the many attractions of the forest all around, Helmsdale is a popular choice for a family holiday or time away with friends.
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.
The New Forest National Park is the perfect family holiday destination. Not only is there a wealth of wonderful places to visit, from the Georgian market town of Lymington to the ancient Rufus Stone, but there is also a huge variety of activities to suit all ages. Keepers Cottage is only a few minutes' stroll from the centre of Burley, one of the most charming New Forest villages where there are great pubs like the Burley Inn. The holiday cottage comfortably accommodates six guests in three bedrooms and, depending on availability, can be booked together with the owner's other two properties close by to accommodate up to 14 people.
Blackbirds is a detached family holiday home on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Located on a peaceful residential cul-de-sac in Bransgore, it sleeps six people in three bedrooms with a securely enclosed garden and off-street parking. The self-catering amenities are excellent, but there are three pubs and a cafe within a short walk if you'd prefer not to cook. The village also has a small supermarket with more amenities in nearby Burley and Ringwood. Blackbirds has wonderfully leafy views and is within an easy drive of the coast for days at the beach.
"East Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. Rockbourne is an attractive country village, home to many tourist destinations, such as The New Forest which is one of England’s oldest and remaining forests which has officially been named a National Park. It offers many bridle and cycle paths...
"57 Cliff End" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Isle of Wight. Freshwater is a large village and civil parish resting on the Isle of Wight, England, on the south coast. It offers a selection of pubs, restaurants and supermarkets for your amenities. Close to the steep chalk cliffs and The Needles and...
"Little Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. Little Cottage is a delightful, well-appointed, pretty thatch and partly cob, ground floor one-bedroom cottage quietly situated on a private forest track inside the New Forest National Park in the hamlet of Tiptoe. Originally built around 200...
"The Well House" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 10 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. The vibrant Dorset seaside resort of Bournemouth offers something for everyone all year round. With seven miles of golden, award-winning, family friendly Blue Flag beaches, there are all kinds of watersports, boat trips and stunning gardens to...
"Solent Point - Two-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Isle of Wight. Boasting a private entrance, this holiday home also features 2 separate bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a shower. The holiday home's kitchen, which has kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. The holiday home features heating and...
"Hoppapill House" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Bournemouth is a vibrant seaside resort offering something for everyone all year round. With seven miles of award-winning beaches, there are plenty of watersports, boat trips and beautiful gardens to enjoy. The town's popular shopping centre...
"Apartment in Hampshire" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. The property is perfectly located in popular Barton on Sea. With stunning views over the cliffs towards the Isle of Wight, this apartment is an ideal base for those looking to explore the South Coast and beyond. With Lymington just 7 miles...
"Cottage in Hampshire" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. A beautiful annexe, located within the owner's grounds, situated just outside Lymington, an ideal base to explore the surrounding areas. Enjoy local days out where you will discover some amazing places to visit, from the ancient oak woodlands...
"Saltbox 5 - One-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Isle of Wight. The holiday home's kitchen, which features kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This holiday home has a private entrance, heating and a TV. The unit has 1 bed.
"Kittiwake, Highcliffe-on-Sea" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This stylish property is in the heart of the coastal town of Highcliffe-on-Sea, within walking distance of Highcliffe and Avon beaches, Mudeford Quay, and the historic town of Christchurch. The New Forest National Park is also within easy reach...
"Dogwood" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Wiltshire. Redlynch is a small village resting upon the cusp of the New Forest National Park in Wiltshire. Home to a Post Office with village shop and The Woodfalls Inn and The King's Head pubs, the village is also well-positioned near the amenities of...
"Stud Farm Barn" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Hampshire. New for 2024 Location is key with this charming cosy barn conversion. Stud Farm Barn is set within a smallholding surrounded by 3 acres of grazing land and situated in the beautiful valley of Mead End on the outskirts...
"Delaware M2" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Isle of Wight. The attractive seaside town of Yarmouth is the oldest town on the Isle of Wight, and its busy harbour is a haven for all kinds of watercraft, with the terminal used for regular mainland ferry crossings to Lymington. Yarmouth’s narrow streets...
"Laridae's Hideaway" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. New for 2024 Laridae’s Hideaway is a welcoming ground floor apartment in the vibrant village of Southbourne. The accommodation comprises two spacious bedrooms, a living room/diner ideal for relaxation and a...
"Solent View - Two-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Isle of Wight. Featuring a private entrance, this holiday home consists of 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a kitchen. The holiday home's kitchen, which features kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This holiday home provides heating, a TV and...
"Cape 9 - Two-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Isle of Wight. The holiday home's kitchen, which has kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This holiday home features a private entrance, heating and a TV. The unit offers 3 beds.
"Buttercup Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Wiltshire. Redlynch is a small village resting upon the cusp of the New Forest National Park in Wiltshire. Home to a Post Office with village shop and The Woodfalls Inn and The King's Head pubs, the village is also well-positioned near the amenities of...
"Beach Breeze No.4" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This contemporary 2 bedroom, ground floor apartment is located along a gorgeous tree-lined road in the sought after area of Branksome. The property is in a prime location and is within walking distance...
"8 Munday Cottages" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Isle of Wight. Yarmouth is the oldest town on the Isle of Wight, and its bustling harbour is a haven for all types of watercraft, with the terminal serving regular mainland ferry crossings to Lymington. Yarmouth's small alleys are lined with charming shops...
"The Old Bank" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. The Old Bank is a luxurious apartment within the recently developed former bank in the heart of the New Forest village of Brockenhurst. Furnished to a high standard throughout, the sumptuous open plan living space opens up onto a small private...
"La Fontanella No.2" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.
"Blue Waters 8" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth. Southbourne is a small suburb of Bournemouth in England. The village plays host to a number of facilities including a selection of restaurants, pubs, cafes, shops and a sandy beach. It is a short drive to Bournemouth, where you will find miles...
"Larch Cottage - Uk36198 - Two-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. The holiday home's kitchen, which has kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. The holiday home features a washing machine, a private entrance and heating. The unit has 2 beds.
"Cape 4 - Two-Bedroom Holiday Home" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Isle of Wight. The holiday home's kitchen, which features kitchenware, is available for cooking and storing food. This holiday home has a private entrance, heating and a TV. The unit has 3 beds.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
BurleyFordingbridgeLymingtonLyndhurstNew MiltonSome local suggestions:
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1. Free-Roaming Ponies - Untethered, wandering ponies and cattle was once a daily sight around many parts of the New Forest. Known as “commoning”, Burley is one of the few villages where this still happens, and it gives the area a relaxing, traditional feel that is worlds away from modern cities and suburbs.
2. A Secret Underbelly - Burley was once an important, if secret, point on a smuggling route. The Queens Head pub on The Cross started life as a blacksmith forge in 1685, later becoming a watering hole favoured by smugglers and highwaymen. As you sip your pint, think about the secret cellar beneath your feet which held a trove of weapons, money and contraband alcohol hidden and forgotten for centuries.
3. Walking, Cycling and Horse riding - The New Forest is the ideal environment for being outdoors. Burley’s location is close to favourite footpaths, cycling routes and bridleways to make it easy and enjoyable to explore. Those who need to hire a bicycle can do so from Forest Leisure Cycling in the village centre, while the nearby Burley Villa Riding School offers horse riding lessons and guided rides for all abilities. A novel way to explore is in a horse-drawn wagon, with Burley Wagon Rides being a regular sight around the area.
4. An Ancient Landscape - Crossing the border into the New Forest is immediately apparent as it is like stepping back in time. Strict rules around development protect this unique environment which includes areas of ancient woodland, pasture and health. William the Conquerer loved it so much that he decided only royalty should be allowed to hunt there, with now-extinct wild boar being the prey of choice. Now, the forest is a haven for a plethora of birds and wildlife which thrive in the beautiful environment.
5. Bound for War - The trees in the New Forest do not only look and smell amazing. Their existence also provided timber to the Royal Navy. The enormous oak woodland so close to the sea was too good for shipbuilders to ignore, and New Forest oaks were felled for the navy from the mid-1600s until the mid-1800s. The hamlet of Buckler’s Hard, around half an hour’s drive from Burley, was the focus of shipbuilding in the New Forest and the entire village is now a Maritime Museum. Remnants of the role the New Forest played in Britain’s military past are at Hurst Castle, a privately run museum with incredible views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Closer to home are the remains of the Iron Age fort on Castle Hill just outside of Burley.
6. Eat, Drink and Shop - The fresh air and potential for hours of exercise lead to hearty appetites which visitors to Burley will find easy to satisfy. The Burley Food Trail is a walking and cycling loop passing New Forest Cider and the Cider Pantry Tearoom, The White Buck, Burley Fudge Shop, and Caraccios Sweet Shop, as well as fantastic stores selling homewares, gifts, china and crystals.
7. New Forest Attractions - Burley is close to some of the New Forest’s most popular attractions. Within half an hour’s drive are places like Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, the National Motor Museum, six golf courses, Lymington and the ferry to the Isle of Wight, the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and so much more.
Once you visit the New Forest, you will understand why William the Conquerer wanted to keep it for himself. It is a beautiful example of a landscape and traditions that remain unchanged for centuries. Burley’s charm and location make it the perfect place for a self-catering holiday in the New Forest.
