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
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.
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.
"West Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. This detached, 19th century building can be found in Rockbourne, Hampshire. It is the perfect location for exploring the unspoilt countryside of Cranborne Chase and the cathedral cities of Salisbury and the South Dorset coast, all within...
"The Retreat" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Dorset. Ferndown is a lovely town resting just outside of the coastal town of Bournemouth, Dorset. Ferndown is home to a selection of pubs, eateries, shops and convenience stores where you can enjoy a hearty meal and stock up on essentials, and there...
"1 Bed Lodge in Beaulieu" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. Additional information and rules - 1 double bedroom - 1 bathroom with shower over the bath - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge with ice compartment, dishwasher and washer/dryer - Wood burner - TV in the lounge - Hair Dryer -...
"7 Admirals Court" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. This recently updated and beautifully presented first floor apartment is located in a prime position overlooking the bustling Town Quay and Lymington River. Just a few minutes walk to the High Street, with its array of cafes, pubs, shops and...
"The Old Mill" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. The Old Mill is a cute, stylish apartment, tucked away just behind Lymington Quay and river beyond, right in the heart of all that this bustling sailing town has to offer. Set over three floors, an airy mezzanine bedroom occupies the top floor,...
"Pinns Farm Bungalow" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. This delightful detached farm cottage offers a rural retreat of complete peace and privacy. Step out of the door and you are in a large sunny garden that is encouraged to act as a wildlife haven for both animal and plant life...
"Hill Farm Cottage" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Isle of Wight. The pretty town of Freshwater and Freshwater Bay make the perfect base for a great holiday. The main town is full of eclectic little shops, with a choice of lovely restaurants and some good hotels. Freshwater Bay is a picturesque location that...
"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...
"Carrington Stables" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Nestled behind a charming period property, Carrington Stables is a beautifully finished one-bedroom annex offering a tranquil and comfortable escape on the south coast. Thoughtfully designed with a calming, coastal-inspired palette, the living...
"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...
"Tangles" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Tangles is a quaint, pretty terraced cottage set on a private track in the small hamlet of Burley Street. This beautifully presented holiday home has a peaceful sunny garden abundant with fruit trees. An open fire makes Tangles an ideal choice...
"1 Bed Cottage in Godshill" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 super king-size bedroom - 1 shower room with WC - Copper freestanding bath in bedroom area - Electric hob, fridge and microwave - Underfloor heating throughout - Smart TV in...
"Walnut Barn" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Walnut Barn is a sympathetically converted former lambing barn set within the walnut orchards of the owner’s farm. The rural views and tranquil setting make for a peaceful escape to this beautiful part of the New Forest National Park, and the...
"Cliff Tops" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This wonderful, character apartment is situated in an elevated position overlooking the beach. Cliff Tops boasts a large private garden with panoramic views which take in the coastline from Bournemouth to Sandbanks and far reaching sea views...
"Oakdene Forest Park - Holiday Accommodation 21926" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Dorset.
"Beachcroft" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. We adore this charming cottage set just back from Southbourne’s, bustling high Street offering a wide range of bars and eateries and just 10 minutes stroll from the golden sands of Southbourne Beach.. Ground Floor:...
"Royden Manor Annexe" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. This charming little cottage is situated in the grounds of a Manor House, with the most wonderful views over fields and the Lymington River towards woods beyond. .
"Coach House Apartment" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This charming two-bedroom, first-floor apartment offers a cosy and comfortable stay. Ideal for a relaxing holiday, featuring modern amenities, a spacious living area, and a prime location for exploring nearby attractions.. 12 steps to...
"West Ridge" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Boscombe is a lively seaside community located between Bournemouth and Southbourne. A rebuilt Victorian Pier with a stretch of cafés and art displays, as well as crazy golf for family amusement, can be found in the old village. Beachfront pubs...
"The Penthouse - Marine House" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Hampshire. The pretty seaside village of Milford on Sea is a wonderful base for a coastal getaway. Its long, pretty beach, boasting views out to the Isle of Wight and The Needles, is lined with brightly coloured beach huts, giving it a lovely, traditional...
"Holly House" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 7 guests in Wiltshire. Holly House is a tastefully furnished family holiday home in the small village of Nomansland. Comfortably sleeping seven guests in four bedrooms and pet friendly, the whole family can relax and enjoy all that this quiet area of the New Forest...
"The Annex" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. A charming market town with a rich history and the magnificent Minster church at its centre is Wimborne Minster. There are many stores and cafes to choose from where you can relax and explore the charming alleys and courtyards. The town is...
"Gwydn Lodge" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Downton is a hamlet along the coast of Hampshire, England. The hamlet has a convenience shop and a neighbourhood bar where you may get any last-minute necessities. Barton-on-Sea and Milford-on-Sea, two beach communities nearby, both offer a...
"The Otter - UK40927" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. We just adore this stylish home, perfectly located to explore the charming town of Christchurch and the golden sandy beaches of Bournemouth.. Ground Floor: Living room/kitchen: Freeview Smart TV, Breakfast...
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
BurleyFordingbridgeHytheLymingtonLyndhurstNew MiltonRingwoodSome 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.
