Top Things to do in New Forest National Park Hampshire
7 Historic Sites in New Forest National Park Hampshire That You Shouldn't Miss
If you need a word to perfectly describe New Forest, “welcoming” would be it. The lowland (i.e. no mountains) park is filled with scenic views and wide trails that beg to be explored as they wind through centuries-old woodlands. Visit Bolderwood, a protected forest and deer sanctuary that was once the hunting grounds of the Norman kings. Fish at Moors Valley before heading skyward for a treetops walk. Prefer the country-house life? Head to Beaulieu, where you can get lost in the Victorian-era at the Palace House before following in the footsteps of medieval monks at the property’s abbey.
Restaurants in New Forest National Park Hampshire
1. Lymington War Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Hurst Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,314 reviews
Located within the New Forest National Park, Hurst Castle is situated on the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire. Built by Henry VIII as a chain of fortresses to protect the Solent in 1544, this is the site where Charles I was imprisoned in 1648 before being taken to his trial and execution in London. The castle was modernised during the Napoleonic wars and again in the 1870s when the enormous armoured wings were added, making it the largest coastal fort in the world. Two of the huge 38-ton guns installed in the 1870s can be viewed in their casemates together with other weapons developed through 412 years of military use. During World War II, Hurst was manned with coastal gun batteries and searchlights. You can get to Hurst Castle by ferry from Keyhaven Quay (sat nav postcode: SO41 0TP) or you can walk along the shingle Hurst Spit. The castle is currently closed, however refreshments are available from outside the castle.
Reviewed By LondonConyers - London, United Kingdom
Our visit to Hurst Castle was definitely a highlight of our trip to the New Forest, probably second only to a particularly great tree at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. We had a very enjoyable mooch around (tudor castle to the left, tea room to the right) learning about the history (built by Henry VIII, King Charles I was a prisoner there) and enjoying the views from the top. Room 8 is definitely worth a visit. Excellent lighting.
3. Beaulieu Palace House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By Bhav370 - London, United Kingdom
Very pleasant experience, i've always enjoyed doing tours of historical houses experiencing how people lived back in the day. The staff are dressed as they would've been back then and are very helpful, polite and have quite a bit of historical knowledge of the Palace.
4. St Thomas and All Saints Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By lucyhelliker - Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom
I love visiting churches and this one was very interesting. It’s attractive outside, at the top of the high street, and inside it is cool white space of peace. The main body of the church is totally open plan with an altar brought forward for Covid-coping services. A wooden gallery runs around the upper space and there are numerous plaques and testimonials which are fab to read. Lovely!
5. Buckler's Hard
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,790 reviews
On the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest, you will find the peaceful haven of Buckler’s Hard, the unique and picturesque village where warships for Nelson’s navy were built. Visit the historic cottage displays recreating 18th century life, take a delightful riverside walk or enjoy a cruise on the tranquil Beaulieu River. Gift shop and Captain’s Cabin Cafe. Open every day (except Christmas Day).
Reviewed By Shrimp2363
Enjoy being by the water, watch the boats and yachts cruising by, enjoy a boat trip up the estuary towards the Solent and then a refreshing drink and food at the pub. The workers cottages are very quaint and it has the museum there too.
6. Rufus Stone
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By bluenose43 - Frome, United Kingdom
I had not visited this historic site for many years. However at the end of a hot day we stopped here for a picnic and to take in the last few hours of sunshine. I photographed the place where King William the second (nicknamed Rufus) was shot accidentally by Sir Walter Tyrrell. Lovely part of the New Forest.
7. Rockbourne Roman Villa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 46 reviews
Rockbourne Roman Villa is a unique archaeological site and museum, situated in a peaceful part of Hampshire near the historic town of Fordingbridge, on the edge of the New Forest. Here you can walk amongst the remains of the largest known villa complex in the area, which once stood in the centre of a large farming estate. Its history spans the period from the Iron Age to the 5th century AD. The villa site includes the remains of bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops. You can also see the best preserved of the mosaics discovered here, as well as part of the underfloor heating system and the outline of the villa's forty rooms. Many of the finds from the site are displayed thematically in the museum and tell the story of what life was like in this fascinating place. Outside, information boards guide you around the site and there is a family friendly trail that accompanies them.
Reviewed By W3496ROjohnl - Fordingbridge, United Kingdom
Nice little museum , Grand kids enjoyed dressing up and completing the quiz Very interesting place in the lovely countryside near Fordingbridge where the old roman quay is
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