Top Things to do in New Forest National Park Hampshire
What to do and see in New Forest National Park Hampshire, England: The Best Free Things to do
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. New Forest National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,810 reviews
The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today.
Reviewed By Allwyna - Geneva, Switzerland
An amazing place nestled in Southern England .. Some of the closer town which boost of scenic boutique hotels are Lyndhurst, Burley and Romsey... The entire forest is absolutely scenic, stunning and lush.. you could easily see grazing Horse, cattle and deers.. Surely a perfect get away from London as it’s just a 2 hours drive and offers you a perfect relaxing moment to create memories to cherish. Plenty of places to visit if you intend to relax, rejuvenate, organize a team or family gathering, wedding plans or just want to hike by yourself to spent a me time secluded from the rest of the world.., I spent my 2 nights at White Buck Burley (separate review uploaded).. Their are many great restaurant options around town but surely recommend to drive down as having a car or bike is important... Enjoy and live your life...
2. St Mary, Breamore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
3. Pondhead Conservation Trust
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Newforestfan
There’s more to this inclosure once you walk around it, follow the path,, use the QR codes to access information bites and you’ll learn more about coppicing and hopefully see a buzzard and revel in the tranquility and admire the beautiful beeches.
4. New Forest National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom
Beautiful part of the world, plenty of opportunities to explore, even with busy traffic, the ponies are an ever present bonus.
5. The Solent Way Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
Starting from Milford-on-Sea, this is a two-mile walk alongthe coast, ending at Hurst Castle, an ancient monument open year 'round, with a cafe. A ferry runs from the village of Keyhaven from Easter through summer months.
Reviewed By juliaandadam123 - Ashford, United Kingdom
We had some child free time and so got away for a couple of days and found ourselves having a lovely walk alongside the Solent. Paths were a bit wet (it’s a soggy November!!!) but views pleasant.
6. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 355 reviews
There is a viewing platform for deer. Picturesque forest and national park for the family. Very picturesque and ponies wonder around. It was very busy Easter Weekend but still and enjoyable day out, getting back to nature.
Reviewed By julianf982 - Holt, United Kingdom
This place is well worth a visit. There is no official charge, though a donation is requested on the voluntary parking meter. Parking space is extensive. We saw some beautiful fallow deer and had a very pleasant walk on a well waymarked woodland path. The downside was a thundery downpour towards the end of our walk. However, this did not unduly spoil the afternoon. If you like typical British woodland you will like this place.
7. Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Reviewed By SasPetAV - Birmingham, United Kingdom
Lovely place for a stroll around the pond, beautiful surroundings as well as horses and cattle too. So peacefully ... we’ll worth a stop
8. Robert Perera Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Robert Perera Fine Art Gallery in Lymington is one of the leading South Coast Galleries and shows work by New Forest and nationally know artists, both contemporary and antique. You may have seen the galley on BBC's Flog-It!. We have on show works by two of the top New Forest artists, Barry Peckam RI and Robert King RSMA, showing scenes of the New Forest and the Solent including Lymington marshes, Keyhaven, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Yarmouth, Cowes, Hurst Castle and the Needles. We also show Royal Academy artists including Terry Frost RA, Tracey Emin RA, Sir Peter Blake RA, Hamilton Fraser RA and Dame Elisabeth Frink RA. On the period side we are specialist dealers in the work of marine artist William Lionel Wyllie RA b.1851 and perhaps have the largest collection of his etchings for sale in the world! His work includes views of the Thames, yachting in the Solent and HMS Victory in Portsmouth to name a few. We also have a varied collection of Modern British paintings and interesting prints including rare Grosvenor school linocuts. The collection is rounded off with Isle of Wight studio glass, Hoselton aluminium sailboats, Fine Art greetings cards and bespoke framing.
9. Fordingbridge Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By PenguinSalad - Poole, United Kingdom
What a wonderful little museum this is. We decided to pop in for an hour or two and loved seeing the dolls house, the air raid shelter and all the information on Augustus John. The staff were knowledgeable and very friendly, and it was a lovely few hours with our little one. They even had fancy dress clothing for kids (ours was a little too small for them) Well worth a visit and a donation to keep this little gem going.
10. Woodside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By BobBonHere - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom
These gardens are lovely and beautifully maintained. Covering a large area there’s something for everyone including some lovely flowers and benches for the elderly; a children’s play area (including a skate park) and a ‘fairy trail’ for the really young.’ Highly recommended.
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