New Forest Travel Guide

Plan your trip to New Forest with this comprehensive travel guide that includes information on places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to New Forest

Located in Hampshire, South East England, the New Forest is a popular destination known for its beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and rich history. Established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago, the New Forest has since become a designated National Park, attracting visitors from all over the world.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through a list of places to visit in New Forest, hiking and biking routes, the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat and drink, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in New Forest

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Beaulieu Abbey
  • Buckler’s Hard
  • Exbury Gardens
  • Furzey Gardens
  • New Forest Centre Museum
  • Palace House

Natural Attractions of New Forest: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
  • Blackwater Arboretum
  • New Forest Wildlife Park
  • Hengistbury Head
  • Hurst Castle
  • Lymington Sea Water Baths

Hiking/Biking Routes of New Forest

If you’re looking for a challenging hike, there are plenty of options in New Forest. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • The Solent Way
  • The Lyndhurst Circular Walk
  • The Rufus Stone Walk
  • The Brockenhurst Circular Walk

For those who prefer biking, check out:

  • Burley Village to Wilverley Plain
  • Boldre Woodland Trails
  • The New Forest Cycle Route

Best Things to Do in New Forest: Activities and Tours

  • Horse Riding
  • Watersports
  • Fishing
  • Adventure Parks
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides
  • Guided Tours

Week-Long Itinerary for New Forest

Day 1: Arrival and check into your accommodation. Spend the day exploring Lyndhurst, the ‘capital’ of the New Forest.

Day 2: Head to the coast and visit Hurst Castle, before taking a ferry to the Isle of Wight.

Day 3: Go on a guided hike or bike tour of the New Forest, taking in the stunning scenery.

Day 4: Visit Exbury Gardens and Furzey Gardens for a relaxing day amidst beautiful surroundings.

Day 5: Explore the cultural attractions of the New Forest, including Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House.

Day 6: Enjoy a day of outdoor activities, such as horse riding or watersports.

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of New Forest

Must-Try Dishes

  • New Forest Venison
  • Pannage Pork
  • Hampshire Smoked Trout
  • Lymington Crab
  • Local cheeses

Local Beverages

  • Ringwood Brewery Beers
  • Lymington Gin
  • Hampshire Wine

Where to Stay in New Forest: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Pig
  • Chewton Glen
  • Forest Lodge Hotel
  • The Master Builder’s House Hotel
  • The Bell Inn

What to Buy in New Forest: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local cheeses
  • New Forest fudge
  • Lymington Gin
  • Souvenir tea towels
  • Local produce

Local Culture and Customs of New Forest

The New Forest is a diverse area with a number of cultural customs. Visitors should respect these customs and rules, such as:

  • Keeping to the designated paths to avoid damaging protected wildlife
  • Being respectful of the free-roaming animals
  • Taking care not to litter or damage the natural environment

Best Time to Visit New Forest

The New Forest can be visited year-round, but the best times are during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and the flora is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of New Forest

Do:

  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities available in the New Forest
  • Respect the natural environment and wildlife
  • Take care when driving on the narrow roads

Don’t:

  • Leave litter or damage the natural environment
  • Approach or feed the free-roaming animals
  • Park outside designated parking areas

Safety and Health

Safety in New Forest

The New Forest is generally a safe place to visit, but visitors should take care when hiking or biking in the area, especially in remote areas.

Health in New Forest

Healthcare in the New Forest consists of a number of hospitals, clinics, and general practitioner surgeries.

Getting to New Forest: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near New Forest

  • Southampton Airport
  • Bournemouth Airport
  • Heathrow Airport

Bus Stations Near New Forest

  • Lyndhurst Bus Station
  • Brockenhurst Village Centre Bus Station
  • Lymington Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxi and private hire options are available in the area

How to Get Around in New Forest

The best way to get around the New Forest is by car or bike. Additionally, there are a few bus routes connecting the major towns and villages.

Where to Go Next from New Forest: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Isle of Wight
  • Salisbury and Stonehenge
  • Southampton

Conclusion

The New Forest is a beautiful and diverse destination with something to offer for everyone. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions, this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to this stunning national park.

New Forest ponies New Forest ponies New Forest ponies grazing on heathland New Forest ponies grazing on heathland The Rufus Stone The Rufus Stone Bucklers Hard, major shipbuilding centre during the Napoleonic Wars Bucklers Hard, major shipbuilding centre during the Napoleonic Wars Beaulieu River cutting through Longwater Lawn Beaulieu River cutting through Longwater Lawn