Cottages in The New Forest

With hundreds of miles of cycle paths, endless hiking trails and water sports on the sea and lakes, there’s outdoor fun galore for everyone in The New Forest, no matter your age or ability. Twitchers will love the many fascinating bird reserves such as Acres Down or Roydon Woods. Of course, one of the best ways to explore The New Forest is on horseback. You can join a group of riders from Arniss Equestrian in Fordingbridge, or Bagnum Equestrian Centre, amongst many more. Whatever activity you choose, you will come home refreshed and enchanted after your New Forest holiday experience.

The New Forest is synonymous with its wild ponies which roam freely through much of the forest, as well as its pretty towns and villages. Don’t be surprised if you find them on the local village green. Never feed the ponies, but you can watch and wonder at one of the only wild pony communities in the UK. As well as ponies, you are likely to spot wild donkeys, especially around Brockenhurst and Burley. While not technically wild, pigs also roam the New Forest, released each year to eat the acorns and chestnuts. Not only do the pigs thrive on them but it stops the ponies eating them, for whom they are dangerously poisonous!

The New Forest boasts some of the South of England’s finest pub restaurants, with pricing to suit all budgets. Enjoy live music at the Fox and Hounds in Lyndhurst while sampling its craft beer and locally-produced food par excellence. The Rose and Thistle pub is found in the delightful village of Rockbourne. Its thatched roof and oldy-worldy exterior beckons you into its open-beamed rooms and welcoming fireplace. Don’t miss their slow-roasted belly pork - divine! One of The New Forest’s more unusual pubs is Lanes, set in a converted church. Enjoy a glass of their first-rate wine and delightful food among the chapel’s alcoves.

Hanger Farm Arts Centre in nearby Southampton is a unique arts and theatre centre offering a variety of fabulous entertainment from musical theatre to comedy. You may also find yoga classes and other events happening depending on when you visit.

From the pretty village of Burley towards the south west of The New Forest comes the sweet aroma of fresh, home-made fudge. Treat yourself and then set up a regular order for home delivery to keep a taste of The New Forest with you when you get home!

Choose from three routes around The New Forest using just one ticket! Hop on, hop off all day and get a bird’s eye view of wild ponies, open plains, dense forest and, of course, the picturesque towns and villages.

One of the New Forest’s prettiest villages, Beaulieu is also home to the award winning National Motor Museum. In the museum you’ll find a vast collection of cars and motorcycles and motor related displays to drive your interest!

This Alice in Wonderland themed park in nearby Bournemouth is designed for the younger children, with a maze, ball play centre, children’s roller coaster and spinning tea cups among the many wondrous attractions. If you visit around Christmas time don’t be surprised if you also get a special visit from Santa and friends!

Set in the heart of The New Forest, Buckler’s Hard was the location of the shipbuilders for Nelson’s navy. This wonderful interactive museum explaining how Buckler’s Hard was an important ship building centre is a must-visit – a huge contrast to the peaceful and tranquil village that you’ll find now!

Stand up and paddle on a paddle board in Milford on Sea – an unusual way to explore the water which is challenging for all, but accessible even to quite young children. Try a multi-person board or paddle out on your own, the choice is yours.