The New Forest isn’t just another national park – it’s a slice of British paradise where ancient woodlands meet wild ponies and hidden treasures await around every corner. Let me share the inside scoop on the absolute best experiences you won’t want to miss.
Let’s check out the list of the best things to do in the New Forest right.
1.New Forest National Park
Got a thing for the great outdoors? You’ll feel right at home here. The park’s sprawling heathland and winding trails are perfect for adventure seekers. Don’t miss Bolderwood, where you can spot majestic deer while enjoying your packed lunch. It’s the heart and soul of the New Forest, stretching across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire like a patchwork quilt of nature’s finest work.
2. Exbury Gardens
Here’s a gem that’ll make your day – a 20-minute steam railway journey through stunning gardens. At £18.75, you’ll get access to both the railway and gardens. The Summer Lane Garden’s a real treat, leading you past serene ponds and into the gorgeous American Garden. It’s like stepping into a living postcard.
3. St. Barbe Museum
Right in Lymington’s heart, this award-winning museum’s got more stories than a library. What makes it special? The exhibitions keep changing, so there’s always something fresh to see. You’ll get a proper taste of local history through amazing artwork and artifacts.
4. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
An observation platform overlooks a huge meadows region at which a group of fallow deer usually gathers at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. When they’re not there, wait until mealtime. It is between midday and 3 p.m., and they’ll come running.
The deer sanctuary has several excellent hiking paths, such as one across Bolderwood’s Ancient and Ornamental Woodland. One of the nicest options to do in the New Forest is to hike around. Douglas Fir and Redwoods, native beech, and oak are among the tallest trees in the New Forest. They’ve been here for a long time. Seeing a deer is probably one of the best things to do in the New Forest.
5. The Beach at Milford on Sea
This charming coastal spot’s got it all. Take a 40-minute stroll to Henry VIII’s Hurst Castle for some proper British history with a view. Fancy some Mediterranean flavours? There’s a cracking Greek restaurant in town that’ll hit the spot.
6. Cycling Around The New Forest
Cycling here’s like riding through a living painting. Woods Cyclery in Lymington sorts you out with bike rentals if you haven’t brought your own. Miles of cycling tracks mean you can explore till your heart’s content.
7. The National Motor Museum
For £15, you’ll get to feast your eyes on 250 classic cars that’ll make any petrolhead weak at the knees. The World of Top Gear exhibition’s thrown in too – talk about value for money! Palace House is the cherry on top with its fascinating secret army display.
8. New Forest Otter; Owl and Wildlife Park
The New Forest Otter, Owl, and Wildlife Park, where you can view these two breeds visually, is a hoot. If you’re lucky, you can see bison, deers, a lynx, and also a variety of interesting plants. Also, there is a tropical butterfly house and plenty of opportunities to learn about wildlife rehabilitation. It’s one of the things to do in the New Forest to take kids. They’ll have a wonderful time.
9. Visit New Forest Ponies
They may be found throughout, but particularly at Beaulieu and Brockenhurst. If you can’t locate them, you can check outdoor at the Balmer Lawn Hotel there are many. They’re wild, yet highly used to human interaction. The ponies are the National Park’s icon, and they receive priority there. Even over walkers, bikers, and traffic. If you’re trapped in a traffic bottleneck in the New Forest, it’s probably because of a pony!
10. Go Kayaking on the Beaulieu River
Now here’s something special – the only river in England not owned by the Crown! £27 gets you 3 hours of paddling pleasure with New Forest Activities. You’ll glide past some proper posh houses while you’re at it.
New Forest is a spectacular place to visit for nature admirers. We hope you like our guide to things to do in the New Forest. If you ever need transportation service while exploring the New Forest area, you can always contact us for our New Forest taxi service.
FAQ
1- Can you walk anywhere in the New Forest?
Stick to the forest’s trails and tracks if you want to avoid getting lost. Walking on heathland and grassland is not recommended since it may disrupt natural ecosystems and wildlife. You can choose one of the 140 miles of trails, so visiting the region is not restricted.
2- Can you drive through the New Forest?
Yes, driving is possible through the New Forest. You can take several routes that lead through the forest as well as cities and villages. On forest roads, the speed restriction is 40 mph. The speed limit is 30 mph in towns and villages.
3- Do you need a car for New Forest?
If you don’t have a car or don’t want to drive, the New Forest is a perfect place to visit. Sightseeing will be simple with lots of local transportation, hikes, and paths accessible to most of our New Forest properties.
4- Is it free to go to New Forest?
Yes. The New Forest has no entrance fee. There are several visitor attractions and activity organizations in the New Forest that require payment. Exploring woods, heathland, and the seaside, on the other hand, is completely free.
Getting Around:
No car? No worries! The New Forest’s got you covered with local transport options galore. Speed limits are 40 mph on forest roads and 30 mph in towns – but watch out for those ponies! Stick to marked trails when walking to protect the local wildlife.
Want to explore without the hassle? Our taxi service covers all the spots mentioned above, plus we’ll get you to and from any major airport in the region. We know these roads like the back of our hand – you’re in safe hands with us.
Looking to book a ride or need more info about getting around New Forest? Drop us a line – we’d love to help make your New Forest adventure unforgettable.