What Are the Best Things to Do in the New Forest?
The best things to do in the New Forest include spotting free-roaming ponies in Brockenhurst, visiting the National Motor Museum and Palace House at Beaulieu, cycling Rhinefield Ornamental Drive among giant redwoods, and exploring the coastal history of Lepe Country Park. For a full day out, pair Buckler’s Hard with Exbury Gardens, or combine Moors Valley Country Park with afternoon tea at Rhinefield House Hotel.
The New Forest covers 218 square miles of Southern England, so there is genuinely something for every type of traveller. Dotted with quaint villages and ancient forests, it offers a wealth of activities for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track getaway.
The New Forest National Park receives an estimated 15 million visitor days each year, making it the busiest national park in England by visitor density.
From exploring the rugged coastline to sampling local cider in traditional breweries, there are plenty of things to do in the New Forest that will leave you with lasting memories. Whether you’re after some leisurely walking trails or heart-pumping adventures, this stunning area has something for everyone! Read on to discover our top picks of the best things to do in the New Forest.
Best Things to Do in the New Forest
The New Forest is spread over 218 square miles in Southern England. This is one of the largest areas of forests and heathland in South England.
The area includes the New Forest National Park, one of the most scenic places in the UK. Here are the best places to go in the New Forest.
1. Afternoon Tea at Rhinefield House Hotel
Hidden away in lush woodland, Rhinefield House is a truly stunning New Forest country hotel. The building blends elements of Gothic and Tudor architecture.
Set in 40 acres of grounds, Rhinefield House Hotel boasts the 2 AA Rosette awarded Armada Restaurant. There’s also the informal Conservatory, with views over ornamental ponds.
Enjoy afternoon tea on the spacious terrace in Summertime or in the cosy Lounge Bar. Take a stroll along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive after tea.
Address: Rhinefield Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7QB, United Kingdom
2. Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
This outdoor learning venue is dedicated to the development of young people. There are several activities available for families there too, including bike trails and kayaking.
Try your hand at abseiling, bushcraft or some of the other Go Adventure activities on offer. There’s an on site cafe and picturesque lakes set in 65 acres of grounds.
Avon Tyrrell House is built in a very unusual style. This Grade I listed manor is the last known calendar house in the UK.
Calendar houses contain symbolical numbers of architectural elements. Avon Tyrrell has 365 windows, representing the days of the year and 7 external doors, representing the days of the week.
There are also 52 rooms, symbolizing weeks, 12 chimneys representing months and 4 wings symbolizing the seasons.
Address: Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8EE
3. Beaulieu Palace House
One of the most picturesque villages in Hampshire, Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum, a Cistercian abbey and Palace House. Beaulieu means beautiful place and this medieval village certainly lives up to its name.
Beaulieu Palace House has been the home of the Montagu family since 1538. Formerly the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, this Victorian country house is one of ten Treasure Houses of England.
You can visit the Victorian kitchens and see Lord Montagu’s library, with its false bookshelf door. Find out more about the Secret Army, a training establishment for 3,000 Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II.
Address: John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom
4. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Located close to the town of Lyndhurst, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary has a viewing platform where you can observe herds of fallow deer. To maximize your chances of seeing the deer, come between 12.30-2.30 pm from April to September.
At some point between those times, a Forestry Commission Ranger feeds the deer. There’s also a spacious picnic area and three circular walking routes.
Address: Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, Lyndhurst SO43 7GQ, United Kingdom
5. Brockenhurst Village
This charming New Forest village is the largest by population in the New Forest. It’s a popular UK holiday destination, thanks to its central location and train station.
You can often see donkeys and wild ponies wandering around the streets of Brockenhurst. There are many good places to eat or have a drink.
Some of our faves include:
- Albero – for Italian dishes
- Escape Gin Bar – at the Thatched Cottage Hotel – open to non-residents
- The Huntsman – a stylish New Forest pub with a large garden
6. Buckler’s Hard
This picturesque hamlet overlooks Beaulieu River, and is a pleasant 2.5 mile walk from Beaulieu village. Buckler’s Hard was once an important shipbuilding center.
The 18th century Georgian cottages were home to the shipwrights who built vessels for Nelson’s Navy. Find out more about the history of the village at the Maritime Museum, and look inside a shipwright’s cottage. Refreshments are available at the Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms.
7. Castleman Trailway
Also known as Castleman’s Corkscrew, this gentle trail is popular with cyclists and walkers. Stretching for 16.5 miles, The Castleman Trailway follows the former Southampton to Dorchester train line.
Passing through forests and heathland, this East Dorset trail connects with the Moors Valley Country Park, Upton Country Park and Avon Heath Country Park. It takes its name from Charles Castleman, the solicitor who organised construction of the original railway line. The Castleman Corkscrew train line closed in 1964.
8. Cycling in the New Forest
There are many great cycling trails in the New Forest, including over 100 miles of off road tracks. You can choose from family-friendly bike rides or more challenging cycle routes such as the Grand Slam.
This 42 mile New Forest trail is named after the RAF bomb that was dropped here in 1945. It starts and finishes at Brockenhurst train station.
There are several places to rent bicycles in the New Forest, including Cyclexperience Bike Hire in Brockenhurst, Forest Leisure Cycling in Burley, New Forest Activities in Beaulieu and Hockeys Farm in Fordingbridge. The village of Lyndhurst has two bike rental shops – AA Bike Hire and The Woods Cyclery.
If you enjoy exploring England’s trails on foot or by bike, you might also be inspired by walking the Cotswold Way for a different kind of countryside adventure.
9. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Situated close to Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard, Exbury Gardens are known for their stunning azaleas and rhododendrons. The miniature steam train is very popular with families.
Created by Lionel de Rothschild, the Exbury estate is spread over 200 acres. Spot giant koi carp in the Top Pond, take the Camellia Walk and stroll around the Sundial Garden.
Grab a bite to eat at Mr Eddy’s, located in the former estate smithy, or at The Old Tennis Courts outdoor cafe.
Address: Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AZ, United Kingdom
10. Hurst Castle
With an enviable location overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight, Hurst Castle was built between 1541 and 1544. It was commissioned by Henry VIII to defend against invasion from France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Hurst Castle is now run by English Heritage and the Friends of Hurst Castle. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight from the roof of the Tudor keep.
A surprising feature of Hurst Castle is the Garrison Theatre, which was used to entertain the troops during the Second World War. On site, there’s also a cafe open from April to November and a gift shop in the Guard Room.
Address: Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0TP, United Kingdom
11. Knightwood Oak
Thought to be the oldest oak tree in the New Forest, Knightwood Oak is over 500 years old. Nicknamed the Queen of the Forest, Knightwood Oak is 7.38 metres wide.
This mighty oak is a good example of pollarding, a traditional method of harvesting wood without killing the tree. This involved pruning the upper branches to promote the growth of thick new branches.
There are some very scenic walking trails in the ancient woodland around the old oak tree. It is located just off Rhinefield Ornamental Drive.
Address: Minstead, Ringwood SO43 7GR, United Kingdom
12. Lepe Country Park
This coastal area close to Southampton played a key role in the D Day landings. On 6 June 1944, Allied troops left Lepe Beach for the beaches of Normandy.
Lepe was a secret construction site for concrete caissons. Undersea oil pipelines, code-named Operation PLUTO, were built to carry fuel to the Isle of Wight and the troops in Normandy, France.
You can still see the remains of the wartime efforts, including the Lepe dolphins. These are wooden remnants of pier heads that were used for loading war ships.
Also in Lepe Country Park, there’s The Lookout cafe, together with flower meadows and a kid’s playground.
Address: Country Park Lepe, Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD, United Kingdom
13. Lunch at Limewood
One of the most luxurious New Forest hotels, Limewood is located close to the village of Lyndhurst. It’s part of the Home Grown Hotels group, which also owns the various The Pig restaurant and rooms.
Chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder do the cooking at Hartnett Holder & Co. This informal Italian restaurant has stylish interiors and a large outdoor terrace overlooking the gardens.
After lunch, wander around Limewood hotel grounds, book into Herb House Spa or stay overnight in one of the spacious rooms.
Address: Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7FZ, United Kingdom
14. Lymington
The picturesque South Coast town of Lymington in Hampshire has some quaint cobbled streets. Lymington Harbour is a popular yachting centre, with three marinas.
The Haven Bar and Restaurant has a first floor terrace with great views over The Solent. You can also grab a bite at Coffee & Drift, located on Lymington Quay.
St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery on New Street gives you insights into local art and history.
Lymington High Street has some fine Georgian and Victorian buildings and many stylish boutiques. Lymington Charter Market takes place every Saturday and is the largest street market in the New Forest.
15. Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Spread over 800 acres, Moors Valley Country Park is one of the best things to do in the New Forest. There are several walking and cycling trails including the Through the Forest singletrack route.
Children will love the Play Trail, Gruffalo Sculptures, Treetop Trail and adventure playground. Go Ape run a variety of activities inside the park, including two Treetop adventure courses and New Forest segways.
The Moors Valley Railway is a miniature steam railway with a one mile circuit. There’s a model railway shop and snacks are available at Kingsmere Railway Station.
You can also eat at Seasons Restaurant, which makes seasonal food using local Dorset and New Forest produce. Picnic tables can be found by Moors Lake and also in the forest.
Address: Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET, United Kingdom
16. National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Known for its collection of over 280 classic cars and bikes, the National Motor Museum is a great place to visit on a rainy day in the New Forest. Located in picturesque Beaulieu, the museum features F1 and sports cars as well as other famous vehicles.
This fascinating New Forest museum has welcomed over 21 million visitors since its official opening in 1972, growing from a modest five-car display into a world-famous attraction.
Spot Mr Bean’s green Mini, Dr Who’s Bessie and Del Boy’s Reliant Regal from Only Fools and Horses. World of Top Gear showcases cars that are left in the condition they were in after filming.
Jack Tucker’s garage is a faithful reproduction of a 1930s garage, while The Luxury of Motoring features stunning glass Lalique mascots.
Address: John Montagu Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN, United Kingdom
17. New Forest Lavender Farm
In Summertime, the New Forest Lavender Farm has a lovely display of lavender in their annual gardens. You can also find a great selection of plants in the nursery – not just lavender varieties but also herbs, perennials and roses.
Enjoy tasty homemade quiches and scones at The Lavender Tearooms.
Address: Giles Lane, Landford, Salisbury SP5 2BG, United Kingdom
18. New Forest Ponies
The star attraction of the New Forest are its free roaming ponies and horses. Often described as wild, they’re actually owned by local people, or Commoners.
According to the Verderers of the New Forest, there are around 5,000 New Forest ponies which graze on the land, with approximately 655 commoners actively turning out livestock onto the Forest. During the New Forest Drifts, the Commoners round up their ponies to check on their health.
If you want to spot New Forest ponies, it is a question of pot luck as they move around freely. There are often New Forest donkeys and horses in Beaulieu, Burley and Brockenhurst. You should not feed or touch the ponies.
19. New Forest Heritage Centre Museum
Find out more about the New Forest horses and the history of the area at the New Forest Heritage Centre Museum in Lyndhurst. There’s an informative museum and exhibition gallery.
The gift shop has a nice selection of forest-themed toys, handmade soaps and local craft works. Tip, Leaf & Bean Cafe is dog friendly and has gluten free and vegan options.
The Christopher Tower Reference Library is home to one of the largest collections of New Forest memorabilia.
Address: Main Car Park, Lyndhurst SO43 7NY, United Kingdom
20. Paultons Park – Peppa Pig World
One of the most popular UK theme parks, Peppa Pig World is based on the children’s TV series character. Set within 140 acres of parkland near the village of Ower, this is a fun family day out.
There are over 70 rides and attractions, including Mr Potato’s Playground, the Discovery Trail and Water Kingdom. Beastie Burrow is a bug emporium with distinctive fish, lizards and insects.
Enjoy many theme park rides such as Raging River Log Flume, the Viking Boats and Velociraptor. There are lots of dining options such as Base Camp and The Railroad Diner.
Address: Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL, United Kingdom
21. Pub Lunch in Rockford
The Alice Lisle in Rockford is a charming New Forest pub. You can often see New Forest donkeys and horses in the car park. Turnstile access prevents them from accessing the property itself ;-).
Named after Lady Alice Lisle, a Hampshire nobelwoman who was executed for harbouring a Nonconformist minister in 1685. This quaint red brick pub was formerly Rockwood Primary School. In Summertime, you can dine in the large pub garden.
Address: Rockford Green, Rockford, Ringwood BH24 3NA, United Kingdom
22. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
Located between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive was planted in the late 1850s. It features two of the tallest New Forest trees, which are giant redwoods.
From late May to early June, you can also admire beautiful azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom. There are several walking trails around Rhinefield Woodland and Blackwater Arboretum.
The Tall Trees Trail is a 1.5 mile circular route taking you from Blackwater car park on a gravel path through the forest. Rhinefield Road and the surrounding trails are also a popular New Forest cycle ride.
Address: Brockenhurst SO42 7QB, UK
23. PIG BEER Brewery Tour
PIG BEER is a working brewery, beer garden and shop on the edge of Brockenhurst, right in the middle of the New Forest. It’s part of the Home Grown Hotels family, the same group behind Limewood and The Pig.
Tours are led by Harry, the head brewer and co-founder, who takes you through the process from a sack of grain to the finished pint. It’s hands on: you get to handle the ingredients, dig into the mash tun and drink plenty of beer along the way. At the end, you take home a bar blade as a souvenir.
Tours run on selected Saturdays, with two sittings at 12:00 and 14:00. Places are limited to 15 per sitting, so it’s best to book in advance. Over 18s only, with a Challenge 25 policy in place.
Address: Hops House, Brockenhurst SO42 7UF, United Kingdom
24. Setley Ridge Vineyard
A family owned business, Setley Ridge boasts a popular farm shop as well as a garden centre and nursery. This New Forest vineyard culitvate the grapes, make and bottle their wine on site.
A member of New Forest Marque, promoting food and drink produce from the local area, they offer wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Setley Ridge produce oaked red, dry and medium dry white and rose wines. The Kitchen at Setley Ridge is a tea room serving homemade cakes on vintage crockery.
Address: Lymington Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7UF, United Kingdom
25. The Pigs’ Pantry
Located in the heart of Burley, this charming coffee house and deli with rooms makes some delicious products. In Summer, the garden is a lovely place to enjoy your meal, while the indoor space is equally pleasant.
Tuck into toasties, sausage rolls, cheese scones, sharing platters and coffees in The Pigs’ Pantry.
Address: Pound Ln, Burley, Ringwood BH24 4ED, United Kingdom
26. New Forest Reptile Centre
A conservation centre featuring British snakes, lizards and amphibians, the New Forest Reptile Centre is located close to the town of Lyndhurst. There is a goshawk cam, where you can observe New Forest goshawks hatching at certain times of the year.
They also have a discovery trail and picnic area. As the reptile centre is open seasonally, it’s best to check that it’s open before you go.
Address: A35 (Bournemouth Road), Lyndhurst SO43 7GR, United Kingdom
27. New Forest Wildlife Park
Close to Ashurst and Lyndhurst, this is one of the best places to go with kids in the New Forest. The park is spread over 25 acres and focuses on wildlife conservation.
See the New Forest otter, European bison, Eurasian eagle owls and red deer, the largest land mammal in the UK. There are also Northern lynx, grey wolves, mouflon and European tree frogs to spot.
Many of the animals are on the IUCN endangered species Red List. As well as the animals, there are two adventure playgrounds: Go Wild and Mini Go Wild, together with a tropical butterfly house, onsite cafe and gift shop.
Address: Deerleap Lane, Southampton SO40 4UH, United Kingdom
Where to Stay in the New Forest
When visiting the beautiful New Forest, there are many excellent places to stay. Popular options include luxury New Forest hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, hidden cottages deep in the woods and even camping sites which provide easy access to stunning trails and forests.
- Burley Manor – stylish New Forest boutique hotel.
- Chewton Glen – known for its treehouse suites and fine dining restaurant.
- Limewood – cool decor and a fantastic restaurant and spa.
- Rhinefield House Hotel – an elegant Gothic mansion in beautiful parkland.
- The Pig – informal luxury near Brockenhurst.
How to Spend a Day in the New Forest
A single day in the New Forest works best when you anchor it to one area rather than trying to cover the whole 218 square miles. Here is a crowd-pleasing order that keeps driving to a minimum.
Start the morning in Brockenhurst, arrive by train if you can, grab breakfast at Rosie Lea’s, and hire a bike from Cyclexperience to explore the surrounding trails. Mid-morning, ride or drive the short distance to Rhinefield Ornamental Drive for a walk among the giant redwoods. The azaleas are spectacular from late May to early June.
For lunch, head into Lyndhurst, it’s the nearest market town and has a good range of cafes and pubs. After lunch, make your way south to Beaulieu: the National Motor Museum, Palace House, and Beaulieu Abbey are all on the same site, so you can spend a couple of hours without moving the car. If time allows, take the 2.5 mile riverside walk from Beaulieu village to Buckler’s Hard before heading back.
End the day in Lymington for a stroll along the quayside and a drink at The Haven Bar, which has views over The Solent. It is a particularly lovely spot at sunset.
Hidden Gems and Unusual Things to Do in the New Forest
Beyond the well-known ponies and cycle trails, the New Forest has a quietly brilliant set of lesser-known experiences worth seeking out.
Avon Tyrrell Calendar House, most visitors drive straight past this Grade I listed manor without realising it is the last known calendar house in the UK. The symbolism is extraordinary: 365 windows, 52 rooms, 12 chimneys, 7 external doors and 4 wings. It is an outdoor activity centre, so ring ahead if you want to visit.
The Garrison Theatre at Hurst Castle, few people realise there is a theatre inside this Tudor fortress on a shingle spit above The Solent. Built to entertain troops in the Second World War, it is one of the most unexpected rooms in any English Heritage site.
Setley Ridge Vineyard – English wine rarely comes with a view this good. This family-run vineyard near Brockenhurst cultivates, makes, and bottles on site. A wine tasting here, followed by homemade cake in the tea room, is a very civilised afternoon.
New Forest Reptile Centre – free to enter and genuinely surprising, this conservation centre near Lyndhurst is home to British snakes, lizards and amphibians, plus a goshawk cam for birdwatchers. It is open seasonally, so check before you go.
The Cider Pantry, Burley, tucked in the heart of the village, New Forest Cider lets you sample unpasteurised cider straight from the barrel, including a champagne method version most people have never tried.
Key Takeaways
●218 square miles of forest, heathland, and coast to explore.
●Beaulieu: National Motor Museum, Palace House, and abbey on one site.
●Brockenhurst is the best base with a train station and bike hire.
●Around 5,000 free-roaming New Forest ponies: do not feed or touch them.
●Rhinefield Ornamental Drive: giant redwoods and stunning azaleas.
●Hidden gem: Avon Tyrrell, the UK’s last calendar house.
●Lepe Country Park: D-Day history plus a great coastal walk.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in the New Forest
So, there you have it – a whistle stop tour of the New Forest and some of its best things to do! We hope this has given you a better understanding of what the area has to offer and that you now feel inspired to visit. If you’re planning a trip to the UK soon, be sure to check out our other articles for more ideas on great places to visit.
You might also enjoy:
- A Luxury Weekend Break in Bath
- Best New Forest Luxury Hotels
- Best Bournemouth Attractions
- Family Holidays of a Lifetime
- Fun Things to Do in Somerset
- Interesting Things to Do on the Isle of Wight
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prettiest village in the New Forest?
Beaulieu is widely considered the prettiest village in the New Forest. Its name literally means ‘beautiful place’ in French, and the medieval village lives up to it with Palace House, a Cistercian abbey, and the scenic Beaulieu River. Brockenhurst and Burley are close runners-up, each with a distinctive charm and free-roaming donkeys and ponies.
What are some hidden gems in the New Forest?
The New Forest’s best hidden gems include Avon Tyrrell, the last known calendar house in the UK; The Garrison Theatre inside Hurst Castle; Setley Ridge Vineyard near Brockenhurst for wine tastings; the New Forest Reptile Centre near Lyndhurst; and The Cider Pantry in Burley, where you can sample unpasteurised cider straight from the barrel.
What are the top 10 attractions in the New Forest?
The top 10 New Forest attractions, based on variety and visitor appeal, are: the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Moors Valley Country Park, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World), Hurst Castle, Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, Lepe Country Park, the Knightwood Oak, and a cycling tour of the Grand Slam trail from Brockenhurst. Free-roaming New Forest ponies are an unofficial eleventh, impossible to miss.
I’ve always loved those little New Forest ponies! I think they are so adorable and so funny! Thanks for the awesome suggestions 🙂 I need quarantine to lift so I can plan my next trip!
Hare and Hound Pub is great in town of Sway also.
Great tip thanks