Things to do in the New Forest
The New Forest is located on the south coast of Hampshire extending northwards towards Ringwood. It is now a National Park and therefore protected from radical change to ensure that its visitors enjoy its unspoilt beauty and wildlife.
In 1066 the invasion of the south of England by William of Normandy played an important role in the creation of the New Forest as we know it today. King William 1 began creating areas of land throughout the country as his personal deer and wild boar hunting grounds. This area of land was named The New Forest. Commoners were allowed to graze their animals on the Forest as they still do today. We can now see the famous New Forest ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. Deep in the forest deer roam freely grazing amidst the canopy of the mighty oaks. An unchanged scene for centuries. The area is steeped in history with remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and the Romans.
The Forest is a tranquil place where the hustle and bustle of modern life melts away when you enter its parameters. There are plenty of activities to enjoy whilst taking in the beautiful scenery such as walking and cycling or fishing in one of the lakes or rivers.
The Forest meets the beautiful coastline with its sandy cliffs and lovely beaches and outlook over the Isle of Wight, just across the Solent. The coast provides yet more activities of a water borne nature such as swimming, surfing, sailing, power boats, sea fishing, paragliding.
There are many small towns, villages and places of interest all along the coast. Southampton with its excellent shopping and naval base : Portsmouth with its historic dockyard: Historic Beauleau with its Abbey and famous motor museum: The Port of Lymington provides a ferry service to the Isle of Wight as well as being a quaint town: Christchurch with its historic Priory and quay is steeped in history: Highcliffe, Barton on Sea, Southbourne, Boscombe and Bournemouth have an abundance of lovely sandy beaches: Bournemouth and Poole which provide excellent shopping, theatre, cinema and nightlife.
The New Forest area provides an excellent holiday location for families, young people and the more mature with plenty to do and see and to relax and unwind in this tranquil part of England.
BEACHES
Avon Beach, Highcliffe sandy and some pebbles
Directions: Take the A35 towards Christchurch. At Sainsburys turn left at the main roundabout. Take a right turn at the next roundabout. Proceed about a mile and a half on the sharp bend you will see the sign for Avon Beach take a left into the car park. The currents have produced a sandbank out to sea forming a safe lagoon for bathers in low tide. Nice restaurant and gift shop.
From Bashley Park turn left onto the B055 (Sway Road). About 1 mile along that road you will see the sign for Sway Lakeside Fishing. You turn right into Barrows Lane where the lakes can be found. There is a B & B also in Barrows Lane.
Highcliffe Castle Beach sandy and some pebbles
Directions: Take A35 towards Christchurch. At Sainsburys turn left at the main roundabout. Straight over the next roundabout. About Ύ mile you will see the signpost to Highcliffe Castle take a right turn car parking is behind the castle. You will need to walk through the woods down to the beach. There is a pleasant tea shop at the Castle.
Milford on Sea and Keyhaven - pebbles
Directions: Through New Milton follow the road to Lymington and turn where indicated. Very peaceful and lovely views of the Isle of Wight. Plenty of boating and water sports.
Southbourne, Boscombe and Bournemouth Beaches - sandy
Directions: Take A35 to Christchurch. Follow the signs through the town to Southbourne & Boscombe. There is parking along the cliff top. Lovely sandy beaches all along the coast right to Bournemouth. You can walk to Bournemouth if you are feeling energetic.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Brownsea Island
Take the ferry from Poole Quay which drops you on the Island. Brownsea Island is owned by the National Trust. There are no vehicles allowed. You will need a good pair of walking shoes as you can walk right round the island which will take you the best part of a day to complete. This is the home of the red squirrel and a sea bird sanctuary. You can view the many birds from the viewing platform. There is a country restaurant where the ducks and peacocks watch you eat.
On your return the ferry will take you past Brownsea Island Castle and round the many islands in Poole Bay. It is amazing to find out how many barrels of oil are extracted each day from the Bay and pumped to Southampton via an underground pipe.
When you land you might like to visit the famous Poole Pottery shop.
Christchurch
This historic priory town is well worth a visit. You can walk through the peaceful grounds of the priory on your way to the Quay.
Christchurch is famous for its swans and you can feed them on the quayside.
MARKETS
Christchurch open air Art and Craft market 10am 4pm each Thursday.
Lymington market Saturdays. A general market selling vegetables, clothes, household bric-a-brac and crafts
Hythe market - Tuesday
GARDENS
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Nr Beaulieu
Tel: 0238 089 1203
Open daily from 28th February to 31st October. Santa specials in December
Set in 200 acre tranquil woodland setting, created in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild. Part of the gardens can be seen with rides on the miniature steam railway train. Plant centre, gift shop and restaurant.
Everton Water Gardens
Newlands Manor Farm, Everton, Lymington SO41 OJH
Tel 01590 644405
Once a favourite retreat of King Edward V this beautiful garden provides a home to a variety of carp and other pond fish, frogs, dragonflies and other wildlife. Shop where pond equipment can be purchased.
MacPennys of Bransgore Garden Centre
Burley Road, Bransgore, Nr Christchurch
Tel 01425 672348 open Mon Sat 9am 5pm Sun and Bank hols 10am 5pm
Stewarts Garden Centre
Somerfield, Christchurch (Nr Sainsburys on the A35)
A variety of garden plants and equipment. Also pond equipment. Restaurant. Country clothes shop in the complex.
Redcliffe Garden Centre, Bashley Village
Variety of plants and garden equipment. Tea room where home made cakes are sold.
FISHING
Sea fishing trips from Keyhaven
Tel 01425 612896
Summertime specials, June, July and August 3 hour mackerel trips and 6 hour deep sea fishing trips
Hordle Lakes
Golden Hill, Ashley Lane, Hordle, Nr New Milton
Tel 077798 954799 or 01590 672300
An attractive established fishery, which offers superb facilities all year round. Set in 11 acres, it comprises 7 individual spring fed lakes. Easy parking and walking is minimal. Larger lakes have double figure Carp and other species such as Bream, Tench, Perch, Rudd and Roach.
BOAT TRIPS
Puffin Cruises
Lymington Town Quay
Tel 07850 947618 daytime 01590 644004 evenings
Daily ferry service to Yarmouth IOW
2 hour cruises to needles Rocks & Lighthouse Cruise
Lunchtime and evening specials with 2 hour ashore in Yarmouth
1 hour Hurst Castle and Yarmouth cruises
25 River & Marina trips
Christchurch Quay
Boat trips to Hengisbury Head beach. A lovely peaceful trip across the sheltered bay following the reed beds. See many swans and sea birds.
When you land you catch the land train to Hengisbury Head and walk right up the hill if you feel energetic. You will see the many beach huts many of which are now fetching over £100,000 each!
NEW FOREST
Follow the route in Regs Corner
CARS, TRANSPORT AND MOTORCYCLES
The Sammy Miller motorcycle museum & Farm Trust
Bashley Manor, Bashley Cross Road, New Milton BH25 5SZ
Tel 01425 620777
Open daily 10am 4.30
Tea rooms, craft shop, children's swings, gypsy caravan, farm machinery, candle shop
Beaulieu Motor Museum
John Montague Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN
Home to 250 motor vehicles from the first motor car up to the present day. See the park by monorail. Visit Beaulieu Palace House and Abbey. Gift shop, children's playground and restaurant. You will need a whole day to see all of the attractions at this park!
Bucklers Hard
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZX
Tel 01590 616203
Fascinating place to visit featuring exhibition of life in a labourers cottage in the 1800s. This is where many famous warships for Nelson fleet were build. Now home to a large marina. Boat trips are offered on the River Hamble regularly all day during the summer.
RIDING
Burley-Villa School of Riding
Bashley Common Road, New Milton, BH25 5SH
Tel 01425 610278
Enjoy trail riding through the beautiful New Forest in full Western outfit. English riding, new forest hacking, holiday groups, beginner lessons, private lessons, jumping lessons, kindergarten lessons.