The New Forest a Special Place for Everyone!
The New Forest was set aside as a special place more than nine centuries ago by William the Conqueror. William named it his “New” hunting forest, to be jealously guarded against any possible threat to the Chase of the Royal Deer. Today it still remains as a special place with something for everyone – ranging from exhilarating sports to quiet restful enjoyment of the beautiful open countryside.
It lies in South West Hampshire touching the shores of the Solent and is one of the largest unenclosed areas of land in the South of England covering over 90,000 acres. The landscape is unique, consisting of heathlands of heather and gorse, which are a mass of colour in the season, wooded glades, Timber Inclosures and Ancient and Ornamental Woodlands of old oak and beech. Ponds, streams and rivers meander through the trees and heathland with wild ponies and cows assembling around them as a meeting point.
There are many sleepy, picturesque villages tucked away with traditional thatched cottages, farms, tearooms, and public houses. Ponies, cows, donkeys, pigs and deer wander completely freely and have the right of way.
Activities and things to see and do!
The New Forest offers the visitor plenty to see and do – all of our Hotels make ideal touring centres for places of interest such as
|
 |
The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens with it’s world famous Azalea and Rhododendrons, Bucklers Hard – the historic village on the banks of the Beaulieu River where ships for Nelson’s fleet were built and Wilton House on the outskirts of Salisbury which was built in the 9th Century offers an insight into 10th century living.
Marwell Zoo
near Winchester has one thousand animals to see, who inhabit 100
acres of beautiful Hampshire Parkland, or alternatively you can
visit the Otter, Owl and Wildlife Conservation Park to see the animals
in their own habit.
For the children’s entertainment there is Paultons Park with lots of rides, live entertainment and plenty of fresh air and also the award winning Alice in Wonderland family park, packed with lots of themed rides and entertainment.
The towns and villages of Lyndhurst, Burley, Brockenhurst, Lymington, Salisbury, Southampton and Bournemouth are all worth a visit. For more information on these and things to see and do in the area please visit the New Forest website.
Cycling is a popular way to discover the delights of the forest - there is a managed New Forest cycle network, which provides you with the chance to explore into the heart of The New Forest, using gravel tracks and Forest roads.
The New Forest is ideal for secluded forest walks – the unique laws of the forest allow access to any trail or track on the open forest unless advised otherwise. |
