Ashurst, New Forest

Ashurst past

Halfway between Lyndhurst and Southampton, its founding dates back to at least the 14th century, when the name “Asshhurst” appears in court records dated 25 March 1314, when a certain ‘Walter Puke’ was accused of ‘misappropriating timber’ in Ashurst Wood.

For hundreds of years, it remained little more than a few farm buildings, until 1st May 1847, when one single event dramatically changed Ashurst forever – the opening of the Southampton to Dorchester railway. This sparked not only the building of an accompanying railway station (which famously witnessed David Lloyd-George making a speech during his whistle-stop tour of Britain ahead of the 1905 General Election) but also the village’s steady growth into the popular tourist spot it is today.

While nearby villages and towns lay claims to the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Florence Nightingale, Ashurst remains remarkable too for it was the home of Millvina Dean, the last survivor of the sinking of RMS Titanic.

Ashurst train station

Ashurst Railway Station serves the town of Ashurst in the New Forest National Park. It is located on the South West Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth. It is served by South Western Railway services between London Waterloo and Weymouth and the station is located a short 0.5 miles from the centre of Ashurst. The station was originally built as a stop on the London and South Western Railway line between Brockenhurst and Lymington. The line was extended to Weymouth in 1872, and Ashurst became a more important railway junction. In the early 20th century, the station was rebuilt and expanded to accommodate increased passenger traffic.

Ashurst railway station is easily accessible from the A35 road and is surrounded by the rolling hills of the New Forest National Park. The station is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering easy access to the New Forest’s many attractions, including woodland walks, cycling trails, and horse riding.

What to do in Ashurst

Ashurst has plenty to offer visitors, being on the doorstep of nature’s playground after all.

Explore the New Forest National Park: Embark on a leisurely walk or an invigorating cycle ride through the sprawling expanse of the New Forest National Park. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the ancient woodland, heathland, and open heaths, dotted with majestic trees and the iconic New Forest ponies, donkeys, and pigs. Moreover, there’s an abundance of gorgeous walking trails and cycle paths within the area, providing the perfect opportunity to explore Ashurst on foot or atop two wheels.

Visit Longdown Activity Farm: Encounter a world of furry friends at Longdown Activity Farm, where you can bottle-feed calves and kid goats, feed ducks and chicks, and even ride a pony. The farm also offers a variety of other activities for children, including tractor and trailer rides, crazy golf, and indoor play areas.

Visit The Happy Cheese: Indulge in the flavours of local produce at The Happy Cheese, a charming cheesemonger and café. Here you can sample an array of cheeses from local producers, along with other artisan goods like charcuterie, jams, and honey. The café also offers a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and sweet treats.

​​Visit The Arboretum: Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and stroll through the tranquil Arboretum, a tranquil oasis of native and exotic trees and shrubs. The Arboretum is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 species of bird recorded in the grounds.

Explore the River Beaulieu: Take a leisurely boat trip along the River Beaulieu, a picturesque waterway that winds its way through the New Forest National Park. Enjoy the tranquil scenery, spot the occasional kingfisher or otter, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the iconic Beaulieu Abbey ruins.

Visit the New Forest Lavender Farm: Immerse yourself in the beautiful aromas of lavender at the New Forest Lavender Farm. You can stroll through fields of purple blooms and pick your own bouquets. The farm also offers a variety of lavender-themed products, including soaps, candles, and essential oils.

Visit the Ashurst Village Museum: Step back in time and explore the history of Ashurst at the Ashurst Village Museum. The museum is housed in a charming old schoolhouse and features exhibits on local history, farming, and crafts.

Have a picnic in Ashurst Meadows: Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch in the tranquil Ashurst Meadows, a haven of wildflowers and butterflies. The meadows are also a great place to spot the elusive New Forest ponies and donkeys.

Relax in the New Forest Tea Gardens: Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the charming New Forest Tea Gardens. The gardens are a haven of tranquillity, and the tearoom serves a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes, and scones.

Attend a falconry display at The Vyne: Witness the awe-inspiring skills of falconers at The Vyne, a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house. The falconry display takes place in the grounds of the house and gives you the chance to see these magnificent birds of prey in action.

If you are an animal lover, then head to Longdown Activity Farm or New Forest Reptile Centre – both fantastic family days out where you can meet animals both domesticated and wild up close and personal.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for an Ashurst New Forest hotel to be the epicentre of your New Forest stay, then we can help; we have a trio of fantastic homes from home where you can rest and refresh in between your busy – and not so busy – days.

There’s Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst – a beautiful townhouse which blends heritage charm with urban style interiors; the nearby Bartley Lodge in Cadnam, our Grade-II listed 18th-century country house; and Beaulieu Inn (in Beaulieu, of course) – delightfully quirky and super dog-friendly.

Whichever you choose, your Ashurst adventure will be all the better for it.
Happy exploring.