With the New Forest on its doorstep, stunning views wherever you look, an array of things to see and do… and a great selection of pubs – no wonder one leading estate agent named Brockenhurst as ‘Britain’s Most Beautiful Place to Live’.
You’d be hard-pressed to disagree. It’s a pretty great place to visit too. With bundles of charm and history, Brockenhurst is a great base or starting point for any New Forest break; need convincing? Here’s a bit more about why this charming village has it all:
There are signs that people have called Brockenhurst home dating back an incredible 4,000 years – there are Bronze Age burial mounds, or tumuli, dotted around the area.
In more recent times, it was the arrival of the railway in the 19th century which first put the village on the tourist map; it has been a popular stop-off for visitors to the New Forest ever since. During the two world wars, Brockenhurst was the location of a hospital for injured Indian and New Zealand troops (WWI) and a divisional HQ (WWII) which hosted many meetings between Montgomery and Eisenhower as they planned the D-Day landings. Today, you might not ‘celeb spot’ Monty or Ike, but you’ll find plenty more to delight and distract.
Enzee Brockenhurst Ristorante & Pizzeria: This family-run restaurant serves up delicious pizzas, pasta dishes, and other Italian classics. Their pizzas are made with fresh dough and toppings, and their pasta is cooked to perfection.
The Cedar Tree Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the New Forest National Park, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They serve up a traditional English menu with a focus on game and venison.
Pallets Tea & Coffee House: This cosy café is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. They have a wide selection of teas and coffees, as well as cakes, pastries, and sandwiches.
1820 Pizza & Grill: This family-friendly restaurant is located in the heart of Brockenhurst, and it offers a wide variety of pizzas, pasta dishes, and other favourites to cater to any palette.
The Manor Restaurant: This fine-dining restaurant is located in the New Forest National Park, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. They serve up a modern British menu with a focus on seasonal produce.
The Drift: A charming country pub just a stone’s throw from lovely Beaulieu. Serving up pub classics, child-friendly menus and a range of dishes from starters to desserts. Accompany your dish with a cold beer or a crisp wine.
Brockenhurst is a charming town nestled in the heart of the New Forest National Park, offering a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Brockenhurst has something to offer everyone.
Explore the New Forest National Park: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest National Park, renowned for its ancient woodland, heathland, and picturesque villages. Embark on hiking or cycling trails through the park, encounter wild ponies, donkeys, and pigs roaming freely, and discover hidden gems like Hatchet Pond, a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery.
Walks in Brockenhurst: The New Forest is filled with gorgeous walking and cycling trails to enjoy. Whatever your skill level, you’ll find somewhere scenic, challenging, or relaxed to enjoy.
Visit Buckler’s Hard: Step back in time and explore Buckler’s Hard, a historic shipbuilding village dating back to the 18th century. Follow the trail along the River Beaulieu, where you’ll find remnants of the shipbuilding industry, including boathouses, workshops, and the ruins of the Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum.
Visit Beaulieu National Motor Museum: Experience the thrill of motoring history at Beaulieu National Motor Museum, home to an impressive collection of cars, motorcycles, and vintage racing vehicles. Explore the interactive exhibits, take a ride on the Hill Climb, and enjoy the scenic Beaulieu River.
Go horse riding: Enjoy the New Forest’s equestrian heritage by venturing on a horse riding adventure. Numerous stables and riding schools in the area offer guided tours through the woodlands, allowing you to experience the park from a unique perspective.
Relax at a café or pub: Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at one of Brockenhurst’s charming cafés or pubs. Sit back, relax and watch the world go by in a cosy setting sipping something delicious.
Visit St Mary’s Chapel: Step into the serene St Mary’s Chapel, a Grade II listed 19th-century church with a beautiful stained glass window. Admire the architectural details, attend a service, or simply find a quiet moment for reflection.
Brockenhurst is full of delightful things to see and do, for a more detailed list of activities to do in Brockenhurst click here.
When it comes to finding somewhere to rest your head and recharging from a busy day’s exploring, the good news is that there’s a myriad of great places to stay – not least from our New Forest Collection.
Closest to Brockenhurst is Forest Lodge (just a 14-minute drive), a beautiful Georgian townhouse in the heart of Lyndhurst. Peaceful rooms with comfy mattresses and bedsheets with a high thread count, you’ll soon drift off to sleep after a busy day exploring Brockenhurst.
Whether you’re seeking country spa hotel chic or the boutique cosiness of Shepherd Huts, Burley Manor and Burley Huts are just 20 minutes away. Also in Burley, tucked away in a leafy corner of the picture perfect village is Moorhill House; an idyllic setting, it’s homely suppers and tranquil grounds to explore make it a great base for Brockenhurst.
A similar distance and travel time and you can enjoy the tranquility and views of Beaulieu Inn, a former coaching inn, or else head for Bartley Lodge.
Man does not live by bread alone…or woman or child, for that matter. All this walking, cycling and sightseeing is hungry work, so you’ll want to know where to eat…
Of course, there’s a smorgasbord of choice at our own hotels, from sharing platters to award-winning steaks, but there’s plenty more besides – from cosy tea rooms to fine dining to cuisine from around the world.
So you have a few walks planned, and will spend a morning mooching around Brockenhurst itself – but what else can you get up during your visit? Plenty is the short answer; whether it’s heading for the petrolhead paradise that is Beaulieu Motor Museum or exploring the fascinating nautical history of the area at Buckler’s Hard, you’ll never be short of things to do.
If you want something a little more active, how about The Big Scavenger Hunt Adventure, or a fantastic wildlife-guided walking tour – or even something a little more adventurous like kayaking, laser tag or archery? There’s so much to do, you may well have to extend your stay…
Ashurst, Barton-On-Sea, Beaulieu, Fordingbridge, Lymington, Lyndhurst, New Forest, New Milton, Ringwood, Milford-On-Sea, Minstead
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