Beautiful Brockenhurst is a great place to base your New Forest stay; not only is it one of the prettiest places in the area, but it’s packed with things to do – whether you want to get your heart racing or prefer something a little more gentle.
If you’re a petrolhead and classic cars and Top Gear are your idea of heaven, then we have great options for things to do in Brockenhurst. New Forest Classic Cars allows you to hire a fantastically restored classic car for the day, and drive through stunning countryside and pretend you’re in an episode of a 60s TV drama… well, that’s what we’ll be doing.
For more fuel injection fixes, try The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu – from the earliest ‘motor carriages’ to classic family cars and more motoring memorabilia than you can shake a gear stick at. While you’re there, it’s worth a visit to Beaulieu Palace House; once the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, it’s been the Montagu family home since 1538. Remodelled in Victorian times, it overlooks the Beaulieu River millpond and yes, it’s as picturesque as it sounds.
Visit the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. This unique museum is home to an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles, from early pioneers to modern racing machines. Visitors can trace the evolution of motorcycles and learn about the history of the sport up close and personal!
Another lovely trip back in time is Buckler’s Hard – an 18th-century shipbuilding village on the Beaulieu River that is, amongst many things, home to a maritime museum, river cruises and the shipwright’s cottage. Here, you can spend the whole day exploring, getting up close and personal with some of the New Forest’s majestic and storied past.
While staying in nearby Brockenhurst, it would be rude not to explore the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient woodlands, heathlands, and unspoiled natural beauty. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horse riding, with stunning scenery to admire throughout. Better still, take a picnic and make a whole day of it exploring the gorgeous area.
If you want something a bit more high adrenaline, then New Forest Activities has a myriad of ideas on land and water – from canoeing and kayaking to archery and battlezone, bushcraft and ropes courses. Bring the gang together, tire out the kids, or take your partner for the most energetic date of their life!
Visit Exbury Gardens and enjoy these world-famous gardens that showcase a stunning collection of plants from around the globe. The gardens are home to a variety of themed areas, including a rhododendron garden, a camellia walk, and a Japanese garden.
The New Forest is a great place to go horse riding, with plenty of stables and yards offering guided rides through the stunning countryside, gorgeous national park and many forest trails. The New Forest is perhaps one of the most gorgeous locations to view atop a horse and gazing between two ears. The rhythmic beat of hooves paired with a magical sunset, what could be better?
Take yourself for a swim at Lepe Beach. This sandy beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. Visitors can also enjoy a walk along the promenade, which offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight. Make sure you pack some suncream and some snacks for the day and enjoy all the beaches the New Forest has to offer.
This centre is home to a variety of reptiles, including snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and turtles. Visitors can learn about the different species and watch them being fed. This is a great choice for curious little ones or even fascinated big ones!
Beaulieu River is a popular spot for boat trips, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the National Motor Museum, which is located on the riverbank.
Visit the Burley Village of Witches Mystery Treasure Trail: This interactive trail takes visitors on a journey through the village of Burley, where you can solve clues and uncover the secrets of the local witch lore and get closer to the mystical area.
If you like your sport a little slower paced, tee off at the beautiful Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club for a day of fairways, birdies and bunkers and the 19th hole, of course! You’ll find plenty of other New Forest golf centres in the area should you wish to make your visit a golfing holiday!
Even on rainy days, Brockenhurst offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its charming atmosphere and rich heritage. Here are some ideas for activities to keep you entertained when the weather turns:
Immerse yourself in the history of the New Forest Heritage Centre. Delve into the past of this ancient woodland at the New Forest Heritage Centre. Exhibits showcase the region’s rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Seek tranquillity at Carey’s Manor, a luxurious spa resort nestled amidst the New Forest. Indulge in a rejuvenating massage, pamper yourself with a facial, or simply relax in the serene atmosphere.
Uncover the secrets of the New Forest at the New Forest Falconry Centre. Witness the majestic flight of birds of prey at the New Forest Falconry Centre. Watch impressive demonstrations of falconry, where eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons are trained to hunt.
Crawl through the towns and villages for literary masterpieces before curling up with a good book at The New Forest Bookshop: a charming bookstore offering a wide selection of titles to suit all interests.
If you’re looking for an adventure to escape the rain, give yourself a budget and crawl through the many independent and charity shops in the area. Find yourself a memento or perhaps indulge in your very own episode of Bargain Hunt with your friends!
Explore the unique creations of local artisans at The Village Craft Centre. Browse through handmade jewellery, ceramics, and textiles, and find that perfect souvenir to remember your trip.
Immerse yourself in the world of miniature railways at the New Forest Miniature Railway and take a journey through the New Forest aboard the New Forest Miniature Railway. Enjoy the scenic ride through the woods and meadows, and admire the intricate details of the miniature railway.
For those who love a historic building, take the wet and rainy trip to a truly gorgeous building. Discover the hidden gem of St. Mary’s Chapel, a Grade I listed building with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Gothic arches and Catholic origins make for gorgeous brooding pictures, coupled with some local history of the area.
Warm up with a cup of tea and a selection of dainty pastries at one of Brockenhurst’s charming tearooms. The New Forest Collection has several venues providing a range of elegant and delicious afternoon teas. Burley Manor for example hosts a truly special afternoon tea, perfect for escaping the rainy days.
Immerse yourself in the world of art at one of Brockenhurst’s many art galleries, showcasing local and international artists. Amble through the galleries, fall in love with a charming piece and perhaps take it home with you forever as a symbol of your visit to lovely Brockenhurst.
The New Forest is famous for its wild ponies, so if you’re an animal lover – especially the four-legged variety – then we have a couple of suggestions. Just a mile outside the village, Brockenhurst Donkey Walks offer the chance to walk with one of their beautiful residents – choose from Mary, Molly, Maisie and Mr Macgregor. Book a one or two-hour experience, but bear in mind that donkeys hate the rain, so it’s always weather-dependent. If it’s a ride rather than a walk you’re after, head for Brockenhurst Riding Stables, where one or two-hour rides through the stunning New Forest are on offer – and children are very welcome.
When it comes to places to stay, we’ve got you covered at the New Forest Collection; Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst is just a 14-minute drive away; it’s a beautiful Georgian townhouse with tranquil, comfortable rooms where you’ll soon drift off to sleep after a busy day exploring Brockenhurst.
Whether it’s country spa hotel chic or the boutique cosiness of shepherd huts you’re after, Burley Manor and Burley Huts are just 20 minutes away.
Need more options? Within a similar distance and travel time, you can enjoy the tranquillity and views of Beaulieu Inn, a former coaching inn, or else head for Bartley Lodge. We’ll see you soon!
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