Once a royal hunting ground for King William I and his noblemen in the 12th century, The New Forest National Park is located in the county of Hampshire and features 150 square miles of glorious scenery. It’s also home to the New Forest Collection, a variety of stunning hotels, restaurants and pubs in idyllic locations within the national park – each with their own unique features and reasons to stay (and come back, time and time again!).
Among the million and one reasons to visit this incredible part of England, add New Forest gardens and parks to your list. Whether you’re a greenfingered fanatic and lover of flowers, plants, trees and beautifully kept gardens or simply love an open natural space to visit to clear your mind, read a book or enjoy a spot of lunch then read on… we’ll be sure to see you soon!
Located on the edge of the New Forest just a mile from the coastal village of Milford on Sea, a trip to Apple Court Gardens is well worthwhile, with its one-acre garden featuring a White Garden, Hosta Walk, sub-tropical borders, grass borders, a Japanese garden and daylily gardens.
Enjoy a cuppa and homemade cake at the venue’s summerhouse whilst overlooking the grounds. Described as a plant lover’s paradise, it’s free to enter and boasts both unusual specimens as well as seasonal flowers and palms and acres.
Another incredible day out in the New Forest would be to Exbury Gardens, bordering the Beaulieu River. Not only are they celebrating more than 100 years, but Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens.
Explore more than 200 acres of impressive gardens as well as a steam railway, not forgetting the opportunity for a light bite and refreshments at the newly-refurbished onsite cafe and restaurant. With plenty to see, experience seasonal highlights such as their rhododendrons and azaleas, herbaceous borders and hydrangeas in summer. There’s also the opportunity to feed giant koi and golden orfe fish at the Top Pond, not to mention a range of free activity sheets for children.
The New Forest is home to a wealth of striking National Trust properties, each offering its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Mottisfont: Nestled amidst the rolling hills and serene river meadows of the New Forest, Mottisfont is a captivating blend of a medieval priory, a 19th-century mansion, and a contemporary art gallery. Here you can step back in time to explore the atmospheric ruins of the priory, wander through the exquisitely manicured gardens, and admire the changing exhibitions of art and antiques.
The Vyne: A former Tudor powerhouse transformed into an elegant 18th-century mansion, The Vyne exudes a sense of grandeur and sophistication. Explore the opulent staterooms, admire the exquisite tapestries and portraits, and stroll through the formal gardens, which feature a series of themed parterres and a charming lake.
Hinton Ampner: This beautifully restored country house showcases a journey through centuries of design influences, from Elizabethan to Edwardian. Discover the lavish interiors, adorned with fine furniture, paintings, and antiques, and admire the extensive gardens, featuring a walled kitchen garden, a sweeping lawn, and an arboretum.
Winchester City Mill: Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of milling at Winchester City Mill, an ancient working watermill located in the heart of Winchester City. Observe the mill in operation, watch the miller at work, and learn about the traditional techniques used to grind flour. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal at the mill’s café, made from stoneground flour milled on-site.
Another charming area of the New Forest is the gorgeous Braxton Gardens. A hidden gem nestled amidst the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the New Forest National Park. A family-run business, Braxton Gardens has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years, offering a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Braxton Gardens can be found on Lymore Lane, just a short drive from the coastal town of Milford on Sea. The gardens are situated in a tranquil spot, surrounded by rolling hills and woodland, providing a sense of serenity and tranquillity. Braxton Gardens is truly a haven of diverse landscapes, offering a captivating blend of formal gardens, woodland walks, and a charming tearoom for a delicious tea and a snack before or after your stroll around. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and trees, including a stunning collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas, which burst into bloom during the summer months.
In the heart of the New Forest you’ll find Furzey Gardens located in Minstead, once awarded Gold at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. This is a 10-acre woodland garden featuring an extensive collection of beautiful plants from around the world. Enjoy banks of Azaleas and Rhododendrons in the Spring, flowering shrubs and trees through the summer with a blaze of autumn colour at the end of the year. There’s also a water garden where flowering and foliage plants thrive. Take in the garden’s waterfall and water meadow as well as play areas, swings and a play boat for the little ones.
With ample opportunity to picnic, over 30 tiny fairy doors hidden throughout the gardens, locally made cakes and sandwiches available in the Gallery Gift and Coffee Shop and a variety of local art, crafts and gifts, it’s a wonderful place for families to spend the day.
Way more than a car park, this area in Brockenhurst is an ideal location for a picnic spot and a safe and beautiful area for the whole family to play games. Whitefield Moor Car Park also boasts several easy walks in the nearby vicinity and opportunities to walk alongside the Ober Water stream – another great spot for lunch.
Of all the gardens to visit, Beaulieu Palace Gardens is a must. Here, surrounding the grounds of the grand palace house. you’ll find immaculate gardens which can be explored via a set of footpaths throughout the village attraction.
Visiting Beaulieu Palace Gardens takes you back in time to the 1800s – in particular at the Victorian kitchen garden and flower garden where you’ll experience the Alice in Wonderland topiary display. If it’s colour and scenery you’re after, then be sure to visit these gardens which are right by Beaulieu Inn, one of the hotels in the New Forest Collection.
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