Fishing In New Milton
- Discover
If Phil and Kirstie were to visit New Milton, they’d love the ‘location, location, location’ – bordered by the New Forest and the stunning fossil-rich natural coastline of neighbouring Barton-on-Sea.
When you’re not enjoying wonderful cliff-top walks and the views of the Isle of Wight, fossil-hunting or relaxing in the myriad cafés and restaurants of Barton, there’s plenty else to see and do in New Milton – not least the array of independent shops in the busy town centre, including the three-storey Bradbeers department store, a family-run business which has been there since 1837.
Let us be your guide and tell you more about this fascinating town…
New Milton is a market town which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times, but whose development really gathered pace with the opening of the railway in 1888, when the London and South Western Railway extended their line from Southampton to connect to the Victorian seaside resorts of Bournemouth and Weymouth.
Much of that ‘village’ has now been encompassed by both New Milton – with Barton-on-Sea often referred to as ‘Old Milton’.
The Second World War saw troops billeted in the area, which was bombed three times, the worst being in August 1940 when a lone bomber killed 25 and wounded many other residents.
After WWII, New Milton continued to grow – the building of shops on the east side of Station Road in place of houses; the 1970s saw the first major supermarket open; in 1996, the town celebrated its 100th anniversary of the town; eight years later, the new Town Hall was opened by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester.
You’ll never be bored in New Milton; whether it’s exploring the historic coastline, playing a round at the stunning Barton-on-Sea Golf Club or enjoying one of the many recreational spaces, New Milton has plenty to offer lovers of the great outdoors.
If you’re a petrolhead, the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum should be on your to-do list. A great companion to the nearby National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, it’s home to one of the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world. Sammy – 11 times British champion – demonstrates and parades many of the bikes throughout the year.
Nature lovers can get their fix at Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve – a haven for wildlife, especially birds flocking to the mudflats, including godwits and plovers, falcons and harriers. Take your binoculars and a packed lunch.
If it’s something a little more cultural you’re seeking, then head for Forest Arts Centre in New Milton; it’s a treasure trove of events, from theatre to comedy, music to children’s activities. Now, that’s entertainment…
New Milton has two celebrity claims – not bad, considering its size. Neil Moss, who was goalkeeper for AFC Bournemouth from the early 90s until 2008, was born here, while singer Rumer (aka Sarah Joyce) lived in New Milton and performed some of her earliest gigs in the town.
So New Milton sounds good, doesn’t it? All you have to decide now is where to base yourself on your New Forest break.
The good news is we have several New Forest Collection hotels to consider; Burley Manor, our stunning country house hotel which offers grown-up stays and spa treatments, is just 24 minutes’ drive. Also in Burley is Moorhill House (25 minutes from New Milton), with the stunning New Forest on your doorstep, and there’s the dog-friendly welcome of Beaulieu Inn, just over 30 minutes away. Last, but not least, consider our beautiful townhouse hotel, Forest Lodge, in the heart of Lyndhurst – under 25 minutes from New Milton and all it has to offer.
Ashurst, Barton-On-Sea, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Fordingbridge, Lymington, Lyndhurst, New Forest, Milton, Ringwood, Milford-On-Sea, Minstead
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