10 Things To Do in the New Forest.
The New Forest is an idyllic place to go if you’re looking for some fresh air and green scenery. There’s lots of walking, cycling and horse riding trails in the area, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants to relax in after exploring the local sights. There are many hidden gems that you may not discover unless you know where to look – so here are ten reasons why you should visit this stunning corner of Hampshire ASAP.
It’s a National Park
The New Forest is England’s only remaining royal forest, so is the highest protected area of forestry in the UK. It is also one of the oldest forests in Europe, being around 2000 years old – and was once used as a source of wood for the British Navy’s ships. There are over 90 different species of wildlife living in the forest, including red squirrels, badgers, deer and around 100 species of birds. The New Forest National Park Authority works hard to keep the forest protected and preserved for wildlife, as well as offering a great place to visit for all.
There are plenty of things to do
With so much lush greenery and wildlife in the forest, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of things to do here. Many people visit the forest to go horse riding, cycling and walking. There are also lots of good cafes and restaurants in the area, so it’s perfect for a day out with friends or family. There are also lots of events happening in the forest throughout the year – including the famous New Forest Show. You can find lots of attractions near the New Forest, including the world-famous Safari Park at Longleat, the beautiful but eerie Salisbury Cathedral and the city of Bournemouth, which has a great selection of shops and places to eat.
The food and coffee is great
With so many cafes and restaurants in the area, you certainly won’t go hungry in the New Forest. There are lots of delis and cafes that serve fresh and delicious food, with many local produce. You’ll also find lots of cafes and restaurants with a great range of things to eat and drink, making it a great place to visit with friends and family.
There are also a number of great pubs in the forest that serve local ales, beers and cider – so you can enjoy a drink or two whilst taking in the picturesque views. The New Forest is a great place to get your caffeine fix too, with the area home to lots of independent coffee shops. The Forest Coffee Trail is a great way to discover the best places to get your caffeine fix in the area, and is well worth checking out if you’re a coffee lover.
The scenery is stunning
The New Forest is one of the most beautiful areas you’ll ever visit. The scenery is as picturesque as you can imagine, with lush green forestry and stunning views. If you visit in the autumn, the forest is covered in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows, making it even more stunning. The New Forest is also home to many beautiful manor houses and stately homes, including the famous Holwood House and the Bovington House.
It’s home to some rare wildlife
As well as lots of beautiful animals and plants, the New Forest is also home to some rare creatures. The New Forest is one of the last places in the UK where you can see rare and endangered species, including the woodlands horned owl, the water vole and the adder. The New Forest is also a great place to spot some rare and beautiful migratory birds, with many visiting the area every year. If you’re lucky, you may even see the white storks that live in the forest! The New Forest is particularly famous for its wild native ponies – New Forest Ponies – which are extremely easy to spot.
You can go horse riding in the New Forest
If you love horses, the New Forest is the perfect place to visit. There are lots of stables and riding schools in the area, where you can go horse riding. You can even combine a day out in the forest with a visit to a riding school, where you can learn to ride a horse. The New Forest is a great place to go horse riding with lots of wide open spaces, so is perfect for riders of all skill levels. You can also visit the famous New Forest Pony stud to meet the lovely ponies. There are also lots of other attractions nearby that are worth a visit, including the Medieval Owl Centre and the Poole Sailing School and Watersports Centre.
It’s one of the best places for cycling in the UK
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert rider, there’s no better place to go cycling than the New Forest. The area is completely flat and perfect for cyclists of all levels, with many cycling trails and routes to explore. There are many different types of cycling routes in the forest, including traffic free trails, bridleways, coastal paths and disused railway tracks. There are also lots of shops and rental centers in the area, so you can easily hire some bikes and head out to discover the forest. For the more experienced cyclists, there are many challenging routes in the area, which are great for training or attempting a new route. There are also a number of cycling events held in the forest during the year, including the New Forest 100 – which is one of the most famous one-day cycling events in the UK.
It’s easy to get to by public transport or car
The New Forest is easy to get to by car or public transport, with a number of great routes. The M3 is your best bet if travelling from the South West, with the M27 being best for those travelling from East or West. There are a number of train routes from London, as well as from other major cities in the UK. The best train station to use depends on where you want to start your route. The best routes to use to get to the New Forest include the South Western Railway from London Waterloo, the Southern Railway from London Victoria and the South Western Railway from London Waterloo.
Places To Stay
Having a nice place to stay is one of the most important parts of your trip away. It means you are going to be well rested and ready to properly enjoy your holiday. Here are my top recommendations for places to stay in the New Forest.
The Original White Hart – A traditional and cosy inn located in Ringwood. Perfect for those wanting a pub just downstairs.
Woodlands Lodge Hotel – Close to Southampton, this is a pretty and sweet hotel with a traditionally British feel.
The Manor At Sway – A luxury stay in an old and grand Edwardian house. The grounds of this hotel are particularly special.
The Montagu Arms – A stunning 1742 property, complete with gardens, spa and award-winning restaurant.
The Old Mill – Housed in an old water mill, this period property is full of modern interiors whilst still holding onto its unique and original charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The New Forest is a truly stunning place that deserves more visitors. This idyllic corner of Hampshire is home to many rare animals and plants, as well as stunning scenery and architecture. There’s lots to do in the forest, as well as nearby attractions to visit, so it’s a great place to go with friends or family.
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
