Explore a world of ancient woodland, open heathlands, and free-roaming wildlife with a trip to the New Forest. Encompassing 220 square miles, New Forest National Park is best known for its famous animals, including New Forest ponies, cattle, donkeys and pigs, who happily graze freely across the landscape.
Here, you'll find mile upon mile of scenic pathways to explore the ancient landscape, plus plenty of quaint villages and towns perfect for an afternoon of pottering. And when it comes to memorable days out, the New Forest delivers. From thrilling theme park rides to gorgeous gardens and major historic sites, there is something to keep everyone entertained here.
Read on to explore our list of the very best things to do in the New Forest…
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Explore a 200-acre paradise of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias with a trip to Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. Some 100 years in the making, this garden boasts a stellar collection of green spaces in a tranquil riverside location that is a joy to visit throughout the year.
Spring brings a riot of colour, with its world-famous collection of azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as the captivating display of camellias and magnolias, and thousands of spring bulbs in Daffodil Meadow. In summertime, you'll be grateful for the shady design as you take a turn around the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and Centenary Gardens. And when the temperature dips, revel in the painterly hues of red and orange of the imposing acer and nyssa trees.
Little ones will love the leafy trails and play area, not to mention the steam engine, which travels through a tunnel, over a bridge, and laps Dragonfly Pond. Much of the gardens are wheelchair accessible too, and the steam railway has carriages to accommodate wheelchair users as well. You can also hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The garden is also dog-friendly, and canine companions can even ride in the train.
The site plays host to a vibrant collection of events throughout the year. Up-and-coming highlights include the Solent & Southern Art Collective Exhibition, the Exbury Festival of Music, and a basket bird feeder willow workshop.
The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive & Tall Trees Trail
New to the national park? Get your bearings with this iconic spot and soak up the towering redwoods and free-roaming wildlife of the New Forest, a few minutes from Brockenhurst. You can walk or drive along this Victorian-planted avenue, lined with stately sequoias and Douglas firs.
Or if you'd prefer a dedicated walking trail, check out the flat 1.5-mile Tall Trees Trail, which offers easy walking through this historic woodland. This is a perfect entry point into the park, and you'll likely spot roaming New Forest ponies, cattle, and donkeys along your adventure too.
Beaulieu
No trip to the New Forest is complete without a trip to Beaulieu, which includes Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, and the world-famous National Motor Museum.
Boasting some 300 vehicles, this museum tracks 140 years of engineering history. From record-breaking automobiles to the motoring stars of Hollywood, there is plenty to see. Be sure to check out the 'We Had One Of Those' exhibitions, dedicated to the most popular cars from the 60s through to the 00s for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Once the motorheads and history buffs of the group have had their fill, head out and explore the rest of Beaulieu. Find peace in the tranquil ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian monastery or wander the rooms of Palace House, the ancestral stately home of the Montagu family since 1538, complete with costumed guides and Victorian-era rooms.
Buckler’s Hard Maritime Village
A trip to Buckler's Hard Maritime Village is a chance to take a step back in time and into a world of Georgian maritime history. As you peruse this 18th-century shipbuilding village, you'll see where Nelson's famous warships were built, including his favourite, Agamemnon. You can also tour reconstructed shipwright cottages and swot up at the Maritime Museum.
As you wander the site, there is something of an ancient atmosphere here, no doubt owing to the fact that the site's beginnings date back to the 13th century when it was owned by Cistercian monks. Nature lovers will delight at the peaceful setting on the banks of the Beaulieu River. Take a river cruise and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including resident grey and common seals, and wading birds like grey herons, white egrets, and redshanks.
Hurst Castle
If you want Tudor drama and sweeping sea vistas, it's got to be Hurst Castle. This coastal Tudor fortress enjoys panoramic views across the Solent and out to the Isle of Wight.
Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a long, narrow shingle spit, and was predominantly used as a prison for renowned 17th-century captives like Charles I. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Hurst Castle helped protect against impending attacks in various wars, from the Napoleonic Wars to the Second World War.
On your visit, be sure to climb to the first floor of the Tudor keep and scope out Charles I's prison. Then cast your gaze out at sea to spot the Needles Passage out towards the Isle of Wight.
After you're done exploring, head back towards Milford on Sea, where the forest meets the beach. If you’ve got energy to burn, it’s a great spot for watersports. Or on a rainy day, hole up inside a cosy café or local pub and while away the afternoon with a good book and some excellent food.
The Old Railway
If you want to explore more of the New Forest, hop aboard two wheels. You'll find over 100 miles of car-free cycle trails throughout the forest, allowing you to take in ancient woodland, picture-perfect villages, and even the coast.
There are plenty of routes to try out, from the intense 17.8 miles of the Northern Forest circular to the family-friendly 2-mile Beaulieu to Buckler's Hard Cycle Trail.
We like The Old Railway route, which, at 9 miles, takes around two to three hours, depending on your pace. The route takes you along the Castleman's Corkscrew, a disused railway line, so it's nice and flat. Along the way, you'll cycle through open heathland, pine woodlands, and ancient forests, while spotting free-roaming New Forest ponies among other local wildlife.
Packed lunch too much like hard work for a holiday? Stop off at The Old Station House Tea Rooms, partway along your route. Inside this former Victorian railway station you'll find epic cream teas, wedges of homemade cakes, and, on Sundays, a cracking roast.
Paultons Park
If you're on holiday with toddlers, kids, teens or straight-up thrill seekers, a visit to Paultons Park is a must! It's home to Peppa Pig World, the only sort of its kind in the UK. It features nine rides, a huge indoor playzone and toddlers under 1 metre go free.
The wider park itself is regularly touted as the number one family theme park, and it's not hard to see why. Set in 140 acres of beautiful parkland, nestled on the edge of the New Forest National Park, it's a stunning site. Plus, there are 70 exciting rides to keep your little ones entertained, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas and water splash parks.
There's even an animal park, where you can watch the penguins feed, and a calendar of fun themed events throughout the year. If you're up for a day big on fun, look no further.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
If you want to spot the native fallow deer while staying in the New Forest, your best bet is to head to Bolderwood. You'll find it along the scenic Ornamental Drive, and there's even free parking (with a donation box). From the car park, head to the nearby purpose-built deer viewing platform and prepare to be amazed. This ready-made spot overlooks a broad meadow, where you'll often spot the local deer grazing in their natural habitat.
It's also a great place to learn more about local wildlife, with various informational panels around the platform giving more insight into the area. If you've got energy to burn, there are a few different walking trails here, from a 0.5 mile stroll to a 2 mile venture deeper into the ancient woodland. There's also a lovely sprawling grassy area, perfect for a picnic or a game of rounders, along with restroom facilities
Lymington
A port town on the west bank of Lymington River on the Solent, Lymington is a major yachting centre boasting not one but three marinas. It's a fantastic coastal day out, offering everything from bustling markets to sweeping nature reserves.
Explore the historic quay, and if you're visiting on a Saturday, the market is a must. Keen swimmer? Pack your gear and take a dip in the UK's oldest open-air seawater lido, which dates back to 1833. Beyond the town, you can head to the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve, where you can amble along the coastal path across flat salt marshes with views over to the Isle of Wight.
Fancy a New Forest getaway? Take a look at our selection of holiday cottages in the New Forest and start planning your next woodland adventure now.
