Explore the New Forest

Stretching from the edge of the Wiltshire chalk downs in the north across south-west Hampshire to the Solent coast in the south, this ancient woodland received its name in 1079 when William the Conqueror named it his ‘new hunting forest’. Today, the New Forest pulls in the crowds looking to discover its mysterious beauty.

We look at some of the best sites and activities the New Forest has to offer:

Discover the New Forest by foot, bike, horse or coach

The New Forest is first and foremost a place to explore, and of the thousands of people who come here every year, 90% spend at least part of their time walking or cycling. There are many clearly signposted and well maintained footpaths to guide you around, and maps are available from local visitor centres. But for those looking for something a little different, you could also hire a bike or explore the Forest on horseback.

But if all of that sounds too much like hard work, another great option is to relax as you’re driven around on an open-top coach tour from one of the local operators.

Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway

Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s, Exbury Gardens is a vibrant display of colour and horticultural variety. Set over 200 acres, the Gardens showcase a dazzling range of exotic plants and trees, and are particularly famous for their displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camelias. As the seasons change, new blooms burst into life – with magnolias, daffodils and bluebells in the spring giving way to exotic plants in the summer, then spectacular maples and dogwoods in the autumn  – making this an inspiration for gardeners and nature enthusiasts all year round.

A great way to explore this wonderland is by taking a trip on Exbury’s narrow gauge steam railway, passing through the Summer Lane Garden, a bridge, a tunnel, and a viaduct, and pausing briefly in Exbury North.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum

A must-see for all car lovers, Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum tells the story of motoring, with over 250 vehicles on display. Take a ride on 'Wheels' for a whistle stop tour through 100 years of motoring history. Alternatively you could travel around the site on a replica 1912 open-topped London Bus or via futuristic monorail. For the speed demons, you can see World Land Speed Record Breakers, such as Bluebird and Golden Arrow, and there are even James Bond cars on show.
Included in your visit to Beaulieu is entry into Palace House, home of the Montagu family since 1538, and Beaulieu Abbey, with its exhibition of monastic life.

Buckler’s Hard historic village

Situated on the banks of the river just outside Beaulieu is the picturesque and historic village of Buckler’s Hard. Buckler’s Hard’s history dates back to the 18th century when it was set up as a port for importing sugar cane from the West Indies. Warships were then built here for almost a century, including Nelson’s favourite vessel, H.M.S. Agamemnon. You can explore the village’s fascinating past by visiting the Buckler’s Hard Museum, which features models of ships that were built for Lord Nelson, and models of yachts which were used by Sir Francis Chichester, the first round the world lone yachtsman.