England's New Forest isn't as new as its name suggests. The forest was originally established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror nearly a thousand years ago. Now one of England's most popular tourist destinations, the New Forest boasts acres of woodland and open heathland and is home to several species of wildlife. The New Forest offers something for everyone – museums and gardens, quaint villages and seaside towns, and miles of walking trails and cycle routes. Following is a list of some of the forest's major towns and villages and attractions that can be found in each.
Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst & Sway
Lyndhurst is the historic capital of the New Forest and home to the New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre, which features exhibitions and displays documenting the history and heritage of the forest. Lyndhurst offers a variety of shops, cosy tea rooms, and traditional pubs. The nineteenth-century church of St. Michael and All Angels towers over the High Street; in its churchyard is a memorial to one of Lyndhurst's most famous former residents – Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Located outside the village are two of the forest's popular family attractions – the New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park and Longdown Activity Farm.
Set within the heart of the New Forest, Brockenhurst is one of the area's largest villages and a major transport hub, with frequent trains from London Waterloo and other locations throughout the southeast stopping here. Brockenhurst is a blend of old and new, with all of the amenities of a modern town yet all of the charm of a traditional village. Some of the forest's most beautiful scenery can be found around Brockenhurst, and with several of the main walking trails and cycle routes starting here, visitors will find Brockenhurst the ideal base for exploring the forest car-free.
The next stop on the railway line after Brockenhurst is Sway. This small village is home to ArtSway, a nationally renowned contemporary art gallery, as well as a number of small shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Exbury, Beaulieu & Buckler's Hard
There isn't much to the tiny village of Exbury, but visitors flock to this part of the forest to tour the world famous Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway.
Beaulieu's star attractions are itsNational Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, and Beaulieu Abbey. The pretty village, situated at the head of the Beaulieu River, has an array of unique village stores lined along its main cobbled street, and horses and donkeys can often be seen grazing on the village green. Just a few minutes' drive from Beaulieu is Buckler's Hard, an historic shipbuilding village.
Burley
Burley is the epitome of a traditional New Forest village, with thatched cottages, an ecclectic mix of speciality shops, and even a working cider farm. Horses and cattle roam freely through the village, and there are a number of walking, cycling, and riding trails nearby.
Ringwood & Fordingbridge
Located just outside the boundary of the New Forest National Park, Ringwood is a historic market town famous now for its brewery, Ringwood Brewery. Ringwood offers a number of shopping and dining options and is a good base for exploring the northern villages of the New Forest.
Situated on the River Avon, in the northwest corner of the New Forest, is the medieval town of Fordingbridge. The town's main landmark is its ancient stone bridge. Fordingbridge also offers a range of shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Just outside the town is the New Forest Water Park, a popular attraction for families.
Seaside Towns of the New Forest
Lymington is a Georgian market town with a lively marina and busy high street full of shops, pubs, and period cottages. Lymington hosts a popular Saturday market on the high street, selling food, crafts, plants, and other items. Just outside the town, travellers can catch the ferry to the Isle of Wight.
Milford-on-Sea is a quaint seaside village a few miles from Lymington. The village centre is home to several tea rooms, cafes, and pubs, and there is a sandy beach nearby where, on a clear day, you can see across the Solent to the Needles on the Isle of Wight.
For more information on things to see and do in the New Forest, visit the New Forest's official visitor website.
Angela D. Stancar - Ever since my first trip to Europe as a teenager, I have had a passion for travel. Since then, I have had some unforgettable experiences: ...
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