This peaceful edge of south England is home to the New Woodland National Forest, which itself is 219 square miles of nature, stunning coastline and also charming English charm. And there’s so much to do here, assume whatever from vapor trains to watersports, otters to classic cars.
So if you expensive an escape however want to keep it closer to home, head below for an authentically British weekend break. Begin your journey functioning your way with this list of leading things to do in the New Forest.
1. Visit Brockenhurst village
Brockenhurst is the prettiest town, total with Tudor style residences as well as a secret watersplash ford. It was as soon as stated ‘Britain’s Most Gorgeous Location to Live’ as well as given that horses, donkeys as well as cows gladly plod through the village you can see why– it is just one of the top places to see in the New Forest.
There’s an actually charming church there, St Nicholas Church and if you enter the clergyman will certainly show you around and tell you all about the New Zealanders that were once in the area fighting for us.
Seeing Brockenhurst is among the top New Forest days out.
2. Eat at the Huntsman
I have actually been two times now, when for a weekend break dinner with the women, and as soon as for Sunday lunch with my boyfriend. Both, remarkable experiences.
It’s a wonderful setting, in the aforementioned Brockenhurst, full of lovely furniture, beautiful images, as well as a trendy vibe. There’s a lunch food selection full of great handles British standards, and also I can definitely attest the merlot food selection as well.
Additionally, their beer garden is one of the very best in the entire of the New Forest. I ‘d absolutely advise preparing your New Woodland check out around mosting likely to The Huntsman.
3. Go kayaking on the Beaulieu River
New Forest Activities are the only business allowed to utilize river for enjoyable. I took a kayak out for a self-guided trip as well as had a charming time kayaking as much as Beaulieu.
It costs ₤ 27 for 3 hrs and you can take a trip up and down the river as much as you please.
Kayaking on the Beaulieu River
The Beaulieu River is the only river in England not owned by the Queen. It’s possessed by Lord Montague, he has the real river bed. Something regarding Henry VIII giving it to his terrific forefathers in the past.
My much-loved part of the kayaking in the New Woodland was getting to see the big, expensive residences that line the river bed.
Riiiiiich people live below.
Take a while to obtain a gelato in Beaulieu after that– an additional one of the New Woodland’s stunning towns. Or if you’re truly hungry, try the Pallett’s Tea Shop for a traditional New Forest cream tea, or a bit of cake.
4. Walk on Lepe beach
To the south of the New Forest is Lepe Beach. It’s wonderful. I indicate, when I saw it was a lovely sunny day yet still, I imagine on a grey day it’s still good as well. There’s a wonderful coffee shop there, and also you can take a good walk along the seafront also.
It’s a great area to stroll the pet, or to go in the water.
5. Attempt archery
Again with New Forest Activities, attempt the archery. Truthfully, initially go and I got the yellow little bit appropriate in the center, and after that simply obtained gradually even worse.
I wound up coming 5th out of 12.
— There are lots of exterior activities to do in the New Forest, it’s why it’s enjoyed a lot!–.
Extensively enjoyed myself though and that’s the main thing, right?
Leading idea for you: maintain your arm up, and back, and hold your hand near to your cheekbone. Retreat. Go for it. And hopefully you’ll a minimum of get it on the board.
2 hours-ish of archery expenses from ₤ 18 each, relying on the time of year. Take A Look At New Woodland Tasks on this link. If you’re stuck of what to do in the New Forest, then they’re a wonderful location to begin.
6. Go wild for lavender.
Did you recognize lavender ranches are a point, which they exist right here in the UK?
The Instagrammers enjoy them.
The New Woodland Lavender Ranch has all the pleasant scenting stuff you can think of plus a selection of various other plants in its baby room. Invest a mid-day discovering and also working out which plants you won’t eliminate as soon as you come back house.
New Forest bluebells.
And if you’re into your blossoms, have a look at the bluebells in season at Roydon Woods near Brockenhurst as well.
If you’re with your Grandma and also Grandfather and also questioning what to do in the New Woodland, then a flower path is a terrific idea.
7. Check Out Hurst Castle.
As one of Henry VIII’s old joints, it’s precisely as you would certainly expect; all dungeons, high wall surfaces and also scary feels. You can tour Hurst Castle to discover everything about its time as an active fortress and then a 17th century prison, before finishing up on the turrets and appreciating the wonderful views of Milford on Sea.
Hurst Castle is a lot larger inside than it looks from the picture above. I was genuinely astonished!
Entryway is ₤ 5.50, and there’s a little coffee shop on website also. This is among the top New Forest areas of interest to explore.
You can definitely spend a day below as there’s a stunning lighthouse as well. I loved it here, but make sure you take place a summer season’s day as the 40-minute walk up the spit can be extremely gusty!
8. Remain at among the lavish health club resorts.
There are some remarkable resorts in the New Forest. Truly, really, wonderful resorts with medical spas, fairway, amazing dining establishments and also incredible bedrooms.
I lately remained at the Balmer Lawn Hotel. It was LUSH, and I ‘d completely go back once more.
Balmer Yard Hotel.
There was a beautiful health spa, a fantastic restaurant (with the very best steak I have actually had in years) and also was set in a beautiful part of the New Woodland (again, Brockenhurst). We delighted in a night in the on website bar, as well as the next early morning (after a buffet morning meal) the Jacuzzi, again.
9. Require to the water.
It can be very easy to forget this woodland gets on the water but it does stretch across 43 miles of shoreline. As well as where there’s water, there’s watersports, as well as plenty of them in New Forest.
Along with the kayaking in the New Woodland at point number 3, you can maintain it chilled with some fishing or boating, or decide to amp up the power with some paddleboarding or canoeing.
You might also go for it with a trip to the New Woodland waterpark, which spans two lakes as well as looks definitely AMAZING. If you’re questioning what to do in the New Forest with children, after that overcome here!
Among the top New Forest places to see for sure.
10. Check Out the New Woodland Otter, Owl as well as Wildlife Park.
Have on your own a hoot at the New Woodland Otter, Owl as well as Wildlife Park where you can see these 2 types up close. They’re not alone though. If you’re lucky you’ll also see some bison, deer and also lynx in addition to lots of great plants.
There’s also a tropical butterfly residence as well as a whole tons of points to learn about caring for pets as well. This is among the best locations to visit in the New Forest for youngsters– they’ll like it.
11. Change gears with a check out to the National Motor Museum.
Accelerate the action with a see to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. Tickets are ₤ 15 and obtain you in to see 250 automobiles from numerous ages. As soon as you tyre on your own out (lols), head up to Palace Residence, the secret military exhibit or the World of Leading Equipment where that same ticket will see you right in– deal!
I have not in fact been yet, yet it’s high on my list so expect a pic soon. This is generally cited as the number one thing to do in the New Woodland. Get yourself down there!
12. Check Out Exbury Gardens to let off some steam.
As if your journey can obtain anymore kitsch, take the standard vapor train with Exbury Gardens. It’s the most stress-free way to explore the 200 acre gardens and also see the multitude of blossoms and plants its residence to.
Tickets set you back ₤ 18.75 but that does include your 20 min train ride. Mark that as a top place to go to in the New Forest on your map!