It’s a beautiful part of the country. Gorgeous views, ancient woodland and vast open spaces all help you feel like you’re away from the busyness of city life, even though the modern cities of Southampton and Bournemouth are both within easy reach. There are plenty of activities to do in the Forest, or you can simply wander and take it all in.

New Forest National Park, England, UK by Jim Champion

For people who do like active days out, there are lots of options. You can hire bikes and cycle on the miles of off-road cycle paths, stopping at a 17^th century pub along the way. Or you can go orienteering or geocaching. There’s even kayaking in the Forest along the Beaulieu River, allowing you the chance to see rare plants from the water.

The Beaulieu estate is well worth visiting as well. There’s the Abbey, dating from 1203, which was partly destroyed during the Reformation, but much of it still remains. Just watch out for the smell of incense – it’s a sign that the Abbey’s resident ghost is about! Also at Beaulieu, there’s the famous motor museum, with a simulator and monorail as well as the Top Gear Enormodrome, home to some of the bizarre creations from the TV show.  There’s also archery on the estate, if you want to feel connected to the ghosts of the past.

There are lots of other towns to visit in the New Forest as well. Lymington has an attractive marina and narrow streets lined with interesting independent shops, while Lyndhurst is home to the New Forest Visitor Centre, as well as some nice cafes and pubs. Or you can visit the beach, at the village of Barton-on-Sea or the working tide mill at Eling.

Beaulieu River, New Forest National Park, England, UK by Jim Champion

If you want to get back to nature, however, you can follow a trail through the Forest itself, looking out for some of the unusual wildlife and famous trees contained there. One tree is known as the Eagle Oak, as the last known sea eagle in Britain was shot from its branches. Another is called the Knightwood Oak but appeared on Victorian maps as the “Queen of the Forest”. If you’re more interested in animals, then you can go on a deer safari, where the deer come and nibble fruit from the trailer you’re riding in. Or you can just walk through the woods, looking for the snakes that live there!

So, there’s lots to do and it’s set against a spectacular backdrop. It’s close to both the coast and the M3, as well as the mainline from London Waterloo so it’s well-connected. Come and take a look and soak up the nature and history!

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