New Forest Adventures 8 reasons to visit
It was created almost a thousand years ago as a royal hunting estate, but today, the New Forest offers a broad range of outdoor attractions for all ages and abilities – no crown required
1 ROYAL PLAYGROUND
The New Forest as we know it was established in 1079 by William I as a royal hunting ground, and strict laws were established to protect the deer and wild boar for the king’s pleasure. Today, the New Forest is a National Park home to more than 5,000 free-ranging ponies owned by Commoners as well as cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep. Find out more at the interactive exhibition in the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst village ( WWW.THENEWFOREST.CO.UK).
2 WALK AND CYCLE
To really appreciate the Forest’s unique atmosphere, turn off the main roads and explore on foot or by bike. Follow wooden marker posts from the main car parks for colour-coded walking trails, many suitable for families. Or try an escorted walk with added mindfulness with WWW.THEHORSERAFT.ORG.UK. There are more than 100 miles of waymarked family-friendly cycle routes. Download routes from WWW.NEWFORESTNPA.GOV.UK. For discounts on bike hire and other goods and services, visit WWW.GONEWFOREST.COM.
3 HISTORIC BEAULIEU
Owned by the Montague family since 1538, Beaulieu is famous as the home of the National Museum, but offers attractions for everyone. More than 250 vehiclesil ttellll ththe storyt off BBritish iti h motoring, but you can explore Palace House with costumed guides, visit the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey, and relax in the Victorian Flower Garden. Then visit the picturesque village of Buckler’s Hard where ships were built for Nelson’s navy and its fascinating Maritime Museum WWW.BEAULIEU.CO.UK
4 VOLUNTEERS IN FOREST LIFE
Visit the Court of Verderers inside the historic Queen’s House in Lyndhurst, which opens to the public this summer after restoration. Here Forest matters are debated and decided by the volunteer Verderers. A team of Agisters are employed to look after Commoners’ livestock and respond to emergencies around the clock.
5 COASTAL CHARM
The New Forest National Park touches the coast at Lymington, where ferries leave for the Isle of Wight. Lined with tempting shops and restaurants, the broad main street gives way to old cobbled lanes winding downhill to the historic quayside. Further east towards Southampton Water, Lepe Country Park offers walking trails beside the Solent with far-reaching views.
6 LOCAL PRODUCERS Look out for The New Forest Marque logo of white oak leaves on a blue background which denotes quality foods, drinks and crafts from producers within the Forest, such as Burley Rails Shortbread and Beaulieu Chocolate Studio. At Daisybank Cottage boutique B&B in Brockenhurst, locally produced items range from bed linen to soap, key rings to cushions ( WWW.BEDANDBREAKFAST-NEWFOREST.CO.UK). 7 ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES Never been kayaking or canoeing? Then try paddling the scenic meanders of the Beaulieu river ( WWW.NEWFOREST ACTIVITIES.CO.UK), drifting on tidal currents and exploring hidden creeks. Go horse riding, try archery or explore the Forest by Segway. You can even take a trip in a horse-drawn carriage along quiet roads. 8 HIDDEN GEMS Visit the churchyard of St Michael and All Angels in Lyndhurst to see the grave of Alice Liddell, Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for AliceinWonderland, and discover her story inside the pre-Raphaelite church. St Nicholas churchyard at Brockenhurst includes a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery that honours soldiers from India and New Zealand who died in World War I. Information panels showcase Lyndhurst’s role as a “hospital village” when hotels such as the Balmer Lawn and Forest Park were commandeered for nursing the wounded.