Where to stay in the New Forest
The New Forest is a large area of the UK spanning southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. There are plenty of things to do in the New Forest which are detailed below in this blog post. We stayed near Lymington in a gorgeous cottage with a hot tub which was a great base for exploring – you can read more here.
Things to do in the New Forest
Everything in this blog post is within a 30 minute drive of where we stayed in Lymington.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
There is a purpose-built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where the deer usually gather. Sadly we didn’t see any on our visit but the forest itself was expansive to have a wander around.
Blackwood Tall Trees Trail
Take a 1.5 mile easy walk around some of the tallest trees in the New Forest. There are huge conifers planted in the 1850s, some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in Britain and towering redwood trees.
Setley Ridge Vineyard and Daisy Tea Garden
Setley Ridge is located just outside of Brockenhurst and offers tours around the vineyard and winery followed by an in depth wine tasting. You can also get free tastings in the farm shop.
The Daisy Tea Garden is located on the vineyard with an outdoor seating area covered in fairy lights and a cosy indoor tearoom. Expect delicious sourdough toasted sandwiches, ploughman’s and fresh cakes and scones.
National Motor Museum Beaulieu
The National Motor Museum is great fun to explore with one of the finest collection of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world. You can even see the Harry Potter car!
Your ticket also gives you entry to the following:
- Unlimited rides on the bus
- Unlimited rides on the monorail
- Large adventure playground (little Beaulieu)
- Palace and gardens
The Royal Oak Beaulieu gastropub is located a mile outside the town offering hearty British cuisine and ales. Dating back to 1848, it is a comforting country pub with friendly service.
The village of Beaulieu is small with only a few shops, a tearoom and a hotel. You can walk along the river where the horses like to explore (as well as the middle of the road!).
Lymington
Lymington is a gorgeous harbour town with small side streets and independent shops. It’s a lovely town to just walk around. You can also visit Hurst Castle, Lymington Sea Water Baths, Lymington Quay, and Beaulieu Abbey.
Brisa tapas is a good choice for a restaurant in Lymington and the Ship Inn by the harbour for drinks.
Setley Pond
Setley Pond is worth a short stop. Depending on the weather, you can walk around the lake or even stop off for a picnic.
Stopping off to see the horses and donkeys!
The New Forest is renowned for its many horses and donkeys wandering the roads, streets and grasslands. They are even known to hold up traffic!
East London Girl: Things to do in the New Forest
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