Considering it contains Britain’s smallest National Park, the New Forest offers a surprising number of highly diverse attractions. Many involve outdoor pursuits, but theme parks and museums get a look in too, as do its prettiest urban settlements.
It’s a special place, the landscape unchanged in 1,000 years, and those of us who live in, love and look after the New Forest are constantly mindful of the fine balance between entertaining visitors and preserving its fragile ecology. Investigate the history and living traditions of this ancient land and you will be richly rewarded: plenty of the attractions on this list allow you to do just that.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in the New Forest. Find out more below, or for more New Forest inspiration, see our guide to the region’s best hotels, restaurants and pubs.
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Best for families
Best free things to do
Best for sunny weather
Best for rainy days
Best for active exploration
Best for families
Buckler’s Hard
Step back in time
Enchantingly set on the Beaulieu River, Buckler’s Hard transports you to its 18th-century heyday as a shipyard for Nelson’s navy. With a lively and engaging museum, reconstructed cottages, a river trip to the mouth of the Solent, a bustling marina and an atmospheric pub, Henry’s at the Master Builder’s, Buckler’s Hard is unmissable.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8ce4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rgce4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeInsider Tip: Don’t miss tiny St Mary’s Chapel and its stunning altar frontal, designed and stitched by the late Belinda, Lady Montagu. An 8am communion service is held there every Sunday. You can walk to Beaulieu on the two-mile riverside path and breakfast afterwards at the Master Builder’s.
Area: Beaulieu Website: bucklershard.co.ukPrice: £
This time-locked village has a rich history of shipbuilding - Samantha Cook PhotographyPaulton’s Park
Thrill the little ones
Peppa Pig World, the main draw in Paulton’s Park, is a total delight for young fans of Peppa, her friends and relations, with nine rides including Peppa’s Big Balloon Ride and Miss Rabbit’s Helicopter Flight. Queuing times are surprisingly swift, so there won’t be too many tears. Peppa may draw the limelight, but there are over 70 rides and attractions in Paulton’s Park and four other themed worlds, with rides ranging from big thrill coasters to the latest Ghostly Manor, which turns everyone into a Ghostbuster.
Insider tip: What makes this theme park so superb are the gardens that form its backdrop: beautiful and beautifully kept. Be sure not to miss them.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R8ke4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rgke4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: OwerWebsite: paultonspark.co.ukPrice: £££
Paulton’s Park is home to the ever-popular Peppa Pig World, as well as some 70 other ridesCanoeing with New Forest Activities
Paddle along the Beaulieu River
Adults and older children can hire kayaks; those with younger children (over 18 months) set off in canoes, shepherded by a guide who’ll show you hidden creeks and tell you the story of Beaulieu too. Depending on the wind, you’ll head either to Beaulieu village from the base at Bailey’s Hard base, or to Buckler’s Hard. See if you can spot a seal along the way.
Insider tip: Try New Forest Activities’ Unplug and Play Day. Hand over your phones, have a go at archery, then walk through meadows to Beaulieu for a café lunch, a mini quiz and an afternoon’s canoeing before being reunited with those pesky mobiles.
Area: BeaulieuWebsite: newforestactivities.co.ukPrice: ££
Keep your eyes out for seals as you paddle down the Beaulieu - FREEWAVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDLongdown Activity Farm
Farmyard fun for the whole family
At cheery, family-run Longdown Activity Farm, there’s a plethora of hands-on interactions with animals. A timetable of daily activities includes bottle-feeding calves and kid goats, duck feeding and tractor rides, and you’ll meet alpacas, donkeys, Pygmy goats, Kunekune pigs, cute chicks and more. There’s also a playground, trampolines, go carts, zip wire, crazy golf, café and farm shop.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R91e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rh1e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeInsider tip: Chickens make wonderful pets (as well as providing you with eggs) and Farmer Bryan is an expert. Why not chat with him about keeping some girls in your garden? He’s very approachable and can supply you with everything you need – including the hens.
Area: AshurstWebsite: longdownfarm.co.ukPrice: ££
At Longdown kids can meet alpacas, donkeys, Pygmy goats, pigs and chicks - Lou Osborne PhotographyFurzey Gardens
Be enchanted by a woodland garden
With winding paths, colourful planting, a 16th-century thatched cottage, over 40 hidden fairy doors, a lake, wildflower meadow and children’s activities, Furzey Gardens are a delight – and the cakes in the tea rooms an added treat. Run by Minstead Trust, the gardens have a dual role: to delight visitors and provide valuable work experience for people with learning disabilities. They also make a delightful setting for regular open-air theatre performances.
Insider tip: Also in Minstead is All Saints’ Church; the tenth oldest in England. Head here to see the tomb of Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R99e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rh9e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: MinsteadWebsite: furzey-gardens.orgPrice: £
Furzey Gardens provides valuable work experience for people with learning disabilitiesHurst Castle
An artillery fortress set in the Solent
Founded by Henry VIII, English Heritage Hurst Castle makes a remote and compelling place to visit, whose history from Tudor times to the Second World War is well presented. Climb to the Tudor keep to see where Charles I was imprisoned before his execution, and to enjoy stunning views of the Needles and the Isle of Wight.
Insider tip: Reaching the castle is great fun. Take the little ferry from Keyhaven (April to November) and return along the mile-long shingle bank Hurst Spit. Back in Keyhaven, a pint at the excellent Gun Inn awaits.
Area: KeyhavenWebsite: hurstcastle.co.ukPrice: £
Hurst Point Lighthouse sits next to the castle - Stefan KadarNew Forest Tour Bus
Ride on the top deck
In summer months, a jolly green, blue and red open-top double-decker bus takes visitors on three separate (green, red and blue) circular routes that reach Fordingbridge in the north, Milford on Sea in the south and Hythe, on Southampton Water, to the east. From the window, you can enjoy sights of far-reaching views, free-roaming animals and the pretty towns and villages en route.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9le4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rhle4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeInsider tip: You can buy tickets online or at the Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst. Buses run daily (approximately hourly); you can hop on and off at will; bikes go free and so do dogs.
Website: morebus.co.ukPrice: ££
Camping in the New Forest
Get back to nature
The 11 excellent Camping in the New Forest campsites, now administered by the Society of the New Forest Agricultural Show (usually late July, not to be missed), afford the best way of immersing in the surroundings, with generations of families returning each year. Holmsley has the most facilities while Longbeech is adults-only, Setthorns (minimal facilities) is open year-round and Matley Wood comes closest to wild camping in ancient woodland.
Insider tip: Make sure you check the website for closures before you head out; the owners are acutely aware of the balance of benefits that campsites bring to the fragile Forest and routine rest periods are implemented as a result.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R9se4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rhse4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeWebsite: campinginthenewforest.comPrice: ££
Wake up in the woods to grazing ponies and the sound of the wind in the treesBack to index
Best free things to do
New Forest Heritage Centre
Learn more about the region
This superb resource centre is a charitable trust (donations welcome) where helpful staff answer questions and exhibits cover all aspects of the Forest; from Lewis Carroll to the war effort and Commoning to conservation. Upstairs, don’t miss the stunning embroidery depicting 900 years of New Forest history, designed by Belinda Montagu in 1979.
Insider tip: The café serves the best coffee in Lyndhurst. In the shop, look out for New Forest Marque products championing local crafters, makers, artists and food and drink producers.
Area: LyndhurstWebsite: newforestheritage.org.ukPrice: Free
Lepe Country Park
Stroll along the waterfront
With a long shingle and sand beach overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight, a photogenic lighthouse, a five-mile waymarked coastal and countryside walk, wildflower meadows, adventure playground and sensory cottage garden, Lepe offers something for everyone. You can also see the stirring remains of the hamlet’s major role in the D-Day operations and visit the stunningly designed Lookout café.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ra9e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Ri9e4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeInsider tip: Other great beaches on the New Forest Coast include Calshot, which has an activities centre, and jolly Milford on Sea and Barton on Sea which are lined by colourful beach huts. Riverside ‘Brock Beach’ at Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst is a popular paddling spot.
Area: LepeWebsite: hants.gov.ukPrice: Free
Lepe’s sandy beach - Tony WestThe Verderers Court
Discover ancient laws and traditions
Combining tradition with preservation, the Verderers and Agisters who manage the Forest’s roaming livestock and the Commoners (whose ancient privileges come with certain properties) who own and care for them are the vital backbone of the Forest. For a dose of the real New Forest, attend an ‘open court’ session at the Verderers Court, King’s House Lyndhurst. “Oyez oyez”, the presiding Verderer declares, “all manner of persons who have any presentment to make or matter or thing to do at this court of Verderers, let them come forward and they shall be heard. God save the King”.
Insider tip: The New Forest Heritage Centre also arranges open days.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rahe4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rihe4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeArea: LyndhurstWebsite: verderers.org.ukPrice: Free
Lymington
While away time in a charming Georgian town
The New Forest’s main coastal settlement has a fine High Street that sweeps downhill to the cobbled Quay where Puffin Cruises offer sightseeing trips and, nearby, Wightlink Ferry takes half an hour to reach Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. A major yachting centre, the town has three marinas as well as many independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
Insider tip: Lymington Market fills the High Street every Saturday, with stalls selling plants, food, crafts and bric-a-brac. The Sea Water Baths, bobbing with colourful inflatables, has offered family fun since 1833, and the Sea Wall offers wonderful bird-rich walks across mud flats and salt marshes.
Area: LymingtonWebsite: thenewforest.co.ukPrice: Free
Lymington is the New Forest’s coastal hub - AirVantage Drones LtdPalais des Vaches
Explore a vibrant art gallery
No visit to Exbury is complete without finding Nick and Caroline de Rothschild’s vibrant and joyous cow barn turned art and sculpture gallery. Found down a long gravel track, with uninterrupted views to the Beaulieu River and Isle of Wight, it brims with colour and creativity. It’s a joyous place that puts an instant smile on any face – and you may even want to leave with your own piece.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rase4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«Rise4kr8lb2m7nfddbH1» iframeInsider tip: The gallery hosts frequent open days and hosts a variety of workshops, events and pop-up restaurants. Private views are also available by request; check the website for details. It also makes a fun venue for lunch.
Area: ExburyWebsite: palaisdesvaches.co.ukPrice: Free
Palais des Vaches is a vibrant and joyous cow barn turned art and sculpture gallery - Paul CloseBird Aware
Go birdwatching with an expert
The winter months offer particularly good opportunities for observing the migratory birds that flock to the New Forest Coast. Bird Aware’s Ranger, Tony Knox, says that it’s his favourite place in the world for wildlife. Knox leads regular free walks on Keyhaven Marshes – in summer too, though it’s quieter then, albeit an important area for breeding terns and gulls.
Insider tip: If you can’t join a guided walk, set forth from Keyhaven to Lymington (or vice versa) along the Solent Way coastal path to discover waterfowl and waders, marshes, historic salt pans and superb Solent views.
Area: KeyhavenWebsite: birdaware.orgPrice: Free
Join a Bird Aware expert for the chance to observe migratory birdsBack to index
Best for sunny weather
Beaulieu
Visit one of Britain’s loveliest villages
Donkeys graze on the green by the Beaulieu River; add the old corn mill and Mill Pond, with Lord Montagu’s seat, Palace House, as an impressive backdrop, plus the pretty High Street, and the picture is complete. Set back is the Abbey Church, once the monks’ refectory; the conserved ruins of their monastery are accessible on a visit to the National Motor Museum.
Insider Tip: Dip into Beaulieu Fine Arts for artworks; Norris for gifts; Belle & Blossom for flowers and pretty clothes. Don’t miss Patrick’s Patch kitchen garden opposite Fairweather’s Garden Centre and consider taking the riverside walk to Buckler’s Hard.
Area: BeaulieuWebsite: beaulieu.co.ukPrice: Free
Stroll through the gardens of Beaulieu’s Abbey ChurchExbury Gardens
Explore world-famous woodland gardens
Exbury Gardens’ swathes of rhododendrons, azaleas and camelias are truly spectacular in spring but there’s plenty of interest year-round, including the popular Steam Railway. Established over a century ago by Lionel de Rothschild and still curated by his family, they provide delight at every turn, from the glorious lakeside Azalea Bowl to the Hydrangea Walk and Daffodil Meadow.
Insider tip: Check the Gardens’ varied programme of events, including themed walks and tours, workshops and art exhibitions in the Five Arrows Gallery. The annual exhibition of nerines (October) grown at Exbury by Nicholas de Rothschild is an artwork in itself.
Area: ExburyWebsite: exbury.co.ukPrice: ££
Delightful all year round, Exbury is particularly spectacular in spring - Stephen StuddMedieval Trio with Insight Activities
Try your hand at three medieval skills
Plenty of action is guaranteed while you master the ancient skills that make up the Medieval Trio offered by Insight Activities: axe throwing, woodland archery and rifle crossbow shooting. Sessions, in tranquil private forest surroundings, last two and a half hours and once briefed, participants can move between activities without queuing – although there’s plenty of expert tutoring on hand. No previous experience is required and children over 12 can take part.
Insider tip: While younger children can’t do the whole trio, those aged six and up can take part in archery. Well-behaved dogs and friends can watch. It’s more peaceful than you might imagine.
Area: FordingbridgeWebsite: insightactivities.co.ukPrice: £££
Where better to hone your medieval skills than the former royal hunting ground of William the Conqueror?Brockenhurst Donkey Walks
Take a walk – with a donkey
Walking with alpacas and sheep is known for its soothing effects but where donkeys roam free, it’s they who do the honours. Come and meet Mary, Maisie, Molly and Mr Macgregor; groom them and walk and talk with them (they have big ears and are good listeners) at Brockenhurst Donkey Walks, deep in the forest a mile from the village.
Insider tip: Owner Jean also has four Pygmy goats and you can try your hand with goat agility – like dog agility but with goats! It’s worth noting that donkeys hate rain, so your booking may be cancelled in inclement weather.Area: BrockenhurstWebsite: brockenhurstdonkeywalks.comPrice: ££
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Best for rainy days
National Motor Museum
Delve into 130 years of motoring history
The world-famous National Motor Museum includes the earliest motor carriages, Formula 1 cars and Land-Speed record breakers. Founded by Lord Montagu in 1952, it’s set on the family’s historic Beaulieu estate. An all-inclusive ticket offers access to the Museum, Palace House & Gardens, Little Beaulieu, Beaulieu Abbey, the Secret Army Exhibition and unlimited rides on the monorail.
Insider tip: Buy the full ticket to also learn about the life of the Cistercian monks who once lived here and Beaulieu’s wartime role. Gift aid your ticket purchase to receive an annual pass to the National Motor Museum.
Area: BeaulieuWebsite: nationalmotormuseum.org.ukPrice: £££
The National Motor Museum dives into 130 years of motoring history - Christopher IsonSt Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
Learn about the history of the New Forest Coast
In the centre of Lymington, the lively St Barbe Museum reveals the smugglers, salt-makers and boat builders who have populated the Solent shore. There are historic artefacts to examine, objects to handle, costumes to try on and a range of activities including a replica pilot boat wheelhouse. The Art Gallery has changing solo and themed exhibitions such as 18th-century marine painting and coastal landscapes.
Insider tip: Featuring the work of local artisan makers of ceramics, jewellery, wooden objects and colourful textiles, the St Barbe shop is the best in town for gifts; there’s an appealing café serving coffee and speciality teas too.
Area: LymingtonWebsite: stbarbe-museum.org.ukPrice: £
Breamore House
Enter the timelessly elegant world of an Elizabethan manor
Completed in 1583 and still privately owned and hardly changed, this magnificent manor house is entered via lion gates, a winding drive and a 1,000-year-old yew tree. Take a guided house tour through grand state rooms and intimate living rooms filled with fine paintings, tapestries, furniture, porcelain and 17th-century needlework, and pop into the adjacent Country Museum for a glimpse of post-World War II rural life.
Insider tip: Find time to walk on the estate, through woodland, carpeted in bluebells in spring, and along the River Avon before returning to the Pantry Barn café in the courtyard by the museum.
Area: BreamoreWebsite: breamorehouse.comPrice: ££
Breamore House is saturated in Elizabethan eleganceBack to index
Best for active exploration
Jaunt ebikes
Lay off the lycra and put the fun back in cycling
Jaunt-ebikes was the lockdown brainchild of two middle aged friends, Lisa and Clare, who loved exploring on two wheels but hated sore bottoms, “butter-knife” seats and steep hills. The answer: their low-slung, fat-tyred, ultra-comfy five-speed e-bikes – much appreciated by older guests. “Call us your New Forest concierge” they say. Routes show off the best of this coastal area and experiences are carefully curated.
Insider tip: Opt for a themed ride – perhaps on a Wine Safari to local vineyards or with a knotty puzzle to solve on the Pedal and Puzzle tour.
Area: KeyhavenWebsite: jaunt-ebikes.co.ukPrice: £££
Explore the Forest in comfort: on fat tyres, padded seats and with electric motorsNew Forest Walks
Leave the modern world behind
Stroll through ancient woodland and across heaths and forest lawns; picnic by streams or in sunlit clearings, spot deer, unusual birds, damselflies and mushrooms. The New Forest is a natural playground, criss-crossed by tracks and gravel paths, home to over 20,000 recorded species where you can easily leave people behind and be alone.
Insider tip: New Forest Walks has routes for all, including buggy-friendly, circular, train to train, and pub walks. Use their Walk Finder to choose from more than 35 walks, taking in highlights such as Rufus Stone, Bolderwood and Rhinefield Ornamental Drives, the Reptile Centre and the Portuguese Fireplace.
Website: newforestwalks.co.ukPrice: Free
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
See stunning trees
The majestic, soaring redwoods, giant sequoias and Douglas firs that line the narrow road of Rhinefield Ornamental Drive were planted in the 1850s to create an entrance for nearby Rhinefield House, now a hotel. The drive extends across the A35 to become Bolderwood Ornamental Drive and Deer Sanctuary, where you’ll also find the Knightwood Oak; the largest tree in the New Forest.
Insider tip: Park in Blackwater car park, walk under the wooden archway and follow the Tall Trees Trail, dipping into Blackwater Arboretum if you have time. Head through Brock car park and back to Blackwater on the other side of the road.
Area: BrockenhurstWebsite: thenewforest.co.ukPrice: Free
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is a stunning wind through leafy giants and rustling green canopy - eye35.pix / AlamyNew Forest Cycle Hire
Cruise miles of trails
Depending on your location, several excellent hire centres will kit out you and your family, recommend routes and provide maps. You can choose between Cyclexperience in Brockenhurst (usefully right by the train station); New Forest Cycling in Burley; Woods Cyclery in Lyndhurst; and New Forest Activities (adult bikes only) in Beaulieu.
Insider tip: I have a couple of personal favourite routes. On road: take the rolling road through ancient woodland from Emery Down past Bolderwood and the Canadian War Memorial and back via Ocknell Enclosure and Newtown. Off road: ride gravel tracks from Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst via Ober Water and Bank. For children: nothing beats Beaulieu aerodrome.
Website: cyclex.co.uk; forestleisurecycling.co.uk; thewoodscyclery.co.uk; newforestactivities.co.ukPrice: ££
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How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
I became a Telegraph hotel critic 25 years ago. It was then that I also moved to the New Forest where I can happily walk, forage, sail, ride and shop in pretty villages – all within a National Park.
Fiona Duncan in her garden in the New ForestBroaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
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