Luxury Cottages in the New Forest

Location: Lyndhurst

Difficulty: Easy

Walk Length: Seven and a half miles

The famous New Forest ponies are easy to spot on the Lyndhurst Heath Circular walk, as they are commonly found grazing on the open grassland. There are plenty of alternative routes around the heath if you prefer a shorter walk.

Location: Brockenhurst

Difficulty: Easy

Walk Length: One and a half miles

Although short, the Tall Trees Trail will introduce you to some of the most important woodland in the UK. You’ll pass majestic Douglas fir, conifers planted in the 1850s, and enormous redwoods, while sensory panels inform you along the way.

Location: Beaulieu

Difficulty: Easy

Walk Length: Two and a half miles

Beaulieu Heath and Hatchet Pond gives the New Forest visitor a snapshot of the national park’s diversity. Starting in a woodland glade, the path cuts through heathland and past Bronze Age burial mounds, on its way to the attractive banks of Hatchet Pond.

Location: Lymington

Difficulty: Easy

Walk Length: Four miles

For avid birdwaters, the Keyhaven Marsh Circular walk is a must do, with different species year round. Get a glimpse of the Isle of Wight in the distance on the South Coast section of the walk.

Location: Fordingbridge

Difficulty: Easy

Walk Length: Three miles

Take in the spectacular views over the Avon Valley on this circular walk through rolling countryside and woodland. If you’re quiet, you may hear a woodpecker in Godshill Wood, and deer are a feature at various points along the route.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of New Forest National Park, a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Explore ancient woodlands, encounter wild ponies roaming freely, and discover charming villages. With miles of walking and cycling trails, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, it's a haven for outdoor adventures and peaceful getaways. Address:

New Forest National Park Authority, Lymington, Hampshire, SO43 7NY

Escape to Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, a natural paradise offering endless adventures. Explore scenic walking and cycling trails, enjoy treetop adventures, and relax by the picturesque lake. With a steam railway, play areas, and abundant wildlife, it's the perfect destination for family fun and outdoor enthusiasts.

Address: Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET

No matter what your age, you’ll find something to love at Furzey Gardens. Let the kids search for fairies in the secret garden, while you marvel at the array of colourful and exotic displays of rhododendron and azalea in the tropical gardens.

Address: School Ln, Minstead, Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7GL

If wine tasting conjures up images of sipping a crisp white under a foreign sun, Setley Ridge proves that this is just as possible here in the UK. Take a full tour of the vineyard before settling down to sample the goods. It’s perfect for a romantic break.

Address: Lymington Rd, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7UF

Visit a lido with a difference at the Lymington Sea Water Baths. The oldest sea water baths in the UK, the waters date back to the 18th-century. There is an enormous pool for keen swimmers, and a family break will be enhanced by the large inflatable course and the stand up paddle lessons on offer.

Address: Bath Rd, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3SE

The Beaulieu Estate is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in motor car history and racing. The estate itself is home to several fascinating historical properties, but for vehicle fans the National Motor Museum is the draw.

Address: Beaulieu, New Forest, Hampshire, SO42 7ZN

Although not quite comparable to the likes of sites in Italy and Greece, the Rockbourne Roman Villa clearly showcases Britain’s Roman roots. On site you’ll see the remains of a bath house, farm buildings and living quarters, as well as some mosaics and other excavated finds from the site.

Address: Rockbourne Rd, Rockbourne, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 3PG