Brockenhurst is widely recognised as one of the best known villages in the New Forest. In recent years it was named as the most beautiful places to live in the UK and quite rightly so. This utterly gorgeous village is one of the largest on the New Forest map yet still retains its charm and attracts visitors all year round. Though it has to be said, Brockenhurst can get very busy during the peak Summer months. However don`t let that put you off as it is a delightful place to come and spend a morning or afternoon and you are never far away from a lovely walk or cycle ride in the nearby forest.
The Celtic name for Brockenhurst means “badgers home” and it has existed with humans and animals living alongside each other for hundreds of years. It lies just a few miles south of Lyndhurst and can be classed as one of the most outstanding locations to visit for a day out or stop and have a look at if passing through. Brockenhurst is an ideal place to have a walk or picnic and is well situated for both the forest and nearby coast.
If you love wildlife, then be ready to make new friends in Brockenhurst. You may find yourself walking down the street accompanied by the local ponies, donkeys or cows! They are all very friendly and are quite used to people being amongst them. It is their home after all….Just remember not to feed them! There is a good chance you will find them stopping and taking a drink at “The Splash” which is a small ford that you will find at the end of Brookley Road. From here the animals may wander back into the village, or venture out into the open heathlands and ancient woodlands to graze.
Getting to and from Brockenhurst is easy as there is a decent train station in the village which provides an excellent inter-city rail service to many destinations including London Waterloo. The road links are also good too, there is M3 motorway access to the M27 from junction 13 and via junction 1 on the M27 there is access to the A337 which brings you to Cadnam, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Lymington Road.
Things To See And Do In Brockenhurst
- Not far from Brockenhurst heading west on Rhinefield Road there is Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. This is well worth a visit and an opportunity to walk the Tall Trees Trail. You can witness close up the majestic Redwood and Douglas Fir trees that line the road and constitute the wonderful Blackwater Arboretum. In Spring one of the highlights are the Rhododendrons that look magnificent in full bloom.
- A favourite place that families come to hang out is the popular riverside bathing spot near the Balmer Lawn Hotel. A car park is situated there so its easy to bring food and equipment if you fancy a picnic and this part of the River Lymington is safe to swim in as it is so shallow here. Ideal for young kids to have a splash and make new friends.
- Go and see the oldest tree in the forest. In the churchyard of St Nicholas there contains a beautiful Yew that according to many locals is 1000 years old.
- Not only is Brockenhurst one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, it also is one of the best to stay. There are a number of lovely hotels that are dotted in and around the village, some of which boast world class spas. Take a look at Rhinefield House or Carey`s Manor for pampered luxury. If being outdoors is more your thing then the campsites that are close by won`t disappoint. Brockenhurst also has a number of B&Bs that cater for those planning a short stay and want flexibility.
- Sample Brockenhurst`s wide variety of local independant shops, tea rooms and friendly pubs. You will be spoiled for choice and there is something for everyone. Visitors love to visit this delightful village and many come back time and time again.
- The surrounding countryside of Brockenhurst is stunning in each direction. A great place to stop for a picnic and relax amongst the ponies and cows is Whitemoor Field. There are are plenty of walking and cycling routes you can join just outside of the village and they are clearly marked. If you are looking to hire a bike in Brockenhurst then you will easily find a bike hire shop in the village. Horse riding is popular in the area and is well catered for by the village, local riding establishments offer riding and tuition suitable for all ages and abilities.
- At the northern end of the village on the A337 heading towards Lyndhurst you will find New Park, this is the annual home of the New Forest Show. This is Hampshire`s biggest traditional agricultural show and is held in late July. If you are in the area at that time it is well worth a visit.
History Of Brockenhurst
Brockenhurst is recognised as the gateway to the New Forest and lies within the Heritage Area which encourages continued restoration and preservation. The Watersplash Hotel now occupies the spot where the Manor House of Brochelie once stood. The lands of the Manor extended to the western side of the A337 Lyndhurst to Lymington Road.
The most important Manor in the area at the time was the fourth Manor Broceste, of which the village name was derived. It was so important in fact that it used to house King William when he came hunting in his forest.
Another interesting fact about Brockenhurst was that during World War 1 the village provided rest and rehabilitation for wounded Indian troops at the Lady Hardinge Hospital. Just off the A337 is Meerut Road, this name is given in recognition to the Indian soldiers of the Meerut and Lahore Divisions who took part in fighting on the Western Front during the conflict and subsequently were patients at the hospital.
Later on it became the Number 1 New Zealand General Hospital and continued to treat wounded soldiers until 1919. To Commemorate, Auckland Place and Auckland Avenue recognises the wounded men of the New Zealand forces who once stayed there.