There are a plethora of New Forest attractions on offer which provide fabulous days out for everyone to enjoy. Castles and historic houses, animal attractions and theme parks are just a few highlights that feature in and around the forest. There is always something to do whatever the weather has in store.
Though the New Forest is often recognised as a place to come walking or cycling in the woods and across the vast heathlands, there is so much more going on aside from those activities. See the rest of this page below to discover what other alternatives are at your disposal when you come to visit this wonderful area. The attractions mentioned are just a selection of various options to consider and the list is by no means complete. I will be regularly updating the page, but you can always check out my blog posts for other new additions and recommendations.
Family Attractions
If you have a young family, kids in their teens, or are part of a bigger family group, then its guaranteed you will find something to suit your needs with all of our amazing family friendly attractions in the New Forest.
There are some fantastic attractions on offer if you are on a family holiday, including the well known Paulton’s Park theme park. The highlight of the park is the ever-popular Peppa Pig World. Rollercoaster rides will get the adrenaline flowing along with log flumes, kiddy play areas and themed Peppa Pig characters.
Adventure Wonderland theme park is another young family attraction well worth a visit. It can be found on the outskirts of Bournemouth and is sure to be a hit with the kids. Those with a sense of adventure and are prepared to go a little further afield can head across the Solent to the ‘Land of Imagination’ at the Isle of Wight’s Blackgang Chine. While you are there, taking a look around this pretty island is thoroughly recommended and makes the perfect day out.
Wildlife lovers will find the New Forest Wildlife Park and Marwell Zoo great places to visit. Both sites give you the chance to discover various species of animals from across the globe. The wildlife park is a medium sized conservation centre that is home for many of Europe’s native species of animal such as otters, owls, badgers, pole cats, mink, foxes, Scottish wild cats and deer. Its a great way spend a half day out for any animal lover.
Longdown Activity Farm near Ashurst and the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre provide a wealth of information and opportunities to interact with farm yard animals that are local to the area.
There are a great choice of dog friendly attractions that your pet can enjoy just as much as you, so bring them along…
History and Cultural Attractions
There is more to this wonderful area than its theme parks and more modern attractions. Step back in time to discover the history and heritage of the New Forest. Beginning at the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst, you can find out more about the unique history of the area which goes back centuries. Discover some of the fantastic museums, historic houses and also the ship building village at Buckler’s Hard. This is also home to the maritime museum situated on the banks of the Beaulieu River.
At Beaulieu House you can explore the site’s history as a monastery, until its demise during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII and learn the Victorian ways of life that were enjoyed at Palace House. Of course, also a must visit whilst there is the Beaulieu National Motor Museum for the World of Top Gear and other motoring related exhibitions.
Historic motorcycle enthusiasts should add the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum to their itinerary as well.
Breamore House is located just a short drive north of Fordingbridge and is a beautiful red brick Elizabethan Manor House. The building of the house was finally completed in 1583, supervised by William Dodington who had bought the manor a few years earlier. Today, the Hulse family are its current owners. It is open to visitors during the summer months and the fascinating history of the property can be revealed when you take a tour around.
Many of the interiors of the building still remain in the same style as they were originally created and visitors will particularly enjoy viewing the various paintings and tapestries, as well as The Great Hall. In addition to this rather splendid home, visitors are able to explore the Countryside Museum which is located in the grounds of Breamore House.
Breamore House has often been used over the years as a film and TV location and stars in the well known ‘Children of the New Forest’.
Hurst Castle dominates the headland entering the Solent and was built as a defence castle by Henry VIII. It offers one of the best views in England. Come and discover this artillery fortress at the seaward end of a spit.
It played a part in the imprisonment of Charles I in the 17th century and defended England from invasion threats in the 19th and 20th centuries. Exhibitions around the castle provide you with a chance to piece together Hurst Castle’s long history.
Navigate with the help of an an audio tour, there are superb views of the Isle of the Wight from the top of the Tudor Keep and numerous open spaces for children to explore, it’s a great day out for the whole family. There’s also a cafe offering delicious homemade food.
Highcliffe Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the Romantic and Picturesque style of architecture, which flourished at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. The castle lies on a clifftop, just four miles from Christchurch and it offers stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight. It is a popular choice for weddings and events. Visitors can book onto a guided tour led by one of the castle’s volunteers for a fascinating insight into the history of the building. There are also beautiful manicured lawns and gardens to be enjoyed, as well as a cafe situated in the courtyard where you can sample a cream tea in the Summer months.
Lovers of the arts will be excited to explore the local crafts and art galleries that are found in abundance. There is also theatre and performances at Forest Arts Centre, plus temporary art exhibitions at both the New Forest Centre and the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington.
Gardens, Parks and Nature
Visiting the magnificent local parks and gardens of the New Forest must be on the to do list for anyone looking to take in the fragrances and vistas of the different seasons.
Exbury Gardens established by the Rothschild family are very popular and cover a particular large area of land in the south of the New Forest National Park. Spring is a great time to visit for the beautiful display of azaleas and rhododendrons. Visitors of all ages can also enjoy the miniature steam railway which navigates its way through designated areas of the gardens and provides an alternative way of seeing the stunning landscapes.
If its something slightly less informal you are looking for, then Furzey Gardens at Minstead may well appeal. Dating as far back as 1922, these gardens offer tranquillity amongst woodland walks, a picturesque lake and an area for children to play.
Located on the edge of the National Park, near Landford lies New Forest Lavender with its lavender farm, onsite nursery and café.
A trip to the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst could be on the agenda if learning more about the flora and fauna of the local area takes your fancy. Its a small but worthwhile venue but you can see all the species of snakes, lizards, frogs and toads that can be found in the Forest. The animals are kept in open-air pens and it’s advisable to visit when the sun is shining as there’s more chance to see the animals basking in the sun.
Be sure to stop by at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary to observe deer living in their natural habitat. Viewing platforms overlook the fenced areas where a number of fallow deer are kept. Rangers feed the deer at times ranging between noon and 3pm everyday (no fixed time). There are several nature reserves nearby including Blashford Lakes, Landford Bog and the Keyhaven Marshes.
Lepe Country Park adjoining Calshot Spit on the south-eastern coastline of the National Park is the most popular of the coastal New Forest attractions. Lepe is a truly lovely place to relax, walk and take in excellent views of the Solent and across to the Isle Of Wight. The main park area is open grass fronted by a long shingle beach, with a cafe and small information centre on site. Its free to visit apart from the normal car parking charges.
Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts can enjoy exploring these wonderful places to their hearts content and will be amazed at the variety of wildlife on display.
Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive reveals a scenic journey on a fairly narrow road that is lined by magnificent ancient oak and beech trees. Be aware it can get rather crowded during the summer months. It is also a nice road to cycle on and there are several car parks and lovely walks along the way. The road continues into Rhinefield Ornamental Drive across the main A35.
The popular Rhinefield Ornamental Drive passes Rhinefield House Hotel and is best seen in May and June when the huge rhododendron bushes are in full flower. Its here that you can gain access to Rhinefield Arboretum and Blackwater car park which has several nice walks nearby and a barbeque area. Continuing on this road will bring you out onto the stunning Whitefield Moor and eventually into Brockenhurst village.
You can also just simply embark on a nature walk by yourself or with the family in our beautiful national park before or after visiting some of the attractions within the New Forest. There are a wealth of different walks available that cater for all abilities.
Seeing The New Forest
A sightseeing tour on the New Forest Tour Bus is the ideal way to see the Forest from a whole new perspective, it runs from June to September and should feature high on your list of things to do and see! The bus operates a hop-on, hop-off service running three different routes, blue, green and red. You can interchange between the three different routes and alight at places including Burley, Beaulieu, Lymington and Lyndhurst.
Further Information about New Forest Attractions
Use these pages and links to help you find out just how much there is to see and do in the area. Using the search box on this page will help you to find the perfect attractions and activities on offer across the forest.
Keep a regular eye on our blog, where we highlight good ideas on what to do over bank holiday weekends, school holidays and more. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube as well, where we share tips on days out and what you can see and do at the time of your visit to the New Forest.
Be a New Forest Friend
The New Forest National Park is a fantastic part of Great Britain to visit and you can help it stay that way by being a Forest-friendly visitor.
The New Forest ponies and other animals are vulnerable to passing traffic and frequently stand or walk on the unfenced roads. Please give them (and walkers, cyclists and horse-riders) a wide berth and be especially careful when driving at night as this is when most animals are either injured or killed.
For more details about the numerous New Forest attractions on offer please visit the relevant links in the sidebar on the right.