You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to the array of popular places that can be visited within the New Forest National Park. There really is something for everyone and it caters for all tastes. If you like to spend time in the ancient woodlands, want to walk upon the lush open grasslands, or prefer to savour the serenity of the silent gorse filled heathlands that adorn the forest, then all this can be found just a few miles inland from the fabulous New Forest coast. Here you will find a plethora of pretty New Forest villages that certainly live up to expectation. These include Brockenhurst, Sway, Burley, Bransgore and Beaulieu. They can get busy during the peak Summer months so be aware of that, however, they are well worth a visit and are conveniently dotted around the National Park and easy to find.

If a visit to the New Forest coastline takes your fancy, then again you are in for a treat. The popular seaside resort of Bournemouth is the closest and biggest place to go if its busy beaches and shops you are after, but the real New Forest coast begins a little further up at Christchurch. From there the border crosses from Dorset into Hampshire and then you begin to leave the crowds behind. A few great coastal places to visit include Highcliffe, Barton on Sea and the very lovely Lymington. There tends to be more New Forest towns on the coast as opposed to the more sparsely populated interior.

It`s worth mentioning Lyndhurst is classed as the official “capital” of the New Forest and can be found at the very heart of this area of outstanding beauty. Other notable inland towns that are situated within the forest include Ringwood, Fordingbridge and New Milton. All are worth a visit if you have the time, I can assure you there is little to disappoint and much to enjoy if you also decide to explore the magnificent Hampshire coastline.

Check out some of the most popular visited New Forest Villages & New Forest Towns that are within easy reach of a New Forest holiday or day trip…