If you’re heading to the New Forest National Park area, then of course you need to know exactly where to visit! This list of the best things to do in the New Forest will help you decide which New Forest attractions to add to your list. I live locally, so I’m lucky enough to know just where to go for wildlife encounters, dining, motoring heritage, shopping, pretty views and more.
Some of the best New Forest places to visit you may already know about. Such as the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. But some of the really nice places to go in the New Forest are a little more off the beaten track. For the best days out in the New Forest you really cannot beat a bit of inside info.
From where I’ve seen more New Forest ponies or whether Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is worth it to Exbury Gardens, Hurst Castle, the Beaulieu River, New Forest Wildlife Park, Lepe Beach and Brockenhurst village, here are 41 New Forest things to do that you should not miss! Beginning with the top 21.
Best Things to Do in the New Forest Contents
- Top 21 New Forest National Park Things to Do
- National Motor Museum
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
- Cycling in the New Forest
- Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
- Hurst Castle
- New Forest Picnic
- Beaulieu River boat trip
- Spa Day in the New Forest
- New Forest Wildlife Park
- Lepe Beach and Country Park
- Brockenhurst village
- Shopping trip
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
- New Forest Reptile Centre
- Pub lunch
- Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
- Peppa Pig World @ Paulton’s Park
- New Forest Ponies
- New Forest Water Park
- Open Top Bus Tour
- Afternoon Tea
- 20 more outdoor & indoor activities in the New Forest
- New Forest visitor attractions FAQs
Top 21 Things to Do in the New Forest
1. Beaulieu National Motor Museum
- Where: Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN
- When: 10 am to 5 pm daily
- Price: £££
- Highlight: World of Top Gear
- Local’s tip: The grounds are bigger than you might think
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is one of the biggest attractions in the National Park. It’s one of the best things to do in the New Forest for families, as there’s so much to see. Your ticket also includes entrance to historic Palace House, so there’s more here than mere motoring heritage.
Make sure your smartphone battery is fully charged before your visit, as there are so many super cute vehicles to capture on camera! The site is much larger than you might expect, so if you’re bringing little ones you are going to need that buggy. It’s something to bear in mind for those with mobility issues too.
If the children do get bored, take them to Little Beaulieu, an adventure playground where they can let off some steam. For me, World of Top Gear is the highlight, so make sure you leave plenty of time to gawp at the cars you’ve seen on the small screen. The amount of pictures I’ve taken at the Motor Museum is considerable!
Find out more in the complete National Motor Museum guide.
2. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
- Where: Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, Lyndhurst SO43 7GE
- When: Open 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Highlight: Feeding time (around 12 pm to 3 pm)
- Local’s tip: Pack a picnic
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is also high on the list for family days out in the New Forest. Do bring a picnic, as it’s all set up for al fresco dining. There are picnic tables, toilets and a decent sized car park here. We like to set up a picnic here, so we’re ready to jump up when the deer appear.
The creatures are fed by the ranger, and this will normally be sometime between midday and 3 pm. That’s why it’s a great idea to pack a picnic, so you have something to do while waiting for the feeder to show up. Then you have your best chance of seeing the fallow deer as they gather to enjoy their own lunch.
Free activities in the New Forest are always a bonus, right? A visit to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary – with a picnic – is so worthwhile on a dry day.
3. New Forest Cycling
- Where: All over the New Forest (map here)
- When: During daylight hours
- Price: Free (+ cycle hire if required)
- Highlight: Over 140 miles of cycle routes
- Local’s tip: Don’t cycle on open forest, public footpaths or Forestry England tracks
Cycling in the New Forest is a real pleasure. I cycle to the edge of the forest on a daily basis as it’s near where I live, and also love the routes between the villages and towns. Once, when staying at the Balmer Lawn, I even took my bike in the car and set off for an early ride to ward off a hangover. The previous day, I’d cycled from Brockenhurst to Beaulieu and back again too.
Burley is a local favourite spot, as it’s close to my home, but do beware of that ultra steep hill leading to and from the village. Even on my e-bike that one feels like a challenge, due to the incline and the fear of rolling backwards!
Anyway, there are cycle paths to follow all over the forest, so you can take your pick according to where you’re staying. If you need to hire a bike, you can do so in Burley village, from Cyclexperience based at Brockenhurst station, at Sandy Balls holiday park in Fordingbridge or at rental shops in Lymington and Lyndhurst.
4. Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
- Where: Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AF
- When: Mid March to late October, 10 am to 5.30 pm
- Price: ££
- Highlight: Spring, summer and autumn gardens
- Local’s tip: The spring azaleas, camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons are legendary
Exbury Gardens is down the road from Beaulieu, near Lepe and Buckler’s Hard. While you cannot visit in winter, this is one of the things to see in the New Forest in spring, summer or autumn. Spring is most famed for the colours of the camellias, magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons, but summer and autumn also have their highlights.
After the blooming of the shrubs in April and May, the Centenary, Herbaceous, Iris and Sundial Gardens are at their best. You can also see lots of tropical flora, or head to Dragonfly Halt by steam train to see these beautiful winged beasts fluttering around.
The acers ranging in colour from amber or tangerine to cerise and burgundy are one of the autumn sights to witness. Or take a trip on Exbury Steam Railway during any season to travel the Rhododendron Line, passing the Dragonfly Pond en route.
5. Hurst Castle
- Where: Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0TP
- When: Late March to late October, 10 am to 5.30 pm
- Price: £
- Highlight: Getting there is all part of the fun
- Local’s tip: You can only reach the castle via a walk or ferry ride
Hurst Castle is top of the list of New Forest attractions for families. It’s also a three season site, open between the end of March and late October. It was built as an artillery fortress by Henry VIII in 1544, and the first King Charles was also imprisoned here during the 17th century.
You can only get to Hurst Castle via a walk down the shingle spit or by ferry from Keyhaven, which adjoins Milford-on-Sea. This is known as the Solent Way Walk. The entrance fees are low, but don’t forget to budget for the ferry ride if you want to take that.
It’s an educational option, bringing history to life for the kids, and the coastal setting is stunning. There is a cafe on site.
6. Pack up a Picnic
- Where: All over the New Forest
- When: During daylight hours
- Price: Free
- Highlight: Wilverley Road area
- Local’s tip: Horseshoe Bottom is our favourite picnic spot
Should you need an excuse to visit any of the fine New Forest farm shops of the area, then forget the usual New Forest tourist attractions for a moment. Packing up a picnic is one of life’s simple (and most affordable) pleasures, and there are few places on earth better suited to this spring and summer activity than the forest.
Pile into the car or hop on your bike and you could soon be enjoying one of the top things to do in the New Forest, with dogs, with kids, with both or without either. From romantic things to do in the New Forest for couples to an extended family outing, this is one for people of all ages and interests.
My top tip is to head for Wilverley Road, which runs between Burley and Brockenhurst. Wherever you end up, you can wander beyond the car park if you like to stretch your legs among the springy heather and – probably – more ponies.
7. A Boat Trip on Beaulieu River
- Where: From Buckler’s Hard, SO42 7XB
- When: Start of April to end of October at 11 am, 11.45 am, 12.45 pm, 1.30 pm, 2.15 pm, 3 pm, 3.45 pm and 4.30 pm
- Price: £
- Highlight: The local New Forest wildlife in a natural habitat
- Local’s tip: You can only buy boat tickets on the day of travel
A unique way to see the New Forest is to take a boat trip on the Beaulieu River. You can do this from Buckler’s Hard, a tiny but very pretty place just down the road from the equally picturesque village of Beaulieu. It’s a great way to ensure an encounter with local wildlife too.
It’s one of the more unusual things to do in the New Forest as it’s less obvious to many visitors, but that only adds to the appeal. You can only buy tickets when boarding, so get there early if you can. While you’re waiting, Buckler’s Hard has a Maritime Museum and the Master Builder’s Hotel.
8. New Forest Wildlife Park
- Where: Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, SO40 4UH
- When: 10 am to 5 pm daily
- Price: ££
- Highlight: Owls, grey wolf, pine marten, red-necked wallaby and Scottish wildcat
- Local’s tip: Check feeding times here for the best experience (11 am to 3 pm)
A trip to the New Forest Wildlife Park is super easy if you’re staying in Lyndhurst, and worthwhile in any case if you’re not. As well as all the animals you can see, there’s an adventure playground and a cafe, plus a gift shop. One of the top things to do in the New Forest for any family.
Make sure you visit the specified area at feeding time for a closer encounter with one of the resident creatures. You can also ask the keepers questions at these times. There’s a good range of animals to see at any time, and learning about conservation can make it an experience for kids that’s both fun and educational.
9. Savour a Spa Day
- Where: At hotels all over the New Forest
- When: During hotel hours
- Price: Prices vary
- Highlight: The five star spas at Chewton Glen and Lime Wood
- Local’s tip: Combine the spa with fine dining for a decadent day out
Hotels in the New Forest offer some of the finest spas in England. You really are spoiled for choice when it comes to pampering and me-time in this part of Hampshire. This is also, of course, one of the best things to do in the New Forest in the rain.
It’s impossible to pick a favourite. There’s plenty to pick from in Brockenhurst, such as the SenSpa at Carey’s Manor, Saltus Spa at Balmer Lawn, the Potting Shed treatment rooms at The Pig and the spa at Rhinefield House.
Other great spas include the Herb House Spa at Lime Wood near Lyndhurst, the gloriously scented spa at Burley Manor (yes, I would pay just to inhale that aroma all day long) and of course the mighty Chewton Glen’s sumptuous spa.
10. Lepe Beach at Lepe Country Park
- Where: Lepe Country Park, Exbury, Southampton SO45 1AD
- When: 7 am to 7 pm (car park and toilets)
- Price: Free, but parking charges apply
- Highlight: The views across to the Isle of Wight
- Local’s tip: Wear good hiking footwear for the Lepe Loop walk
Forming part of Lepe Country Park, Lepe Beach has a remote, untouched air about it. Taking a walk here is one of the best New Forest things to do for free, though parking fees apply if you’re driving down. The beach was voted the best in Hampshire in 2022 by Beach Guide readers.
If you want to take the Lepe Loop walk, it’s five miles long and sturdy footwear is recommended. While dogs are welcome at the country park, they’re not allowed on the sands in summer, so do bear this in mind. Book a table at The Lookout restaurant in advance if you want to make a day of it.
Find more of the best beaches in the New Forest here
11. Brockenhurst village
- Where: Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst SO42 7RL
- When: Open 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Highlight: The choice of pubs, shops, cafes, hotels and restaurants
- Local’s tip: Take the train to Brockenhurst station in the village centre
You can’t come to the New Forest and not visit Brockenhurst, frankly. Whether it’s officially the heart of the New Forest or not, to me it is the central hub. While Lyndhurst may be the administrative centre and a larger place, it doesn’t quite have the midst of the forest feel that Brock does.
As someone who often likes to wing it, I love the fact that visiting Brockenhurst doesn’t require any real forward planning. You can simply dip in and out of shops, cafes and pubs, or wander to the edge of town and see which path you end up following into the forest.
Brock is also great for a night out, as you can get the train and thus avoid driving. There’s plenty of pubs, plus restaurants to dine at, some of which are within hotels. Brock is also ideal for spa days, as several hotels in the village have a good wellness centre on site.
Discover more New Forest villages and towns here.
12. Take a Shopping Trip
- Where: In villages and towns all over the New Forest
- When: During store hours
- Price: Free
- Highlight: Unique boutiques, gift stores and farm shops
- Local’s tip: The smart selection of shops in Lymington always wins for me
You may not think of the New Forest as a shopper’s destination, but I’m here to prove otherwise. I love shopping in this area, especially in the town of Lymington on the New Forest coast. A browse here, punctuated by the odd stop for coffee or stroll to the harbour, is a pretty perfect way to spend a day.
Lymington has all the nautical or outdoor lifestyle shops you might expect – Fat Face, Joules, Seasalt et al – plus some lovely little independent places. Other forest retail highlights include Beaulieu Chocolate Studio, the witchcraft-themed gift shops in Burley, and Lyndhurst’s main street, which is lined with an attractive choice of retail outlets and cafes.
13. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
- Where: Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Brockenhurst SO42 7QB
- When: Open 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Highlight: Blackwater Arboretum
- Local’s tip: Arrive early as the car parks can be packed
One of the most obvious things to do around the New Forest is to take a walk. The best place for this is Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. A bonus here is the proximity to both Brockenhurst and Lymington, and the fact that there are short, family friendly walks to take.
We like the Tall Trees walk from Blackwater car park, close to Rhinefield House Hotel. An optional add-on is the Blackwater Arboretum, and for me that was the highlight of our walk. It’s all very well maintained, and an ice cream van is often present at the car park in summer for a post-walk sweet treat.
The queues can be long, though, and the car park busy – so arrive as early as you can. Especially on summer weekends.
14. New Forest Reptile Centre
- Where: Lyndhurst Road, Lyndhurst SO43 7GR
- When: Open between April and October
- Price: Free, but a £3 donation is welcomed
- Highlight: Seeing rarely-spotted British snakes and reptiles
- Local’s tip: Take the family friendly Discovery Trail walk while you’re here
New Forest Reptile Centre is near Lyndhurst. It’s free to get in here, though a small donation is welcome. As the snakes and reptiles of the UK are very rarely seen in the wild, this is a great way to ensure an encounter. You can see adders, sand lizards and smooth snakes in specially designed outdoor pods.
The centre is open during the summer season. While visiting, it’s worth allowing time for the Discovery Trail. It’s a child-friendly walk along a smooth, gravel path, and as it’s only a mile long minimal effort is required.
15. Tuck into a Pub Lunch
- Where: At pubs all over the New Forest
- When: During pub hours – lunch service is typically between 12 and 3 pm
- Price: Prices vary
- Highlight: Sunday lunch at a snug pub with a warm, crackling fire
- Local’s tip: Choose where to eat carefully and you may not need to drive
As far as indoor activities in the New Forest, tucking into a substantial lunch at a country, village or town pub cannot be beaten. For the best experience, book Sunday lunch, so you can enjoy a roast with all the trimmings – and of course lashings of gravy.
A good pub meal is a treat during any season, but in autumn or winter you may also be treated to a crackling fire to warm your cockles. If you want to savour a lazy Sunday lunch at a gastropub with rooms, go for an option such as The Huntsman in Brockenhurst, The Bell Inn near Lyndhurst, The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, The Mayflower in Lymington or The White Buck in Burley. Many also have beer gardens for summer.
16. Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
- Where: Bashley Cross Road, New Milton BH25 5SZ
- When: Early March onwards 10 am to 4.40 pm; otherwise check here
- Price: ££
- Highlight: 500 bikes from all over the world
- Local’s tip: Visit Ferndene Farm Shop while you’re so close by
If motorbikes rev up your engine, then you need to add the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum to your New Forest itinerary! It’s one of the most fun things to do in the New Forest for those who come here specifically to visit Beaulieu Motor Museum too.
Sammy Miller is a British motorcycling legend, who accumulated a vast collection of bikes between winning time trials. The museum was converted from a farmhouse he bought in 1996, and its new Upper Gallery opened in 2021 to supply even more space.
Don’t Ferndene Farm Shop if you’re planning a barbecue or picnic. Turn right out of the museum and it’s a short way along the road, towards Hoburne Bashley. It’s my local go-to and the sausages are some of the best you’ll find anywhere. There’s lots of picnic fare too, plus super fresh local produce.
17. Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
- Where: Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
- When: From mid-February, 10 am to 4.30 pm daily
- Price: £££££
- Highlight: Seeing young children’s faces light up
- Local’s tip: Don’t bother if your kids aren’t keen on Peppa
Though my daughter would roll her eyes at the prospect of visiting Peppa Pig World, there was a time when she’d have gone mad for it. In a good way. One of the top things to do near the New Forest for any family with little kids who love watching what Peppa, George and their parents get up to.
There are nine Peppa themed rides at Peppa Pig World. The main park offers over 70 rides in total, so there’s plenty to keep you busy for a full day out. And as prices aren’t cheap, you will want to get your money’s worth!
18. Find some New Forest ponies
- Where: All over the New Forest
- When: During daylight hours
- Price: Free
- Highlight: Finding ponies wandering wherever they like
- Local’s tip: Drive carefully, or you may encounter a pony in the worst way possible
Going out to look for some New Forest ponies is always fun, and you shouldn’t have to go far to find some. The best places to look, in my experience, are at the picnic stops along Wilverley Road mentioned earlier, between Burley and Brockenhurst.
Alternatively, try Burley village. I’m pretty sure I’ve never been there without encountering a pony or two (or ten). If you have no luck in the centre, wander in any direction and you should soon get lucky. Brockenhurst and Beaulieu are also good. Forget the towns or coastal areas, though, I’ve never seen any ponies in those parts.
19. Make a Splash at the New Forest Water Park
- Where: Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge SP6 2EY
- When: Check here
- Price: £££
- Highlight: Racing friends or family around the obstacle courses
- Local’s tip: You can hire wetsuits, grippy socks & all equipment on the day
The New Forest Water Park near Fordingbridge offers a lot of water-based fun for all the family. There’s a wakeboarding park, you can try out a SUP board or kayaking, or head for the main aqua park.
You can even book open water swimming here if you’re a member of the National Open Water Coaching Association (NOWCA). There’s also a campsite with woodland pitches. The aqua park is split into two areas – ‘Poseidon’ and ‘Neptune’ – and they’re set up like obstacle courses.
For things to do in the New Forest National Park that are water-based, this is great fun. It’s also ideal for trying out a new sport in a safe environment.
20. Hop on the New Forest Tour bus
- Where: 3 routes covering the New Forest area
- When: Late June to mid September, find out more here
- Price: ££
- Highlight: It’s the no-stress way to travel around the New Forest
- Local’s tip: Multi-day tickets are cheaper per day (if you’ll use them)
The New Forest tour bus is a great way to see the area. You can use it just to get to the New Forest attractions for families you want to go to, or at the start of your time here to get an overall feel for the region.
There are three routes, and between them they call at popular spots including Sandy Balls Holiday Park, New Forest Wildlife Park, the Old Station tea rooms in Holmsley, Exbury Gardens, the Balmer Lawn hotel, the National Motor Museum and Brockenhurst train station. Plus many more.
So the stops aren’t only in towns and villages, though of course the route also covers those. You can reach Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Lymington, Barton-on-Sea, Fordingbridge, Burley and other spots by taking the bus. It operates for the summer season, from late June to mid September.
Check out this complete guide to the New Forest tour bus
21. Enjoy Afternoon Tea
- Where: All over the New Forest
- When: Afternoons
- Price: ££ to ££££
- Highlight: Ideal for refuelling after a long walk or ride in the forest
- Local’s tip: Don’t be afraid of asking to take the leftovers away with you
One of my favourite New Forest things to do is to have afternoon tea somewhere lovely. There’s lots of venues to choose from, especially in Brockenhurst. There, I particularly recommend the Balmer Lawn or Carey’s Manor.
The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu is also fabulous – especially if you’re partial to a glass or two of Taitt. Other top spots include the Old Station tea rooms near Burley, the five star Lime Wood hotel near Lyndhurst or The Bell Inn at Brook.
What could be nicer than finger sandwiches, pretty cakes and jam and cream laden scones? Especially if accompanied by forest views (and champagne).
Discover all the best New Forest afternoon tea spots here
20 Extra New Forest Activities and Attractions
If that’s not enough to keep you busy while visiting the New Forest, here’s a quick reference list of 20 more activities and attractions in the area!
- Private Day Tour – Personalised 4-hour trip from Southampton
- Ringwood Brewery – Tours, tastings and sales
- Moors Valley Country Park – Cycling & walking trails, adventure playground and cafe
- Go Ape – Also at Moors Valley Country Park
- Fordingbridge Museum – A doll’s house, toys and other exhibits in Fordingbridge
- Day Trip to Christchurch – Historic town with stocks, ducking stool, river and quay
- Furzey Gardens – 10 acre woodland garden in Minstead
- Rockbourne Roman Villa – Small but well set-up archaeological site in Fordingbridge
- Longdown Activity Farm – Baby animals and feeding near Ashurst
- Lymington Sea Water Baths – Swimming and obstacle course by the harbour
- Friends of the Air Fields Museum – Local Aviation history in Bransgore
- Liberty’s Owl and Reptile Centre – Birds of prey and reptiles near Ringwood
- Day Trip to the Isle of Wight – Ferries operate between Lymington and Yarmouth
- Insight Activities New Forest – Shooting range and outdoor activities in Fordingbridge
- Hatchet Pond – The New Forest’s biggest stretch of freshwater with lots of wildlife
- Breamore House – Elizabethan mansion at Cranborne Chase
- St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery – Heritage, culture and exhibitions in Lymington
- Burley Villa School of Riding – Beginners are welcome to try life on horseback
- Cat and Fiddle PYO – Strawberries, pumpkins, farm shop and cafe near Christchurch
- New Forest Cider – Tastings and sales in Burley
Places to Visit in the New Forest FAQs
How do you spend a day in the New Forest?
With so many things to do around the New Forest, the options are endless. Explore a town or village, follow the cycling or walking trails, pack up a picnic, enjoy a pub lunch, book a spa day, go pony or deer spotting or visit a paid attraction such as the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hurst Castle in Milford on Sea or New Forest Wildlife Park. You can also spend time by the sea, or in summer hop onto the New Forest tour bus.
What is the nicest part of the New Forest?
It’s all lovely! But some of the most scenic and popular parts of the New Forest include Beaulieu village, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, Buckler’s Hard by the Beaulieu River, Exbury Gardens, Lepe Country Park and its beach, Hurst Castle in Milford on Sea and the parking areas off Wilverley Road, which runs between Brockenhurst and Burley. Discovering your own secret spot is all part of the fun.
Is the New Forest worth visiting?
The New Forest is so worth making the trip for. Idyllic English villages with thatched cottages, family attractions, miles of walking and cycling trails, lovely pubs, outdoor activities, and luxury hotels with superb spas all await. If you need to unwind or stretch your legs while enjoying the fresh air, there’s no better place to visit.
Is the New Forest famous for anything?
The New Forest is known for being one of Britain’s finest unspoiled locations. A combination of ancient woodland, heather-scattered heaths and untouched wetlands means many species of flora and fauna flourish here. During the late 11th century, William the Conqueror claimed the forest to use as a Royal hunting ground. The free-roaming New Forest ponies are also famous, and can even be found wandering around the villages.
What about things to do in the New Forest in winter?
Though some seasonal attractions are closed during the colder months of the year, there is still plenty to do in the New Forest during winter. The UK’s mild climate means you can explore the trails all year round on foot or by bike. You can also visit the pubs, villages and towns, have afternoon tea, or enjoy a spa day at a hotel. While doing so, you’ll benefit from more peace and quiet, and possibly lower rates for accommodation.
Which New Forest Attractions Will You Visit?
As you can see, there are so many New Forest activities and attractions to get involved with! Whether you wanted to find things to do in the New Forest this weekend or are planning a future visit, I hope this guide has given you some inspiration.
For more to do in the local area, check out my guides to things to do in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
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