New Forest National Park
New Forest National Park
5
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The New Forest National Park is truly unique. It’s a ‘world capital’ for wildlife with a huge diversity of rare plants and animals– one of the reasons why it was made a National Park in 2005. A place of outstanding natural beauty, the unique landscape is shaped by the grazing of ponies, cattle and pigs that roam freely. These animals may appear wild, but they are owned by people called commoners. One of the last places in southern England to offer a sense of wildness and tranquillity, it’s a wonderful area to explore on foot, horseback, or by bike. Indeed William the Conqueror, who set aside the ‘New Forest’ for hunting more than 900 years ago, would probably recognise much of it today.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
53 within 3 miles
Attractions
29 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,861 reviews
Excellent
1,500
Very good
307
Average
33
Poor
13
Terrible
8
Steve
Littlehampton, UK505 contributions
Oct 2020
If your here for the hiking or just a walk or bicycle ride you will love the scenery. You may see some of the local deer but they are timid and you will most certainly meet some of the local New Forest ponies who are actually very friendly., There is an abundance of nature and wildlife and you can take your dog along. The local residence are very friendly and if your going to stay over then we recommend the Woodland Lodge Hotel, which backs onto the forest and allows dogs to stay. food is excellent and the prices of rooms/food are very fair and the staff are very friendly. If your driving there is ample parking, if your going by train book a taxi well in advance as Ashurst railway station is about a 30 minute walk, taxis charge around a minimum charge of £15. The nearest shop in Ashurst village is about a 40 minute walk each way from the hotel.
Written October 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YeeshRose
London, UK131 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
First and foremost this park is huge and has various access points. It is very clean and the walk and there are wild animals from horses, pigs, donkeys etc..
So me and my friend walked through this place at 9am on a Sunday morning and we were the only ones here. We were a bit sceptical as we were approaching the horses but most of them were asleep/minding their own business so we decided to continue with the walk. However, there was this one horse who made a lot of noise when we walked past and then ran towards us. Long story short this horse gathered some mates and were chasing us through the park so we had to jump over a fence onto private property. We waited for what seemed to be forever until a couple driving past helped us. Maybe if we stood still or patted that particular horse it was have backed off but we were not taking any chances so had to run.
Anyways I say that to say that if you’re not an animal person go there during the day when there are other people around. Apart from this, the Park is amaaaaazzziiinnnggg. You can walk for millessssss and as the day went on there were more people so we entered here from a different place which was serene. I would definitely return here as Im sure there is soo much more to explore.
So me and my friend walked through this place at 9am on a Sunday morning and we were the only ones here. We were a bit sceptical as we were approaching the horses but most of them were asleep/minding their own business so we decided to continue with the walk. However, there was this one horse who made a lot of noise when we walked past and then ran towards us. Long story short this horse gathered some mates and were chasing us through the park so we had to jump over a fence onto private property. We waited for what seemed to be forever until a couple driving past helped us. Maybe if we stood still or patted that particular horse it was have backed off but we were not taking any chances so had to run.
Anyways I say that to say that if you’re not an animal person go there during the day when there are other people around. Apart from this, the Park is amaaaaazzziiinnnggg. You can walk for millessssss and as the day went on there were more people so we entered here from a different place which was serene. I would definitely return here as Im sure there is soo much more to explore.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walshy Travels 🇬🇧
Portsmouth, UK3,397 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Brokenhurst is a lovely village on the edge of the New Forest and is a great place to stop at for an explore as a day trip. A few lovely pubs and restaurants in the area along with a cafe and convenient stores. From the train station a 10 minute walk will see you into the park surrounded by wild ponies and nature.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom G
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
I have lived in this area for over three years now and I think it’s an awful place with awful people. Obviously not as awful as Bagdad or Aleppo but for somewhere that doesn’t have missiles falling out the sky it’s pretty tragic and infuriating. Avoid unless you like fake Instagram posting cretins, stuck up tourists and victim mentality cyclists. It is a playground for unintelligent snobs with less brain cells than the French.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel C
Middlesbrough, UK164 contributions
Aug 2019
Found in the south of England you can drive down on a nice sunny day if you don't live too far away and slowly explore the miles and miles of untouched woods. Once there you'll see wild horses and their children walking freely around, same for wild cows and bulls, just don't get too close to them though, they can be dangerous. You'll need to bring walking boots in case it gets muddy and since you could be walking a long time, the nearest pub/ restaurant is a pretty good trek away. You can also learn about the history of the new forest and how it was named that by the Normans when they conquered England nearly a thousand years ago (not very new then). This is a great place for photos, family picnics, long walks, taking your dog, (remember to keep it on a leash) and its a lovely way to see nature. You might even stumble on a whole herd of horses slowly walking by, you do have the option of driving through the forest if you don't want to spend as much time there but watch out on the road as horses do sometimes walk into the middle of it. Just remember to check the weather forecast ahead of time since English weather can change suddenly and you don't want to et caught in the rain without a coat or umbrella.
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK1,648 contributions
Jun 2021
The New Forrest covers a wide area and can be explored on food, cycle or by car. Woods and streams are present as well as common land. It is best to stay there to make the most of it but even a diversion on your car trip to the West Country will enable you to appreciate it. Beware that the roads and towns get very crowded with traffic queues common. You may be lucky to see deer and ponies.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teesdale
Barnard Castle, UK17 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Went for a long weekend, hired bikes for a day which I would highly recommend - there is a very good selection of well maintained gravel forest trails which are well marked with pre made route plans available.
The area is very quiet and tranquil outside of the main towns.
I did feel that after 2 days I had seen pretty much everything that was there to be seen.
The area is very quiet and tranquil outside of the main towns.
I did feel that after 2 days I had seen pretty much everything that was there to be seen.
Written October 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michellechampers
England, UK1,540 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
I am very lucky that I only live 25 miles from the new forest, but even if you live further away, it’s worth the drive, and if visiting Hampshire or Dorset I think it’s definitely worth a visit, Ringwood has some lovely places for lunch or dinner, and Lymington is a wonderful sea side town, but there are so many places to visit, with train stations in a few. The kids often mark of the animals they see on a day trip, pigs, Rabbits, cows, donkeys, ponies and deer they love it. With so many good old fashioned English pubs in the forest you will be spoiled for choice if you fancy a drink.
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sue y
Oxford, UK436 contributions
Nov 2021
We passed through this gem of a place. I was completely captivated, seeing the ponies, donkeys and cattle roaming freely. We were on the way to and from the Beaulieu Motor Museum as a birthday treat for my partner. I just couldn't get over how beautiful this place was, so tranquil, like going back in time. Because of the time of year that we went, the hustle and bustle wasn't there. I would expect on a warmer day and during the summer this place would get very busy. I think you could spend a while day in this area and still not see everything.
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim
188 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
I highly recommend coming to visit the New Forest because you have everything you desire in short driving disrance. There are plenty of walks, picnic areas, shops, villages, towns, seaside, beaches, woodlands, car parks and a theme park. Fantastic place, will be sad to leave.
Written May 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
voodoosue
Wigan, UK792 contributions
How do I get into The New Forrest by car from Alton please
Sam H
Sheffield, UK6 contributions
Hi
I’m trying to find a town/village in the New Forest that has enough there for a two night stay for a couple. I’m wanting to stay a rural as possible but within walking distance of somewhere with enough pub/restaurant.
Thanks Sam
Epicfootyman
Surrey, UK21 contributions
I would recommend staying in lymington
969utkarshr
New Delhi, India1 contribution
Hi, is national park open on 3rd and 4th April 2021?
Steve
Littlehampton, UK505 contributions
Sorry unknown
Lina
London, UK65 contributions
New forest national park closed on weekends?
I saw weekends are closed from Google map . Wanna make sure. Thanks in advance
Jim Busher
Lyndhurst, UK235 contributions
Hi, as a resident I can tell you it is open
Clan C
Hong Kong, China5 contributions
Have you any suggestions of an inexpensive campsite or a simple place to stay for a couple of nights in the New Forest for a family of 3. We'd love to be close to the free-roaming ponies if possible but don't have any of our own gear for camping so renting a static caravan or equipped tent would be our ideal. Any suggestions, please?
Daniel C
Middlesbrough, UK164 contributions
There's a place in the North of the forrest called Tom's field, tents, caravans, not far from local pub; there'll be loads of other places on Google.
314LindaCS
Bishops Stortford, UK4 contributions
Hi there! How long did your walk take from Lyndhurst please?
Spudheed
18 contributions
It’s is Brockenhurst and we drove but according to google maps it would take approx 90 minutes to walk
wendybru
Southampton, UK41 contributions
Is Blackwater Arboretum fenced?
Valerie B
Poole, UK26 contributions
Yes Blackwater Arboretum is fenced to prevent damage to the trees by the wild animals. The public use the gates and can enter the Arboretum at any time. There is a car park on the other side of the road close by.
Aimie1704
Northampton, UK429 contributions
We are going to Isle of Wight for a week this August and would like to visit the New Forest for a picnic on the way to Lymington ferry terminal. Is it free to enter and are there many picnic benches available?
suziwooz
Lymington, UK1 contribution
Hi Aimie,
I would suggest going to Bolderwood or Blackwater Car Parks as they would give you a real taste of the Forest and have picnic areas and toilet facilities situated in the Forest. They are also not far off the mail route you would travel if going to Lymington ferry terminal.
If you needed to have a quick stop if you had been caught in traffic then stop in Lyndhurst and head to Bolton's Bench. Sadly no picnic benches but there are benches.
The New Forest National Park is free to enter.
Gaynor B
Lostock, UK
Are there any cycle routes in the New Forrest?
AliReviews
Winchester, UK74 contributions
Yes lots. Get an OS map and take a compass.
New Forest National Park (Lyndhurst) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about New Forest National Park
- New Forest National Park is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:45 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking New Forest National Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 New Forest National Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near New Forest National Park:
- (0.01 mi) Forest Cottage Bed & Breakfast
- (0.02 mi) Charming New Forest Late Victorian Cottage Within Quiet Secluded Grounds
- (0.02 mi) Generously Proportioned 3 bedroom cottage
- (0.03 mi) Stable Cottage, Holmfield
- (0.07 mi) Stag Hotel
- Restaurants near New Forest National Park:
- (0.00 mi) Anissa's Thai Kitchen
- (0.01 mi) Indian Fusion
- (0.01 mi) Cafe parisien
- (0.03 mi) New Forest's Finest Fish & Chips
- (0.04 mi) The Willow Tree Cafe
- Attractions near New Forest National Park:
- (0.01 mi) Millie's Brocante
- (0.02 mi) Shave Green Interiors
- (0.03 mi) The Lyndhurst Taxis
- (0.05 mi) The Woods Cyclery
- (0.09 mi) The New Forest Heritage Centre