New Forest holidays

Where to go when it rains

"A great place to go when the weather is poor is the New Forest Centre where you can find out about the wildlife and history of the New Forest."

"There is a Museum is packed full of displays and activities about the New Forest National Park, including a family fun tree interactive exhibit. There is also a gift shop, exhibition programme and a Visitor Information Centre ready to answer all your questions."

"It’s situated in Lyndhurst, the ‘capital’ of the New Forest, so if it’s still raining when you leave you can buy yourself some outdoor gear and get out and enjoy the Forest whatever the weather.

Jim Mitchell

Best autumn walk

"A walk through Keyhaven Marshes is a great way to catch the last of the summer warmth, or to wrap up warm against the first of the chilly winds. The sea wall footpath from Keyhaven Village to Lymington offers great views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight."

" The lagoons that dominate the landscape are a relic from the days when salt was an important commodity and a local industry was involved in salt production from the evaporation of sea water. Today these old lagoons are home to many types wildlife."

"Spot the arrival of winter migrant birds such as Little Stint or Whimbrel, and late-flowering Sea Aster provides a welcome splash of colour. The best thing about Keyhaven is the variety of great walks it crams in to such a small area. You can walk out along the Solent Way and then use one of the many paths crossing the nature reserve to join the inland return route."

Sarah Manchester, Countryside Access, New Forest National Park Authority

If you want to be near water

"Hurst Castle is pretty much surrounded by water so you’ll struggle to get any nearer to water without getting wet."

" Hurst Castle is at the seaward end of the shingle spit that extends 1.5 miles from Milford-On-Sea. The end of the spit is only three-quarters of a mile from the Isle of Wight, and the views from the top of the centre keep are spectacular."

" Hurst Castle was the perfect location to defend the western approach to the Solent. The castle was built by Henry VIII as one of a chain of coastal fortresses and was completed in 1544. Charles I was imprisoned here in 1648 before being taken to London to his trial and execution. The best way to access the castle is by walking along the spit from Milford-on-sea, and alternative route back is via the regular ferry service between the Castle and Keyhaven, operating until the end of October"

Andy Brennan, National Park Ranger

If you're feeling active, New Forest canoes

"To truly explore the fabulous New Forest National Park coastline there is simply no better way than to use a kayak or canoe. With basic coaching you'll soon be confident and stable enough to take to the sea."

" My company, Liquid Logistics, based nr Beaulieu offer a range of sea kayaking courses and introductions and trips which will inspire you. Get started on the Beaulieu River, one of the few privately owned rivers in the world. It forms the south-eastern edge of the Beaulieu Estate, and the associated rights and obligations now exercised by Lord Montagu derive from those granted to the monks of Beaulieu Abbey by King John in 1204."

" The river benefits from a double tide, and a secondary high water. The flood tide takes six hours coming in; then, after a gentle fall, there is a second high tide some 2 hours later followed by a period of slack water for about an hour. Then the ebb sets in, and low water is reached in just two and a half hours."

Sam Sutton, Director, Liquid Logistics

Where to meet some animals

"When you visit the New Forest National Park there are a group of about 3000 locals that you can't but help noticing. They have been hanging around for about 2000 years and what they don't know about the forest is not worth knowing! I am talking about of course, the wonderful New Forest Ponies."

"All of the ponies found in the forest are wild in the sense they can roam freely but in fact they are owned by New Forest Commoners. A commoner is defined as someone who owns or occupies land to which rights of common are assigned."
"Visitors are asked not to feed the ponies; there is a forest byelaw which forbids the feeding of forest stock and can get you a £200 fine and a criminal record if you do! Remember, too, that these animals are not tame - the gentlest looking pony can also kick and bite!"

Paul McDaid, Sustainable Initiatives Officer, New Forest District Council

Bird-tastic nature reserve

"A good spot to come to see birds throughout the year is Lymington-Keyhaven nature reserve, situated on the Solent coast and boasting a rich variety of habitats. It’s probably at its best in Autumn and Winter when migrants such as spoonbills and wrynecks are sometimes seen, as well as later on when huge flocks of waders and Brent geese come to overwinter."

" Birds can be viewed both in the saline lagoons and on the rich saltmarsh just offshore. There is good and easy access from either Lymington or Keyhaven and the walk along the sea wall ranks alongside one of the best in the National Park. "

Jim Mitchell

Best pub if you have children in tow

"The Alice Lisle is a wonderful pub set back off the green coming down from Moyles Court near Ringwood, the menu is great for all ages and uses local produce to provide a taste of the forest for everyone that visits. With a large garden and real fires and a friendly welcome there is something for all."

"Rockford common can be found easily with the largest natural sand pit you will ever see, such fun!"

Sarah Richards, New Forest Marque Manager

When you're in the mood for a cream tea

"For somewhere with a warmth of the New Forest visit Something’s Brewing at the Watersplash. Paula the owner who has been there for over a year uses local produce whenever possible."

"Perhaps the nicest part is that all the tables in the tea room are from another New Forest Marque member who creates art and furniture from the forest, every piece has a story of where it came from and what type of wood it is, even the counter is from New Forest wood."

"The cream teas are huge and along with a steaming cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate a good newspaper - what more could you want?"

Sarah Richards, New Forest Marque Manager

Best pub with a walk

"The Royal Oak is situated in Fritham a wonderful village that still reminds me of time left behind. It has roaring fires and homemade food most of which is New Forest Marque - the guarantee of true local produce."

"The pub sets itself right on the edge of the forest providing you with a wonderful warm place to come in after a picturesque walk seeing many of the views and wildlife along the way to the enjoy a glass of mulled wine and some of the local fare."

Sarah Richards, New Forest Marque Manager