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127 kmThings to do
2 days in New Forest
Day 1
- MorningWalk or cycle through the heath and woods, watching for the free-roaming ponies.
- AfternoonVisit the village of Lyndhurst or the Beaulieu motor museum.
- EveningHave dinner in a thatched village pub.
Day 2
Visit the coast at Lymington or Keyhaven.
What to eat
New Forest venison and local ice cream.
Local tips
Make the most of New Forest
Beat the crowds
Summer weekends are busy in Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. The open heath stays quiet, especially on weekdays.
Best photo spot
Ponies grazing on the purple heather in late summer, and the ancient oaks in the woods.
Getting there
Trains from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst take about 1.5 hours. In summer, open-top tour buses loop around the forest.
Don't miss nearby
The village of Beaulieu, Buckler's Hard on the river, and the coast at Lymington.
Good to know
The ponies, donkeys and cattle are owned by local commoners and roam free; don't feed or touch them. Cycling on the gravel tracks is a great way to explore.
Secret spots
1 secret spot near New Forest
Our most hidden places around New Forest: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of New Forest to take with you.
smhhrn cnse54 km awayPlan your visit
Getting to New Forest
At a glance
Questions
New Forest: good to know
Is New Forest worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like nature. Heathland and ancient woods where ponies roam free.
How many days do you need in New Forest?
Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.
When is the best time to visit New Forest?
You can visit all year. Summer weekends are busy in Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. The open heath stays quiet, especially on weekdays.
How do you get to New Forest?
The nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport (BOH), about 19 km away. Trains from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst take about 1.5 hours. In summer, open-top tour buses loop around the forest.
What is there to see near New Forest?
Nearby hidden places include Bath (83 km), Bristol (100 km) and Brighton (101 km).