Lauren's Guidebook
Activities
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
For the kids
Furzey Gardens
School LaneRoughly 1 hour drive (including short chain ferry from Poole) to this iconic steam railway which travels from Swanage to Corfe castle
18 locals recommend
Swanage Railway
Roughly 1 hour drive (including short chain ferry from Poole) to this iconic steam railway which travels from Swanage to Corfe castle
New Forest Water Park
Ringwood RoadGo Ape Moors Valley
Horton RoadHurst Castle
Longdown Activity Farm
Deerleap LaneNew Forest Wildlife Park
Deerleap LaneHead to this carpark for the closest sandy beach. Approx 35min drive.
Steamer Point car park, Christchurch
Penny WayHead to this carpark for the closest sandy beach. Approx 35min drive.
Sightseeing
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
For car lovers..
Free entry (donations welcome), lots of history about the New Forest. Nice little shop and coffee place on site too.
17 locals recommend
New Forest Heritage Centre Museum
Free entry (donations welcome), lots of history about the New Forest. Nice little shop and coffee place on site too.
Pick up a coffee, ice cream or fish and chips before meandering up to this iconic bench with scenic views
15 locals recommend
Bolton's Bench
B3056Pick up a coffee, ice cream or fish and chips before meandering up to this iconic bench with scenic views
Beautiful trails with stunning views where you can see the Isle of Wight on a clear day. There’s also a nice little cream tea spot as a reward.
Acres Down
Beautiful trails with stunning views where you can see the Isle of Wight on a clear day. There’s also a nice little cream tea spot as a reward.
Lymington Nature Reserve
Beautiful coastal walk
Lepe Country Park
Lovely beach (pebbled) and good little cafe with scenic views
Large pond with a circular walk and lots of wildlife spotting opportunities
12 locals recommend
Hatchet Pond
Large pond with a circular walk and lots of wildlife spotting opportunities
National Trust - New Forest Northern Commons
Stunning scenery in any season
Salisbury Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral
9 The ClGolf course and driving range
Paultons Golf Centre
Salisbury RoadHamptworth Golf
Hamptworth RoadBramshaw Golf Club
New Forest Golf Club
Southampton RoadThere are many pubs and restaurants to choose from in the New Forest. These are some of our favourites. Best to book ahead for holidays and weekends.
The Pig
B3055High end dining with locally sourced ingredients
Lovely pub 30 minute walk away from the park across Canada common although not recommended after dark :-)
35 locals recommend
The Rockingham Arms
Lovely pub 30 minute walk away from the park across Canada common although not recommended after dark :-)
Garden centre cafe in the beautiful village of Beaulieu. Well worth a stroll around the village followed by full new Forest breakfast in the cafe or a coffee/cake from Steff’s to go opposite.
9 locals recommend
Steff's Kitchen
55 High StGarden centre cafe in the beautiful village of Beaulieu. Well worth a stroll around the village followed by full new Forest breakfast in the cafe or a coffee/cake from Steff’s to go opposite.
The Royal Oak
Ringwood RoadQuaint pub famous for it’s Ploughman’s lunch
Large garden, great food.. try their stone baked pizzas and Sunday roasts
14 locals recommend
The Trusty Servant
2 Compton CottagesLarge garden, great food.. try their stone baked pizzas and Sunday roasts
Great nearby pub - walk across the field next to the main entrance to the park to avoid the road (ask reception if unsure)
16 locals recommend
The Lamb Inn
Great nearby pub - walk across the field next to the main entrance to the park to avoid the road (ask reception if unsure)
Sunnyfields Farm Shop
Jacob's Gutter LaneGood quality farm shop and cafe
Les Mirabelles
Forest RoadLovely local French restaurant - walking distance.
Green Dragon
Canterton LaneNice pub with large garden
Lovely local spot for great coffee, brunch, lunch and cakes. Pizza nights on Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Headlands Farm Coffee Shop West Wellow
Romsey RoadLovely local spot for great coffee, brunch, lunch and cakes. Pizza nights on Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Breakfast/lunch spot with views across the Solent in Lymington. Nice place to stop after a walk around the nature reserve here.
61 locals recommend
The Haven Bar & Restaurant
King's Saltern RoadBreakfast/lunch spot with views across the Solent in Lymington. Nice place to stop after a walk around the nature reserve here.
Hartnett Holder & Co
Beaulieu RoadDelicious Italian food, nice for a special occasion. Great cocktail bar too.
The Oak Inn
Pinkney LaneCosy pub, great food
Food scene
Carlo's Ices & Tearooms
Romsey Road