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Lyndhurst: This village became the forest's "capital" when William the Conqueror established his hunting grounds. It lies right in the middle of the forest, and makes an excellent base for exploring. There is a museum, and a range of shops, pubs and cafes. In the churchyard you will find the grave of the original Alice in Wonderland, Alice Liddel, who inspired Lewis Carrol to write his famous book. Standing next to the church is Queen's House, the headquarters of the Forestry Commission. It contains the fourteenth century Verderer's Hall, from where the Forest is still administered.

Brockenhurst: This village has the main bus/train interchange for the New Forest. The village has an attractive green, which is often used for grazing ponies and cattle. Many forest walks and cycle trails start in Brockenhurst. The surrounding scenery is some of the loveliest in the forest.

Ringwood: For centuries Ringwood was the forest's main market town. It stands at the western edge of the forest, and has a mixture of modern shops, and older buildings.

Fordingbridge: This is a small, ancient town on the banks of the river Avon. There are plenty of shops, pubs and cafes. For the children there is a riverside playground.

Beaulieu: An ancient village of narrow streets, tiny shops and a pub, built around a wide tidal river. It is a good place for wildlife, and is also the home of the National Motor Museum.

Sway: Sway has an extraordinary tower, and a renowned art gallery in the village centre. The Children Of The New Forest by Captain Marryat was set in and around Sway.

 

 

 

 

For seaside towns, the following would be good choices:

New Milton: This is one of the larger towns. It has excellent shops and both the coast and open forest are within easy reach.

 

 

Cottage Near Lymington - Photo by Debbie Lowless

Lymington: Lymington's high street leads down to a busy quay and marina where fresh fish is sold. The town is made up of atmospheric narrow streets lined with picturesque cottages and houses. Lymington is a good place to stay if you wish to visit the Isle of Wight: the car ferry to the island docks just outside the town.

Milford-on-Sea: This village offers wonderful views of the Needles off the Isle of Wight, and of Christchurch Bay. Its shingle beach is popular with sea anglers. There is a traditional green, shops, pubs and cafes.

Hythe: This town lies on Southampton Water on the eastern side of the forest. If you would like the facilities of a large city within easy reach then Hythe would be a good place to stay, since the city of Southampton is a short ferry ride away. The town itself has many attractive Victorian and Georgian buildings, and offers good views of ocean liners coming up Southampton Water. You can also take a train ride along the Victorian pier.

If you are visiting the New Forest the following general advice might be helpful:

Don't feed the ponies: The ponies look lovely, but they can bite and kick, particularly mares with foals. Feeding also encourages ponies to stray onto roads, and can cause them to become aggressive with other visitors who might not have a snack to hand. There is plenty of natural food available in the forest.

Don't have a campfire: Fire is a great threat to the forest, so campfires are not allowed. There are barbecue sites provided by the Forestry Commission.

Look for the little acorn: An acorn symbol is used to recognise those businesses which are pursuing wise social and environmental practices. If you see the acorn symbol you might want to give those people your custom.