10 Things to do in New Forest National Park Hampshire That You Shouldn't Miss

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.

In the heart of the glorious New Forest, Beaulieu is one of the South's top visitor attractions. Here you will find the National Motor Museum, home to over 250 vehicles telling the history of motoring. You can also visit Palace House and Gardens, home of the Montagu family since 1538, the remains of Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear where you can see some of the vehicles from Jeremy, James and Richard's most ambitious challenges. Ride on the high level Monorail or climb aboard the replica 1912 open top London bus for a fun way to see Beaulieu's sights.

Starting from Milford-on-Sea, this is a two-mile walk alongthe coast, ending at Hurst Castle, an ancient monument open year 'round, with a cafe. A ferry runs from the village of Keyhaven from Easter through summer months.

We are a large Country Park & Forest offering approximately 1000 acres of managed woodland and Country Park to explore. We have miles of mapped walking and cycle routes, two large adventure play areas, over a mile and a half walking route with numerous large woodland play stations to stop at, cycle and mobility scooter hire, model steam railway, golf and pitch & put, restaurant, staffed information point & Visitor Centre, disabled and baby change facilities at two large toilet blocks, Go-Ape and Segway hire, Ice-cream sales and visitor gift shop. If that is not enough to keep you busy, we have an array of activities throughout the year including, pond dipping, Ranger Den, Nordic walking. Admission is per car, and you need to know your number plate to pay at the paystations - at the end of your visit. See you soon.

Lymington Yacht Haven is a Five Gold Anchor Marina offering luxurious facilities, easy access to a number of exciting locations and a host of benefits to berth holders and visitors. Based in the mouth of Lymington River on the edge of the New Forest, Hampshire, the marina is the premier choice for sailors in the Solent due to its perfect location, protected harbour and luxury facilities. On-site, the Haven Bar and Restaurant provides stunning views along with delicious food and drink. A host of marine services are located at the marina along with a well-stocked chandlery. The town is only a short walk away, or you can rent one of the marina bikes, electric bikes or the popular electric car! Lymington Yacht Haven has 500 marina berths, all fully serviced with water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. The full range of boatyard services are also available including hoist, scrubs and storage ashore.

Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost five million holidaymakers and Islanders to the Isle of Wight every year. We provide a vehicle and foot passenger ferry service from Lymington, a charming market town in the New Forest, to Yarmouth, a gorgeous historic town in the west of the Isle of Wight. Lymington to Yarmouth is our quickest and most scenic route for car passengers, with a crossing time of only 40 minutes. Facilities in both ports include a Costa Coffee serving drinks, rapid charging points (50kwh) for electric vehicles, ticket office, toilets and baby-changing facilities. Car parking and bicycle racks is also available. Three of our Wight Class ships serve this route. Whether travelling by foot or car, Wightlink’s modern, comfortable fleet provide spacious passenger lounges, sun decks to see the sights of the Solent, excellent food and drink options and easy to access facilities. Wightlink offers frequent sailings all year round.