The 9 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in New Forest National Park Hampshire, England

March 27, 2022 Vergie Nakamoto

If you need a word to perfectly describe New Forest, “welcoming” would be it. The lowland (i.e. no mountains) park is filled with scenic views and wide trails that beg to be explored as they wind through centuries-old woodlands. Visit Bolderwood, a protected forest and deer sanctuary that was once the hunting grounds of the Norman kings. Fish at Moors Valley before heading skyward for a treetops walk. Prefer the country-house life? Head to Beaulieu, where you can get lost in the Victorian-era at the Palace House before following in the footsteps of medieval monks at the property’s abbey.
Restaurants in New Forest National Park Hampshire

1. Pondhead Conservation Trust

Beechen Lane, Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire England +44 7887 811712 http://pondheadconservation.org.uk
Excellent
80%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Pondhead Conservation Trust

Reviewed By Newforestfan

There’s more to this inclosure once you walk around it, follow the path,, use the QR codes to access information bites and you’ll learn more about coppicing and hopefully see a buzzard and revel in the tranquility and admire the beautiful beeches.

2. New Forest National Park

New Forest National Park Hampshire, Brockenhurst England +44 1590 646600 [email protected] https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 28 reviews

New Forest National Park

Reviewed By 950charlesf - Newtown, United Kingdom

Beautiful part of the world, plenty of opportunities to explore, even with busy traffic, the ponies are an ever present bonus.

3. Longdown Activity Farm

Deerleap Lane, Ashurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO40 7EH England +44 23 8029 2837 [email protected] http://www.longdownfarm.co.uk/
Excellent
60%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 678 reviews

Longdown Activity Farm

There's farmyard fun for the whole family at Longdown Activity Farm. Join in with a daily schedule of hands-on activities such as bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, duck feeding, and the Animal Encounter Barn where visitors can hold chicks and meet a variety of small animals - sometimes even Kunekune piglets. There are lots of larger, friendly animals to meet too. Whatever the weather, there is lots of playtime adventures to be had in the indoor and outdoor play areas which include the Straw Den and Trampoline Barn and the soft play area (these areas are currently closed following goverment guidance) When ground conditions allow, don't miss the fabulous bumpy tractor and trailer ride. No hidden extra costs for our daily schedule of activities. Make sure you visit the Longdown Farm Shop for delicious locally sourced food - a taste of the New Forest.

Reviewed By W964ZHrachaelb

What a great day out! I took my two boys here today and they loved it!! Parking is free and the entry prices are reasonable too Its the first farm where we have hand fed baby cows and goats, held ducklings, collected chicken eggs, had a tractor ride and enjoyed the farms parks and crazy golf.... so much to do to keep your little ones entertained, this place is a must visit for anyone out enjoying the New Forest

4. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire So43 7gq England http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/EnglandHampshireNoForestNewForestBolderwood
Excellent
54%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 355 reviews

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

There is a viewing platform for deer. Picturesque forest and national park for the family. Very picturesque and ponies wonder around. It was very busy Easter Weekend but still and enjoyable day out, getting back to nature.

Reviewed By julianf982 - Holt, United Kingdom

This place is well worth a visit. There is no official charge, though a donation is requested on the voluntary parking meter. Parking space is extensive. We saw some beautiful fallow deer and had a very pleasant walk on a well waymarked woodland path. The downside was a thundery downpour towards the end of our walk. However, this did not unduly spoil the afternoon. If you like typical British woodland you will like this place.

5. Lymington & Keyhaven Marshes

Lower Pennington Lane, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Lymington SO41 8AL England http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/lymington-and-keyhaven-marshes-nature-reserve
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Lymington & Keyhaven Marshes

Reviewed By SuttonJewell - Birmingham, United Kingdom

Great walk or cycle path along the waters edge on one side and marshes, countryside on the other, lovely!

6. New Forest Reptile Centre

Holidays Hill, off A35, Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO43 7GR England +44 300 067 4601 [email protected] http://www.forestryengland.uk/new-forest-reptile-centre
Excellent
43%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 206 reviews

New Forest Reptile Centre

The New Forest Reptile Centre houses a unique collection of all the native lizards, snakes, frogs and toads, including the adder, the only venomous species of snake living in Britain. The centre is seasonal and closed while the native snakes, lizards, frogs and toads are hibernating. Open during weekends from: 4th April until 2nd September 2020.

Reviewed By Zfibre27 - Southampton, United Kingdom

We love coming here to have a look around in the hope of seeing something new. The last time we came, a guy from the RSPB had a stall who was happy to talk with the kids and educate them. There’s nice clean grounds to stroll around or stop to eat. Toilets and parking both great. Will visit again in the summer.

7. Avon Heath Country Park

Brocks Pine, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Ringwood BH24 2DH England +44 1425 478082 [email protected] http://www.dorsetforyou.com/avonheath
Excellent
52%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 142 reviews

Avon Heath Country Park

Avon Heath Country Park is Dorset's largest country park, accessible to families and people with a wide range of abilities and interests.Come and explore some of Dorset's internationally important heathland and its rare wildlife!

Reviewed By Shazzer-R2015

Great place to start the day! Used to regularly walk our dogs here finishing with coffee and cake in the cafe, now we visit for breakfast! Current government guidelines are followed carefully. Good service and good food!

8. Blashford Lakes

Moyles Court Farmhouse Ellingham Drove, New Forest National Park Hampshire, Ringwood BH24 3NU England +44 1425 472760 http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/reserves/blashford-lakes
Excellent
47%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 57 reviews

Blashford Lakes

Reviewed By Brubaker65 - Salisbury, United Kingdom

Such a wonderful wildlife hideaway The lakes provide a haven for local and visiting birds Many hides give you a fantastic view of many woodland birds and water borne birds Outstanding good

9. Foxbury

Blackhill Road, New Forest National Park Hampshire SO51 6AQ England +44 1425 650035 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/foxbury
Foxbury

Foxbury is a 150 hectare site of dry and wet heathland, ponds and woodland. It's open for special events only, from 'wild' play days to guided walks. With miles of wide, all-weather gravel tracks, Foxbury is a safe environment to explore and enjoy with the family. It’s a great way to experience the outdoors and connect with nature Foxbury also hosts a Forest School run by Woodlands Rec

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