Don’t let its name mislead you, there’s more to hikes in the New Forest than mesmerising woodland. It also contains the most extensive area of open heathland remaining in Europe. This makes it a unique and important habitat for many rare species.
Can you walk anywhere in the New Forest?
Can you walk anywhere in the New Forest? We advise that you stick to walking on the footpaths and tracks across the forest and do not walk on heathland and grassland as this may disturb natural habitats and wildlife. There are 140 miles of footpaths to choose from, so you are not restricted in exploring the area.
Are there mountains in the New Forest?
The New Forest National Park is one of the flattest national parks in the UK, with no significant hills or mountains. The highest point in the New Forest National Park is Pipers Wait (140 m), while the most prominent hill is Cockley Hill (133 m).
What is the best walk in New Forest?
Top 5 places to go walking in the New Forest
- Bolderwood: Radnor Trail (1.9 miles) This fantastic medium walk passes through sweet chestnut, oak and beech dating from the 1860s.
- Keyhaven Marsh (3.5 miles)
- Burley Village Walk (4.2 miles)
- Lyndhurst on foot (8.5 miles)
- Avon Valley Walk (34 miles)
How do you explore the New Forest?
New Forest Activities offer canoeing tours of Beaulieu River or sea kayaking. Relax on one of the area’s beaches at Lepe, Milford on Sea or Barton-on-Sea or take a coastal walk along the Solent Way at Lymington or Hythe.
Which is the nicest village in the New Forest?
Burley – best village of the New Forest
Burley is the quintessential New Forest village. Found within Burley are traditional cottages and characterful thatched houses, while wild ponies wander freely about the village.
Can you do the New Forest without a car?
The New Forest is a great destination if you’re looking for a car-free holiday. With plenty of local transport, walks and trails close to most of our New Forest cottages, exploration will be easy! The wide open spaces of heathland are bewitching and have inspired artists and writers for centuries.
Is the New Forest worth visiting?
New Forest National Park is paradise for nature lovers. Hike, cycle or ride your way round hundreds of kilometres of glorious land.
Why do people go to the New Forest?
Wide trails through ancient woodlands and heath offer countless opportunities for hiking and biking, activities that allow you to discover the Forest’s plants and wildlife. More than 1,000 ancient trees have been recorded in the New Forest.
What is the main town in the New Forest?
Below are the New Forest’s major towns and villages: Beaulieu. Lymington. Brockenhurst.
Are there snakes in the New Forest?
Smooth snakes live throughout the heathy areas of the New Forest, but are very seldom seen. In the UK they are extremely rare and are restricted to the heathlands of Dorset, Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey.
How do you spend a day in the New Forest?
13 things to do in the New Forest
- Beaulieu cycle route.
- The Ashurst Stroll.
- Horse riding.
- The beach in Lepe Country Park.
- New Forest Wildlife Park.
- Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway.
- Paulton’s Family Theme Park.
- Buckler’s Hard Museum.
Is it free to park in the New Forest?
Forestry England provides over 100 free car parks in the New Forest. If you find one is full on arrival, please drive on to the next one.
How much does it cost to go to the New Forest?
Tickets from July 23rd 2022 Price Adult £14.75 Children (3 to 15 years) £11.25 Family (2 adults & 2 children o…
Are the pigs still out in the New Forest?
It has been extended due to the amount of fallen acorns across the Forest and will close on 9 December 2022. A few hundred pigs trot around the New Forest every autumn and do an important job of eating many of the acorns that fall at this time of year so it’s vital that people don’t feed the pigs or drop human food.
Where are the snakes in the New Forest?
If you want to see a snake or lizard in its natural environment, try looking on south-facing slopes, on logs, along the edge of scrub and in areas with mature heather. All of the native reptile species can be viewed at Forestry England’s New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst.
What famous people live in the New Forest?
Famous People
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes creator and author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is buried in All Saints’ Church, Minstead, near to Lyndhurst.
- Florence Nightingale. Arguably the most famous nurse in history, Florence Nightingale lived in Embley Park, Wellow, from 1825 until her death in 1910.
- Chris Packham.
What food is New Forest famous for?
The New Forest Scotch Egg Co specialise in gourmet scotch eggs, handmade on their farm near Ringwood. Making the most of the local produce available, including free range eggs and locally sourced meat, they produce Scotch eggs in a variety of flavours.
Is Brockenhurst worth visiting?
Brockenhurst has excellent local amenities, from an abundance of top quality pubs and restaurants to boutique shops and friendly tea rooms. Annual shows take place within easy reach of the village, including the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in July.
Can you touch the horses in the New Forest?
Feeding the New Forest ponies in a big “NO NO” as they are wild and dangerous; one kick could seriously injure you. If you are caught feeding them, the police will serve you a £200 fine and a criminal record. Touching or petting the ponies is forbidden, and an agitated pony will have his ears back against his head.
Do you have to pick up dog poop in the New Forest?
Keep well away from any work taking place such as forestry and pony round-ups, and observe warning signage. Pick up after your dog; put bagged dog poo in a dog waste bin or litter bin, or take it home.