Welcome to the New Forest
The official tourism website for the New Forest
Wild horses won’t be able to drag you away from the New Forest once you’ve experienced its peace and fallen in love with the forest’s idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and cliff top walks.
Escape to a world a million miles from your everyday life where ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roam free... and all just 90 minutes by train from London.
The New Forest has been a top destination for breaks and getaways here in the UK throughout the ages, with so much to see and do, and places to stay, it’s the perfect place to visit and create unforgettable memories!
Fall in love with the New Forest’s breathtaking wildlife and nature. Each season provides a change of scene from the wonderful bright colours of spring and summer to the kaleidoscope of warm hues in autumn and sheets of white frost in the winter. Explore our incredible National Park to discover the true beauty for yourself, don your walking boots and take a stroll through our magical woodlands and heathlands. Hire a bike and enjoy one of the many off-road cycling routes or simply relax and rejuvenate on a picnic or at one of our award-winning spas.
Discover the cobbled streets of our wonderful towns & villages or take a stroll along the gorgeous coastline of the New Forest!
The New Forest is home to a wide selection of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets. From luxury and country house hotels, self-catering holiday cottages and bed & breakfasts to glamping, camping and caravan sites and holiday parks, all set against the majestic backdrop of the New Forest. As you admire the timeless scenery it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular holiday beauty spot.
There is a wealth of things to do and places to explore in the New Forest from award-winning gardens, theme parks, farms and museums, to exciting outdoor activities and watersports. Plus, we host a huge range of events every year.
Sample delicious food & drink, visit our country pubs and luxury restaurants or our cosy tea rooms, with their tempting menus and great culinary experiences. Taste our local produce at farm shops, farmers’ markets and food & drink events.
If you would like to take a look at our brochures and guides before you come, read the New Forest Code, or find out where our Local Information Points are for when you are here, then take a browse through our visitor information. The New Forest also offers superb conference and wedding facilities.
Whatever you need from a short break with the family to an all-out active holiday, the New Forest‘s enchanting surroundings provide an ideal destination. Come and discover this wonderful area for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
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Top Summer Festivals and Events
- 4 minute read
Get out those glad rags hanging at the back of the wardrobe, apply the sunscreen and get ready for a summer of amazing festivals and events here in the New Forest. Whether you are looking for ideas for all the family, love anything foodie or just fancy a day out with a difference, you’ll find plenty…
Read MoreGuest blog: The New Forest Off Road Club
- 3 minute read
INTRODUCING THE NEW FOREST OFF ROAD CLUB The New Forest Off Road club is a women-led cycling community and registered community interest company based in Hampshire. The group lead social and guided rides with the aim to help people connect with others, the Forest and themselves. Since October 2020…
Read MoreThe 10 prettiest New Forest holiday cottages to rent this summer
- 3 minute read
Whether you’re looking for a couple’s retreat, an idyllic country bolthole with a great pub in the village, or a picture-perfect thatched cottage, Here’s our pick of the Prettiest New Forest Cottages. The Smithy You’ll adore this little cottage for four in Lyndhurst which is beautifully styled…
Read MoreTop ways to spend the spring bank holiday and May half term
- 4 minute read
Marking the start of the Hampshire spring half term is the second May bank holiday on Monday 27 May. You’ll find lots to see and do across the New Forest, from family activities through to live music and much more. Whether you are visiting for the day, for the Bank holiday weekend or for an extended…
Read MoreThe best dog days out in the New Forest
- 4 minute read
The New Forest is a fantastic destination for dog owners looking to enjoy the great outdoors alongside their furry companions. With gorgeous woodlands, vast heathlands and even coastal trails, the area offers a long list of activities that are perfect to enjoy with dogs. Here are some of the best…
Read MoreDiscovering the spring and summer colours in the New Forest
- 4 minute read
Here in the magical New Forest, discovering the spring and summer colours is one of our favourite things to do. It’s mindful, it’s fun and, once you start noticing the beauty all around, it’s very hard to stop! From the vast, cloudless skies over our heathland, to the sparkling seas off our 40-mile…
Read MoreThings to do highlights
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Travelling around the New Forest is easy!
Navigate through our winding country roads to get to your New Forest destination.
You can travel to and around the New Forest by road, bike, walking, rail, boat, bus or even on horseback.
What's on highlights
Dogstival
Does your pooch deserve some love this summer? Dogstival returns to Burley Park in the heart of the…
Lymington Seafood Festival
Every summer the Lymington comes alive when it hosts their award-winning seafood festival, this year…
New Forest and Hampshire County Show
The New Forest Show is one of the largest and most prestigious agricultural events in the UK. Join…
New Forest Food Festival
New Forest Food Festival is an event for all the family. Rich in local produce, artisan foodies and…