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.

Check out our blog...

The New Forest by bike guide

  • 6 minute read

Travelling through the New Forest by bicycle is an adventure that promises to be both invigorating and full of breath-taking views, offering a unique way to experience one of the UK’s most enchanting landscapes. Let us guide you through planning your journey, what to expect, and tips for making the…

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Top Early May bank holiday events in the New Forest

  • 4 minute read

With the Easter weekend now behind us, it’s time to start thinking ahead to May and the next bank holiday weekend! Of course, there’s plenty to see and do in the New Forest at the best of times – with fabulous walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. Added to this though, we have some amazing…

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Accessible days out and breaks in the New Forest

  • 7 minute read

The New Forest is a unique location full of stunning views, ancient woodlands and free-roaming animals. With all of its beauty and scenery that shouldn’t go amiss, we want everyone to come and enjoy the magical New Forest, regardless of age, ability or accessibility needs, whether motor…

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The New Forest’s top ten breath-taking viewpoints

  • 3 minute read

The New Forest is full of beautiful views, with free-roaming animals, ancient trees, vast landscapes and special wildlife, but nothing beats a view where you can see for miles in the distance. That’s why we’ve listed some of our top locations for breathtaking views in the New Forest: 1. Piper’s…

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How best to spend spring in the New Forest

  • 3 minute read

Hooray – spring is finally here! With warmer weather, longer days and flowers blooming, this is a truly wonderful time of year, and where better to spend the season than in the New Forest? With spring now upon us, we’ve come up with ideas on the best way to spend spring in the New Forest… 1.

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Top things to do this April in the New Forest

  • 4 minute read

Bringing with it swathes of spring flowers and some super gorgeous new arrivals – mainly in the form of New Forest Pony foals, April is a beautiful time of year to visit the New Forest. Catch the end of the Easter weekend with 1st April falling on Easter Monday this year. There’s plenty going on…

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Things to do highlights

What's on highlights

Dogstival Jun 01

Dogstival

Does your pooch deserve some love this summer? Dogstival returns to Burley Park in the heart of the…

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