Blog (Walking) - Visit The New Forest

September, October and November are often referred to as the New Forest’s ‘shoulder months’. With the area being less busy, it’s a great time to get away and discover the tranquillity and beauty of our National Park and surrounding areas without the crowds you’d expect in the summer months.

Does anything beat a great family walk? One on which you see new things, discover new places and maybe stop off for a scrumptious picnic or at a delightful pub? We don’t think so which is why we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the best family experience of all – a walk in the magical New Forest.

There’s a very good reason that we all keep being told to spend more time outside; walking, cycling, enjoying an activity or even just being.

Here in the magical New Forest we’re always keen to do our bit to help ensure it remains one of the UK’s premiere nature hotspots, as well as a beautiful place to be. 

The clocks are forward, the sun is out, the flowers are blooming and in the New Forest that means only one thing – Spring has sprung! After the long, dark winter our magical New Forest is bursting into life so now’s the time to take a wander through our Ancient Woodland to watch the leaves emerge.

Because the New Forest is a pooches’ paradise, that’s why!
According to the New Forest National Park Authority, 25,000 dog walks take place here each day but there is so much space you could walk for hours and never see another hound.

The New Forest is so magical and we want everyone to be able to explore every part of it, no matter what their mobility is! Whether you want to discover the beautiful wildlife in our heathland and woodland, or if you fancy enjoying the beautiful scenery of the coastline, we have the perfect accessible routes for you. 

What two better things to combine together than a peaceful walk in the New Forest followed by a well-earnt visit to one of our country pubs?! With 143 miles of footpaths, 193,000 acres of land to explore and over 60 pubs, the New Forest is the perfect place to enjoy a pub walk!

… you will be if you come to the New Forest!

Winter in the New Forest is a magical time of frosted, rustling leaves, wild pink and orange sunsets, starry skies and roaring fires in our pubs and restaurants. The bare landscape makes it easier to spot our ponies and deer, too, as well as foxes and owls.

From David Livingstone to Sir David Attenborough, all the great explorers have something in common. They had to start somewhere. And we can think of nowhere better to release your children’s – or your own! – inner explorer than the New Forest this summer.