Itineraries

Do you need some more inspiration on how to spend your time in The New Forest?

Well, you’re in luck! We’ve come up with some great itineraries for you to follow and enjoy. Read through the itineraries below and decide which ones you like the sound of… there’s a great range of things to do on sunny days, rainy days, family fun days and more!

1 day itinerary suggestions
 

Brockenhurst – Keyhaven – Lymington

Start the day at Hurst Castle. Explore the wonderful sites in and around the castle and discover the castle’s use as a former prison before heading along Hurst Spit to chill out at the seaside.

(A quick tip to make your day even better: purchase a Go New Forest Card –  which you can use at Hurst Castle to receive a great discount!)

Or, if you're more of an active person or want to try something new, you could book on to The New Forest Paddle Sport Company's 'Castle Experience' which includes a fun-filled two hours of instructor-led stand up paddle boarding or kayaking, entry to Hurst Castle and lunch or afternoon tea at the Castle Cafe.

Grab some lunch at Ray's Italian Kitchen or The Royal Oak at Downton, to fuel you up for an afternoon of shopping in Lymington High Street, where you can pick up new additions for the home or your wardrobe from the town’s many independent shops. Make sure you visit St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery while you're in Lymington too.

Lyndhurst – Ower – (Bramshaw)

First things first, pack a picnic! Why don’t you go into Lyndhurst High Street and get some tasty local food from the lovely shops or their local bakery, Tasty Pastries?

Head to Bolton’s Bench at Lyndhurst for a peaceful morning wander through the Forest and some spectacular views across the landscape.

Make your way back to the car and guess where is next… the amazing Paulton’s Park, home of Peppa Pig World, a firm family favourite!  You’re guaranteed to have a fantastic day, whisking around on the rides, meeting Peppa Pig & Friends, and make sure you try out the cool 4D cinema too!

Lepe – Exbury – Beaulieu/Brockenhurst

Wake up, wrap up warm and get some fresh air on a beach walk at Lepe Country Park before making your way up the road to Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway. The world-famous rhododendrons and azaleas, the wonderful riverside walk, the steam railway and much more are on offer here, you can even bring your pet dog along too! Grab a quick snack and drink at on-site Mr Eddy’s Tea Rooms during your visit, or stop off at The Royal Oak at Hilltop on your way to the next stop!

Book an afternoon activity at New Forest Activities, the ‘Paddle to the Pub’ is always a great one, but they have loads of activities to choose from, for all ages and abilities. Or, if you’re feeling slightly tired after a morning of walking, why don’t you try Cyclexperience’s E-Bike Hire in Brockenhurst!

Burley – Fordingbridge

Fancy a bike ride? Hire a bike from Forest Leisure Cycling in Burley and go out and explore the New Forest on two wheels.

When you’re ready for a tasty lunch, head to Burley Manor and enjoy a wonderful menu of Mediterranean-inspired tapas, or try out The Cider Pantry at New Forest Cider.

Now for a some more outdoor adventures and fun you will want to make your way to New Forest Water Park for loads of fun, splashing and laughter as you negotiate your way around the inflatable obstacle course or try your hand at wakeboarding. If you fancy something a bit more sedate then why not hire a kayak and take a paddle around one of the lakes?

If watersports aren't your thing but you fancy an active day in the New Forest, book a session with Insight Activities, where you can enjoy archery, crossbows and even axe-throwing!

Or, if you want to learn about some of the history of the New Forest and see it for yourself, head to Breamore House & Countryside Museum or Rockbourne Roman Villa.

Lyndhurst – Emery Down

Fill yourselves up with a delicious breakfast from one of the many cafes or tearooms that can be found in Lyndhurst.

Once you’re finished work it off and shop ‘til you drop at all the local, independent, wonderful shops along Lyndhurst’s High Street. There is a shop that everyone will enjoy selling everything from hats, scarfs and welly boots to thousands of sweets and goodies. Plus remember to take a browse at the fantastic super cars at the bottom of the High Street!

Now for some more entertainment, and a bit of learning head just around the corner to the New Forest Heritage Centre, where there is all sorts of fun to be had in their amazing indoor, interactive museum.

From here you can either walk, cycle (hire a bike from The Woods Cyclery) or drive to Millyford Bridge in Emery Down for a wonderful walk amongst the tall trees of the New Forest.

Gardens galore - Minstead and Exbury

If you love to visit gardens then be sure to embark on this one-day itinerary. Start your day off at the informal Furzey Gardens, a ten-acre woodland garden near to the village of Minstead. Grab a warming drink or a spot of cake in The Galley Gift and Coffee Shop and see how many of the little fairy doors you can find around the gardens! Or if you're a little hungrier then head to The Trusty Servant Inn for some delicious lunch.

Next stop is Exbury Gardens! Spring is a fantastic time to come with the vibrant colours of the rhododendrons and azaleas but the rest of the year won’t disappoint either! Be sure to hop aboard the miniature steam train too for a chance to rest your feed and take in the views.

Located in Beaulieu, just down the road from Exbury, is also Fairweather's Garden Centre! Have a wander around their gorgeous flowers on display and you can even buy some flowers for yourself while you're there from their extensive choice!

Before heading off from the New Forest for the day pop into the Master Builder’s House Hotel or the Montagu Arms Hotel for an evening meal with impressive views.

Eling – Landford

The best way to start the morning off is with a coffee! So, make your way to the newly refurbished café at Eling Tide Mill to start your day. When you’re finished you can go and buy your tickets and have a look around Eling Tide Mill! Go and find out how it all works and see the Mill in action, enjoy their new interactive exhibition and visit their gift shop before you head off.

Once you’re finished with all of the fun at Eling Tide Mill, jump into the car and drive just up the road to Landford, where the amazing New Forest Lavender Farm is located. Grab a bite to eat for lunch (we highly recommend their famous cheese scones!) before you wander around their beautiful lavender farm and gardens. This is a perfect place for a photo opportunity!

New Milton

New Milton has loads of fun to offer for everyone. Why don’t you book in for a lovely morning horse ride across the forest with Burley Villa School of Riding? You will explore the New Forest in a way you never have done before while experiencing what may become a new hobby!

You’ll definitely be hungry after that ride so head just down the road to The Rising Sun for some delicious traditional pub food.

Now, you have 2 options for the afternoon! If you’re a petrol head and love your bikes then Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum is for you! Or, if you fancy doing something different then head to ClueCrypted – the only Escape Room in the New Forest.

If you like the sound of both of these options, then do them both! Go to Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum first, followed by ClueCrypted later in the afternoon/evening!

48 hours in the New Forest itinerary suggestions
 

Lyndhurst - Burley - Ringwood

Day 1

Morning - start your day off at the New Forest Heritage Centre in the heart of Lyndhurst, the ‘capital’ of the New Forest where you’ll learn lots about the traditions and cultures of our landscape. Follow this up with a wander to one of the nearby coffees shops or cafes for a spot of morning tea.

If you want a real tour around the forest then book in for a 1 hour tour with New Forest Platinum Tours, where your guide will show you around the beautiful New Forest and tell you all sorts of interesting facts and information along the way. You can book your tour from Lyndhurst and they can then drop you right back in the same time, or somewhere else if you prefer!

Another way of really seeing the forest is on a Guided Walk with Fuzzacker Guided Walks. Their professional guides will take you on a peaceful, yet knowledgable, walk through our woodlands and heathlands in the forest. You can get up close and personal with nature and I'm sure you'll see some of our famous New Forest Ponies on your walk too.

Or you can head to New Forest Reptile Centre and see how many of the UK’s native reptile species you can find. For lunch, why not take a picnic and head up to Bolderwood passing through the Ornamental Drive along the way? 

After a quick pit stop, take one of the Bolderwood walking routes where if you time it right, you may be in with the chance of seeing one of the Rangers feeding the deer.

In the afternoon or early evening make your way to Burley. This village holds a mysterious past, with talks of white witches and ghosts. Be sure to pop into the Burley Fudge Shop to try out their flavour of the month. Yummy!

Or book on to a session with The Horse Raft in Burley and immerse yourself in the magic of the New Forest. The Horse Raft will help you make a very personal connection with the forest’s mysteries and the majesty of its wonderful woodlands and ancient cultural landscape.

There are several places you can rest up for the night in or nearby to Burley including Burley Manor, The Burley Inn and Moorhill House Hotel.

Day 2

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before hiring a bike from Forest Leisure Cycling (found in the village centre). Cycle along some of the disused railway line and make a visit to the Old Station Tea Rooms for a spot of cake or lunch.

Soak up some of our seaside - Milford on Sea - Lymington - Hythe

Day 1

Start your morning with a bracing walk along the Hurst Spit from Milford on Sea towards Hurst Castle. Not only will you get fantastic views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight but you will also overlook some of the amazing wildlife that is found in Keyhaven Harbour.

At Hurst Castle, step back in time and discover the history dating from the Tudor period right through to World War 2. Don’t fancy the full walk back? Then why not buy a ticket for the Hurst ferry and take the short and scenic journey to Keyhaven where you can also stop for a bite to eat.

In the afternoon, travel further east to the maritime town of Lymington. Spend the afternoon browsing the town’s many independent stores and boutiques along the High Street or embark on a section of the Solent Way coastal path as it passes the salt marshes.

In the evening, why not take a sunset cruise with Escape Yachting from Lymington out into the Solent? Or if you’d prefer to stay on dry land then there are several restaurant choices in and around the town including The Mayflower and the Walhampton Arms.

Overnight at one of Lymington’s hotels or B&Bs, there are over twenty different places you can choose to stay in.

Day 2

First up for the day is an explore of historic Buckler’s Hard. This maritime village is steeped in history, learn about it on a visit to the maritime museum before booking onto one of the river cruises that takes you along the Beaulieu River.

Soak up the views across the river over some lunch at The Master Builder’s House Hotel in the village - an ideal place to refresh!

Alternatively you could explore the beautiful New Forest roads by hiring a jaw dropping car from New Forest Classic Car Hire, including an Austin Healey 3000 MK III or Jaguar E-Type Series 1!

Ideal for families - Paulton’s - Beaulieu

Day 1

Make a full day of it at Paulton’s Park, home of Peppa Pig World. Loose yourselves in all the fun of the rollercoasters, meet some of the park’s resident animals and of course, take a trip to see Peppa and her family. Visitors of all ages will have great fun joining in with the activities.

In the evening, you’ll probably all be pretty tired out from all that fun so we’d recommend staying nearby at The Mortimer Arms, Bartley Lodge Hotel or The Woodlands Lodge Hotel, all of which offer evening meals too.

Day 2

Beaulieu is another fantastic family attraction. Take an explore of the large motoring exhibitions and see classic cars through to iconic cars from the movies and history. Children can let off steam at the mini motor play area or take part in one of the family fun trails. Throughout the school holidays look out for a wide array of events and activities to join in with.

Have a spot at lunch at Beaulieu before making the short trip to New Forest Activities, just down the road. Here you can try out kayaking, the high ropes course, archery or Battlefield live, all fun-filled ways to end your final day in the New Forest.

Or, if you dont fancy taking part in anything too active, head just up the road to Longdown Activity Farm, where you can see and handle loads of farm animals from baby chicks to piglets. If you have time you can also make your way just next door to New Forest Wildlife Park, where you can find even more animals, including otters, wallabies, lynx & loads more!

Grab some lunch or dinner before you head home at The Drift Inn, located just 15 minutes away from all attractions listed under Day 2! They have a fantastic menu for the kids and a great play area in their large garden too.