Arts & Galleries
Discover the works of local New Forest artisans. Whether you are simply looking for inspiration or you are looking to purchase a memento of your visit, there are plenty of places for you to discover and enjoy here.
Galleries in the New Forest
If you are looking for the perfect piece of art to go into your home or perhaps want inspiration, take a look at some of our wonderful galleries.
The Coastal Gallery, in Lymington, is one of the many galleries in the New Forest. Here, you will unique artworks by contemporary artists, sculptors and photographers. The gallery has regular exhibitions, open days and private viewings. There are often exhibits by local artists as well.
Also within Lymington, St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery stages temporary exhibitions from a wide-range of artists. It often features works from nationally-important galleries such as The Tate.
Within Brockenhurst, the Ytene Gallery features contemporary British art to suit all tastes and budgets whilst in Beaulieu, Beaulieu Fine Arts offers five gallery rooms featuring changing exhibitions.
An ever-changing range of exhibitions about the New Forest takes place upstairs in the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst. Look out for exhibitions featuring local photographers and local artists as well as special events.
It’s also worth looking out for the annual Hampshire Open Studios event which features venues across The New Forest and surrounding areas, giving you the chance to see artists within their own homes and studios and the chance to buy directly from them.
New Forest crafts
There are several places in the New Forest for you to try your hand at arts and crafts including workshops at New Forest Heritage Centre and Forest Arts Centre. Look out for arts and crafts events at some of our larger attractions too throughout the year, check out our what’s on pages for details of forthcoming arts and crafts events.
Like with our galleries, there are quite a few places that you can buy local crafts, particularly in some of our small towns and villages such as Lymington, Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, many of these local producers also open their studios for the Hampshire Open Studios as well. The shop at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst is a great place to pick up local crafts.
Handmade New Forest, in New Milton is also a perfect place to find locally-made crafts, perfect for a memento of your stay here in the New Forest.
Things to look out for in particular include products made out of wood. There are several local producers who have been awarded the New Forest Marque for their commitment to sustainability and the local area including New Forest Coppicing Crafts and the Countryside Educational Trust.
Keep an eye out for locally-made ceramics, pottery and glassware often on sale in our independent shops.
Another great place to pick up local craft items is at the annual New Forest and Hampshire Country Show in Brockenhurst. A large craft marquee forms part of the show and is a great place for you to not only meet local artisans but to purchase their wares as well. It’s also a fantastic place to watch artisans making their products with many live demonstrations taking place throughout the three day event.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on our what’s on pages for details of forthcoming arts and crafts events which take place throughout the year. Keep checking back as well as events are regularly added.
Save money on your day out or short break by buying a Go New Forest Card. This card offers discounts off places to visit, things to do, accommodation, eating out and even bike hire in the New Forest, helping you to save pounds off your visit.