Flooded gravel pits and their surrounding habitats host a range of wildlife. An on-site Education Centre is managed by the Wildlife Trust in partnership with Wessex Water, Bournemouth Water and New Forest District Council.
Spotting deer in the New Forest isn't always easy, but at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather.
Deer viewing at Bolderwood isn't guaranteed but the herd are fed daily by the local New Forest keeper, between the months of April and September, so the deer are more than happy to remain in the main meadow and are very accustomed to human presence. Feeding time can be between noon and 3pm.
Several of the animals are white, which is quite an uncommon colour for fallow deer to be. The platform provides an excellent photo opportunity although a zoom or telephoto lens is a very good idea, if you want close-up shots.
The large grass lawn at Bolderwood car parkThe wooden viewing platform is just a short distance from the main Bolderwood car park. Adjacent to the car park is a large flat grassy Forest lawn, perfect for kicking a football around or grouping up for a game of rounders! In fact, Bolderwood is one of the most popular spots in the New Forest for spending a sunny day and the area can become a bit congested during the better weather and holiday times.
While the deer sanctuary is the main attraction at Bolderwood, there are also graded walks and a large picnic area amongst the tall trees, alongside which is a New Forest information cabin (not always open) manned by a Forest Ranger. The picnic area also has decent toilet facilities.
If you don't want to stray too far from your vehicle, it's an ideal place to take a packed lunch and just enjoy the forest atmosphere.
Of course, if you want to see more of Bolderwood the graded walks take you through the surrounding woodland. Each one starts and ends at the picnic area and follow gravel tracks. There are three walks of 1/2 mile, 1 mile and 2 miles and all are very easy going.
Escape to the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard, where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable trip out in the New Forest countryside.
Once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, this charming village is now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Maritime Museum.
In the Buckler's Hard Museum you will discover the fascinating story of the village and the ships it built. Listen in on conversations between villagers of the past in the 18th century New Inn and follow the stories of the 19th and 20th century residents in an exhibition about village life.
Between Easter and October, take a cruise on the Beaulieu River. This 30 minute voyage gives a close-up view of the wildlife along the banks of the river and tells rich tales of its past. If you’re lucky you might even spot a seal!
For visitors who are yearning for even more history, you can take a trip back in time at the Shipwright’s Cottage, or explore the Chapel of St Mary’s, with its smugglers’ cellar beside the altar.
After working up an appetite, there are plenty of places to stop for that long-awaited coffee with a friend. Tuck into an afternoon tea or a light lunch from the Captain’s Table, or enjoy a pint and a meal at The Master Builder’s House Hotel.
Entry to the village is free (a parking charge applies). A small admission charge applies for the Museum and River Cruise.
Located in the heart of The New Forest in Hampshire, at Burley Fudge we are fudge experts and pride ourselves on producing delicious, handmade confectionery of the highest quality.
From our much loved clotted cream fudge to our spicy chilli chocolate fudges, there are so many flavours to try... so what are you waiting for?...
If you are in the area, why not visit our shop today or visit our on line shop at www.burleyfudge.co.uk
Our delicious soft serve ice cream is well known in the New Forest. From chocolate chips to sherbet or just a classic 99, we offer an exciting range of toppings that even get the adults feeling like kids again.
Burley Sunday Market
Held every Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10am until 2pm in the car park of the Queens Head pub.
New Forest Bacon, Simply Nuts and Olives, Crafty Crust and Cheese Cake, Alison Ince Crafts, Over Rock and Under Tree Photography to name a few...
The Burley Village Hall is a popular hall in Burley.
Situated a short distance to the south-west of the village centre, on Pound Lane, it hosts a number of events throughout the year, including antique fairs, art exhibitions, parties, concerts talks and plays staged by local groups.
Cyclexperience started life in a shed in 1993. The shed has become somewhat bigger now with a retail store for leisure and family cyclists upstairs and our bike hire warehouse downstairs. Our village bikeshop is now a specialist cycling store designed and rebranded for the enthusiast. We have called it Boost Bike Hub since everyone’s life could do with a boost of some kind! We also have our little sister bike hire cabin in the beautiful Dorset countryside near Corfe Castle which opens on a seasonal basis.
Our core values are Honesty, Helpfulness & Inclusive service to all. We employ over 20 local people so you can guarantee when you buy from us, you are contributing to the local economy!
The varied terrain of The New Forest makes it a cycling destination for all ages and abilities but it is most suited to recreational riders, couples and family groups.
Prices start from £18.50 per day for an adult's bike, or from £9 per day for a child's bike. Latest models Electric Bikes can also be hired from £30.00 per day.
Included in the daily hire, along with the bike are: safety helmets, a route map, rucksack (with tool-kit), spare tube & pump and an all-forest back-up service. The price you pay also offers a mechanical back-up service if you have a technical problem which cannot be solved with the tools supplied. Cyclexperience provide a free GPS map app which you can easily download on your smartphone and use it to guide you through some of the best New Forest routes.
In Cyclexperience Hire Centre you will be able to use free Wi-Fi and chill-out zone with refreshments. Shower and baby change are also available.
Luxury Sailing Experience Days and Skippered Yacht Charter..
Hello. We’re Escape Yachting, a skippered yacht charter company.
We offer you a relaxing sailing experience. See the English coast and the Isle of Wight on a day out or weekend on the Solent, from Lymington in the New Forest. Discover new destinations abroad with our family-friendly, full-service worldwide charter. Sailing is wonderfully clean and quiet, the perfect antidote to the rush of daily life.
Our aim is to provide you with a fun and stress-free trip!
The Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre (80 hectare) site, world-famous for the Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare trees and shrubs.
This earthly paradise offers a riot of colour in spring, an oasis of tranquillity in summer followed by a splendid show as the leaves change in the autumn.
Capture Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways. A 20 minute trip aboard the 12 ¼ inch gauge Steam Railway is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Local history brought to life!
Explore the rich history of Fordingbridge and the surrounding areas in one of the most stimulating and fascinating attractions in the town.
Situated on the edge of the New Forest, in the old market town of Fordingbridge on the Hampshire Avon, our small museum is housed on two floors of an old granary and is run by volunteers.
Entry is free but we rely on donations to keep open so please be generous.
Created in the 18th century to provide power for an iron mill, the pond today provides valuable habitats for wildlife as well as being a scenic backdrop for a picnic or wildlife watching.
Shingle and sand beaches, numerous promenades and cliff side paths to explore. Conveniently located close to the centre of Highcliffe Village.
Access to beach is by a series of slopes and paths leading down to beach level. Many paths are gravel. Access at the eastern end via Chewton Bunny is mainly on tarmac paths.
Facilities nearby include a Café on cliff top adjacent to car park and with great views. Mobile food outlet on promenade. More shops and cafés on Highcliffe high street.
Public toilets located on cliff top adjacent to café.
Dogs are allowed but with seasonal restrictions. No dogs on the beach between groyne H4 and H8 from 1 May until 30 September inclusive.
Parking is available on the cliff top car park on Wharncliffe Road.
Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre is named after Liberty, our Alaskan Bald Eagle, one of the many birds of prey that we have on display at the Centre, which is located just outside Ringwood near the natural beauty of Hampshire's New Forest National Park, and close to the splendour of Dorset's World Heritage "Jurassic" Coast.
At Liberty's you will find a large collection of Birds Of Prey, including Owls, Hawks, Falcons and Vultures, as well as a collection of Reptiles and other creepy crawlies in our Reptile House.
We also offer falconry experience days, photographic experience days and hawking days to people who want to take up the opportunity to enjoy a closer encounter with some of our birds.
Liberty's Centre is located on the site of the former New Forest Owl Sanctuary which was closed down in 2003. The site was taken over by the current owners, opening up to the public once again in 2005 as Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre. Since opening the Centre, the current owners have made many improvements for the well being of the birds, although work continues to develop the Centre further.
Liberty's Centre is involved in many breeding and conservation projects with other Centres and Zoos both in the UK and abroad. We also continue to work as a rescue centre for many injured wild birds, trying to ensure their rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild when ever possible. All medical costs are funded solely from visitor admission sales and donations.
Set within the popular Georgian market town of Lymington you will find the oldest open air sea water baths in the UK.
Dating back to 1833 the baths have historically gained national interest for their health giving waters and natural mud minerals. Today, young and old still swim in the waters and enjoy the stunning location with views over to the Isle of Wight.
With growing interest in preserving these historical sites for future generations the Baths have gained Grade 2 listed status in 2012. Now under new management the site is set to increase its range of activities focusing on enriching the experience for the local community and tourists alike.
The 2015 season promises to be an exciting one! As well as kayaks, paddle boards, and water rollers we are installing the South Coast’s biggest inflatable obstacle course (see image).
We can accommodate private parties and groups up to 400 people so if you are planning a private party, corporate day or charity event please get in touch with us so we can try to help!
Get closer to nature at Marwell Zoo! The beautiful 140-acre outdoor attraction is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered species such as Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhinos, Amur tigers, Humboldt penguins, red pandas, clouded leopards, snow leopards and all three species of zebra (to name a few)!
Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity established in 1972 which owns and operates Marwell Zoo. The organisation has been given the royal seal of approval for their environmental commitments with a coveted award; The Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development.
Step into paradise at the ‘Energy for Life’ Tropical House. This innovative and sustainable exhibit shows off a stunning environment where summer is eternal, and colourful birds are free to fly overhead. Peer through lush foliage and get face-to-face with a Linne’s two-toed sloth by the cascading waterfall. As you walk through this immersive exhibit, enjoy the vibrant colours of hundreds of exotic plants, and learn all about the flow of energy through life. Did you know? This building is sustainably powered by zoo poo!
Get up close to the wallabies as you wander through wallaby walkthrough. With an idyllic dwell area, water feature and natural seating, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and listen to the natural sounds of the park. You may even catch the wallabies having their dinner.
Explore Marwell’s charming formal garden which includes a representation of three garden styles of the 16th and 17th centuries, located behind the historic Marwell Hall.
There are multiple catering outlets across the zoo open for meals, light bites and snacks – all freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients and available to take away. Perfect for a picnic on the back lawn or next to the rhinos!
Go wild in their many adventure playgrounds! The bespoke okapi playground was designed to be inclusive and provides accessible equipment, so all children can safely play.
Pop into the gift shop for fun, ethically sources gifts suitable for all ages! It’s a must-see final stop before you leave. You can even get them delivered straight to your door by giving our team a call.
Upgrade your day ticket to an annual membership whilst at the park and enjoy unlimited entry to the zoo for one year, plus even more exclusive perks.
Download Marwell Zoo’s app to make the most out of your visit. Get up-to-date information such as opening times, feeds, exclusive offers, a detailed park map and more!
Keep an eye out for new arrivals around the zoo throughout the year! Marwell Zoo is open daily from 10am, 363 days a year. Closing times and admissions prices vary. Please check the Marwell website for full ticket prices and other details.
By visiting you’ll be contributing towards their incredible projects to conserve species and habitats, both in Hampshire and around the world. By choosing to donate and Gift Aid your tickets when purchasing, you’ll be supporting the zoo even further!
Mudeford Quay is a small beautiful corner of the Borough of Christchurch in Dorset, England.
Situated at the entrance of Christchurch Harbour, Mudeford Quay benefits from spectacular views along the coast, over to the Needles on the Isle of Wight & back to Christchurch town.
Mudeford Quay is made up of two areas, the Quay itself and Mudeford Spit, a natural sandbank which leads to Hengisbury Head all the way to Boscombe & Bournemouth.
The Quay is a hub of activity with beautiful beaches, the lush grassed area ideal for picnics and enjoying the beautiful scenery and the Quayside itself which has a small shops, a pub, a fish stall and plenty of vantage points to watch the world go by.
Mudeford Quay and the surrounding area also benefits from a number of events throughout the year.
The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique aviation collection, one of both national and international importance. On display we have over 35 historic fixed and rotary wing aircraft spanning more than 100 years of flight in the British Army. Along with detailed dioramas, artefacts, trophies and models, these serve as a profound and inspiring tributes, helping to tell the story of the “soldiers of the air”.
The Museum gives a fascinating and imaginative glimpse of the men and women who have allowed the Army to be airborne, their machines, their achievements, lives and history.
Along with its magnificent collection the Museum also has:
Visit us and make it a day all the family will remember and enjoy!
New Forest Activities offer a variety of activities for families, couples and groups of all ages and abilities. For tours with a difference, take to the water with Canoeing and Kayaking on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. These guided tours are perfect for exploring this area of The New Forest and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
For the more adventurous you can take to the trees on high and low rope courses, great for the whole family to enjoy. The ever-popular BattleZone laser tag offers excitement and enjoyment using safe infra-red gaming guns. No projectiles, no lasers, no pain! There’s also the chance to learn a new skill whilst enjoying the New Forest surroundings with Bushcraft or Archery sessions.
If you’re an explorer then hire a bike from them, with a whole range of maps and guides to get you on your way.
Keep an eye out for special seasonal activities such as Paddles to the Pub, Spooky Halloween Tours and Christmas Canoe Paddles!
For further details on any of their activities and upcoming events, or to download your FREE Guide to The New Forest, visit their website.
Open all year round!
Take an open-top safari with grandstand views of the scenery, animals and villages of the New Forest National Park.
The Tour will return on Saturday 6th July 2019 and run daily until Sunday 8th September 2019.
Hop on and off wherever you like and catch the next Tour, or switch between routes, all on the same ticket! Hear the stories of the people, places and animals of the New Forest on our audio commentary – with characters, sounds and music, bringing the view to life.
Take in a walk or cycle ride from the Tour (bikes go free*) – you’ll find easy routes in the guidebook on board, as well as tips for things to see and do along the way.
Ride open-top through the treetops and experience the New Forest as you’ve never seen it before.
*Space for up to 4 bicycles at a time.
Take an open-top safari with grandstand views of the scenery, animals and villages of the New Forest National Park.
Tours run daily, with a choice of three routes: Red (the wild northwest), Green (the beautiful southeast) and the Blue (the coastal southwest).
With a bird’s-eye view from the top deck of the park's landscape you’ll get the chance to spot some of the native animals of the New Forest such as deer, rare birds, pigs, donkeys and of course the famous ponies as well as wide, open heaths and ancient Forest.
Each route has its own unique audio commentary with characters and sounds which tell the stories of the people and places of the New Forest.
The flexible hop-on, hop-off ticket arrangement means you choose your itinerary. Stay on the entire route, switch onto another route, or stop off and spend some time at one of the attractions along the way and re-join a later Tour!
Tours
Red Route -Lyndhurst – Burley – Ringwood – Fordingbridge – Sandy Balls Holiday Centre – New Forest Wildlife Park – Ashurst
The Red Route takes you around the fragrant heaths and scattered woodland of the wild northern part of the New Forest National Park, through the storybook village of Burley and the historic towns of Ringwood and Fordingbridge.
Approximate duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Green Route-Lyndhurst – Brockenhurst – Lymington – Beaulieu – Exbury Gardens – Hythe Ferry
The Green Route explores the charming southeast of the New Forest National Park including Beaulieu with its historic abbey, Palace House and National Motor Museum and Exbury Gardens with its Steam Railway.
Approximate duration: 2 hours
Blue Route - Lymington – Brockenhurst – Burley – New Milton – Barton-on-Sea – Milford-on-Sea
The Blue Route is your gateway to the beautiful beaches and coastal scenery in the southwest of the New Forest National Park – the museum at Sammy Miller and views across to the Needles.
Approximate duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
Ringwood Brewery was founded by Peter Austin in 1978, a man who is revered as "the father of British Micro-brewing".
Ringwood Brewery's first brewhouse was in a former bakery in the old station yard brewing Best Bitter and Fortyniner for a handful of local customers. 1979 saw the production of Old Thumper, which has since become the flagship brew.
In 1986, having outgrown the Minty's yard premises, the brewery moved to its present site, ironically the location of the old Tunks' Brewery which ceased trading in 1821.
Today the brewery is able to produce circa 40,000 barrels of its renowned and distinctive beers. In addition to Best, Fortyniner, and Old Thumper, we now brew the blonde Boondoggle and the deliciously warming XXXX Porter.
Ringwood Brewery also boasts its own Brewery Store on site selling a full range of its beers as well as a wines, cider and souvenir merchandise. These goods including our bottled beers are available from our online shop. The Store welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The company's commitment to continuous improvement by investing in plant and equipment and training and development of staff has been recognised by a number of local and national business awards.
The Gardens are a beautiful environment for families, young and old. They are set over 180 acres of rolling Hampshire countryside and are home to 14 National Plant Collections, over 450 Champion Trees and 42,000 plants.
Open throughout the year, every part of the Garden offers beauty, discovery and inspiration through the seasons.
Outstanding attractions include; a Pond and Bog Garden, a 250 metre long summer double border and one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe.
The exciting play features are suitable for all abilities and include a fabulous tree house, a Super Snake Swing and bamboo tunnels with a wobbly bridge.
With seasonal, self-guided activity trails, children’s Education Garden and much more this is a perfect day out for all the family.
Free Parking & Restaurant
Open daily from 10am (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
Tickets and prices at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Adult
£11.60 (with donation)
£10.50 (without donation)
Concessions
£10.50 (with donation)
£9.50 (without donation)
Family (2 adults and 2 children)
£26.50 (with donation)
£24.00 (without donation)
Children (5 to 16 years)
£3.10 (with donation)
£12.75 (without donation)
Under 5 years
Free
Groups
£9.50 per person
If you're a regular visitor, you might wish to consider becoming a member. Membership prices start from £36 for a year.
See our website or current what's on guide for more events, workshops and exhibitions.
A community centre with a Cinema, Theatre, Pre-school, Café and bar offering Further Education classes, room hire facilities etc. Reg Charity No 301880.
William the Conqueror set aside the Forest for hunting more than 900 years ago as his 'Nova Foresta' or 'New Forest' and centuries of grazing by deer, ponies and cattle have shaped the landscape.
William would probably still recognise much of the Forest as the same place he hunted wild deer and boar. Today it is a wonderful area to explore by walking, cycling and on horseback. Enjoy your visit and please help to keep the New Forest National Park a special place.
Explore more than 1000 years of history in Europe’s longest medieval Cathedral. Discover the beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, contemporary art and the awe and wonder of this magnificent building.
A free children’s trail, written by a professional children’s writer, offers families a fun and informative look at the Cathedral and introduces them to some of the characters associated with its colourful past and present.
Cathedral Guides offer tours of the Cathedral each hour from 10 am – 3 pm and tours of the crypt at 10.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm from Monday to Saturday.
A wide range of events take place throughout the year. From classical concerts, open-air theatre and themed lunches to children’s holiday activities, exhibitions and a major Christmas Market and real Ice Rink.
The Cathedral Café, with its pretty garden and open-air terrace, is the perfect place to stop for mid-morning coffee and pastry, delicious homemade lunch or Hampshire cream tea. The Cathedral Shop sells a wide range of unique gifts, souvenirs and CDs of the famous Cathedral Choir.
For Covid restrictions when in place please refer to our website for further details
