Places to visit in the New Forest

There’s no need to jet out to California to see giant sequoias trees – hop on your bike (or hire one) and cycle the Brockenhurst to Rhinefield Loop. At the Blackwater Arboretum part of this New Forest cycle route, you’ll be treated to views of enormous Douglas fir trees that were planted during Queen Victoria’s reign, as well as two majestic sequoias.

Break up your cycle ride with lunch at this pretty little pub on the outskirts of Lyndhurst. Its food is made using locally sourced ingredients. Tuck into a smoked salmon or meatball marinara baguette as a light bite, or if you’ve really worked up an appetite, savour slow-cooked beef short rib with mash and red wine gravy. Yum!

Hire a kayak at the New Forest Activity Centre in Beaulieu (pronounced “bew-lee”)  and paddle your way up (or down!) the river for a relaxing afternoon adventure. You’ll get a safety briefing, a map and even a dry bag to keep your valuables in – very handy for when you want to take that perfect snap to put on Instagram.

The Huntsman, located in central Brockenhurst, where the menu groans with pub classics like Cumberland sausage and mash, steak and smoked mackerel pate on toast. Don’t forget to check out their range of real ales, craft beers and artisanal gins as you wait.

If all that paddling has worn you out, you have a treat in store at The Pig in Brockenhurst, with an overnight stay in a luxe forest cabin. Think burnished gold fittings and crisp white sheets. You can soak in the clawfoot bathtub and enjoy secluded forest views before sleeping in a four-poster bed. In the morning, start your day with a luxurious “monsoon” shower.

Probably the most famous village in the New Forest, Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum, a must-visit for vintage car lovers. Eye-up over 285 vehicles ranging from early motor carriages to F1 racing cars. Afterwards, wander through the gothic Beaulieu Palace House to learn about the Montagu family and the conserved ruins of Beaulieu Abbey.

For a light lunch that sources fresh ingredients from an onsite vegetable patch, pop into Steff’s Café – think quiches and hearty salads. You can sit outside on the patio to soak up some rays, or if it’s cold, perch in front of the wood-burning stove. And if you’re looking for lunch on the go, there’s also a takeaway menu.

This is one of the best things to do in the New Forest. A two-mile walk south will take you to the historical village of Buckler’s Hard, once a bustling shipbuilding hamlet on the banks of the Beaulieu River. This tranquil time capsule has a small museum where you can learn about its shipbuilding heritage. Finish your visit with a cruise along the river.

Continue the maritime theme with a dinner at Riverview Master Builder's, situated in the former house of a master shipbuilder. Choose from locally sourced dishes such as venison steak or freshly caught fish in an elegant setting that includes polished dark timber beams and crisp white tablecloths. If you fancy something more casual, head next door to Henry’s for delicious pub fare like shepherd’s pie and truffled macaroni cheese.

Spend the night in the ultimate chocolate box cottage perched on the banks of the Beaulieu River. The light and airy interior is packed with home comforts including a fully equipped kitchen, a smart-TV and wood-burner effect heater for a cosy night in. In the summer months, relax on the veranda with a book or enjoy the lapping sounds of the water with a glass of bubbly.

Fuel up for your day ahead at The Larder, tucked away in the coastal New Forest village of Lymington. While it’s more well-known for its tapas lunch menu, this deli’s breakfast menu puts freshly made sourdough toast front and centre; try the crispy bacon sourdough sandwich with red onion marmalade or smoked salmon and avocado on toast.

The coastal marshes of Keyhaven provide both a crucial haven for English wildlife and a beautiful backdrop for a four-mile walk, which intersects with the 60-mile Solent Way path. The route will takes you through the Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve, past moored leisure boats and ends at The Gun Inn. If the weather looks less than fair, park at Lower Pennington Lane for a shorter walk across the bridge.

Reward yourself with lunch at The Gun Inn. Dating back to the 1790s, the pub has served generations of New Forest pleasure boaters and fishermen. The menu features pub favourites like fish and chips, crab baguettes and burgers, but also changes with the seasons and sources its meat and fish from local suppliers. If you’re here on a Sunday, be sure to book ahead for the amazing roasts.

A visit to Hurst Castle and the Lighthouse jutting out into the Solent is one of the most Instagram-worthy things to do in the New Forest. Explore this artillery fortress, commissioned by Henry VIII, by climbing to the top of the Tudor keep to enjoy views across to the Isle of Wight and down the coast. From up high, you’ll see why it was such a strategic location for the defence of England’s coastline for centuries.

Toast the end of your New Forest adventure with a locally brewed pint at The Wash House in Milford-on-Sea. This independently owned micro pub has an ever-rotating list of guest brews to sip on; they also take pride in stocking award-winning gins, wine and ciders too if you prefer. Wondering about the name? It was named after a public wash house where locals would clean their smalls and catch up on local gossip.