Greentraveller Guide to the New Forest
The New Forest National Park is a haven of natural beauty - from the rolling heathlands and ancient forests of Brockenhurst, to the fresh sea air and coastal views of Milford on Sea, and Beaulieu River in the southeast.
Our Greentraveller Guide to the New Forest will give you all the advice you’ll need to make the most of a trip to this wonderful corner of the UK. Our guide selects only the best places to stay, from luxury 5* hotels to rustic log cabins, and the best places to find local food recognised by the New Forest Marque, including Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants and traditional thatched-roof pubs. We also include a whole range of activities, from horse riding on the deer-filled heathlands and exploring the miles of waymarked cycle routes, to kayaking and canoeing.
We also provide all the information on how you get to the New Forest without your car, as well as how to get around using bikes and public transport. Less carbon, more fun!
Browse by section
From hotels and B&Bs to campsites and self-catering accommodation, browse our selection of green places to stay
With a great variety of restaurants and pubs, the New Forest's gorgeous local produce is available in abundance
From exhibitions on nature conservation to beautiful gardens, the only difficulty will be choosing how best to spend your time
Walk, cycle, horse ride and even sail your way around the National Park and its surrounding beaches and lakes
Interactive map of the New Forest
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Nearest national cycle network
Anthony Climpson, Destination ManagerWhen William the Conquerer saw these acres of deer-filled heathlands, pretty glade and wild wood more than 900 years ago, he couldn't believe his luck. The forest was to become a Royal playground for the lucky few to enjoy. Today, the New Forest is England's smallest National Park and now everyone can enjoy this very special place.
People and nature live in harmony here and the Green Leaf Tourism Scheme is at the centre of our efforts to assist businesses to reduce energy, waste & traffic, support local producers and help visitors get the very best out of their stay.
As one of England's most popular escapes from everyday life for over 100 years, its people are naturally welcoming and it has some world-class products in its tourism mix. The destination boasts quality Green Leaf businesses in every sector from luxury hotels and spas to high-class holiday parks and natural campsites, welcoming B&Bs to quaint and mysterious self catering properties. There's also a great range of forest and seaside activities and attractions.
Local New Forest Marque food and drink is pretty spectacular as well, provided by hideaway pubs, gourmet restaurants and inviting tea shops around every corner, so look for the Green Leaf and the New Forest Marque throughout this destination guide to ensure you make the right holiday choice. Welcome to our green forest.
Anthony Climpson OBE
Destination Manager, New Forest
Did you know?
- William the Conquerer first gave the park special protection over 900 years ago
- The National Park covers some 220 square miles (140,000 acres) of countryside and coast
- Around 700 species of wildflower are thought to grow in the New Forest, around a third of the total found in Britain
- The oldest tree in the New Forest, a common yew at Brockenhurst church, is thought to be around 1,000 years old
- Approximately 34,000 people live in the New Forest, making it the most densely populated of England's National Parks
Videos of the New Forest
The New Forest National Park, England
Courtesy of the New Forest District Council
