Overview
From forest to coast this trail takes in some stunning scenery and pretty villages. From Lyndhurst, travel towards the Solent coast at Lepe and Lymington via Beaulieu, before winding back inland through the New Forest to Brockenhurst and Ringwood before enjoying the tranquillity of Bolderwood.
Lyndhurst
The capital of The New Forest, Lyndhurst is a great village from which to explore the forest. Visit the New Forest Centre to discover its history. Lyndhurst is a culinary delight where you can relax and enjoy the tea rooms, pubs and restaurants or may be browse the shops where fresh game can be purchased.
Beaulieu
Situated on the edge of the New Forest, the picturesque village of Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum a collection over 250 vehicles, Palace House a Victorian manor house and the 13th century Beaulieu Abbey. Nearby Buckler’s Hard is a pretty former shipbuilding village, home to a Maritime Museum.
Exbury
Exbury is a pretty village in the New Forest, near the Beaulieu River. Enjoy the 200 acres of Exbury Gardens with the world famous Rothschild Collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and shrubs before taking a ride on the steam railway.
Lepe
Nestled on the Solent, Lepe is an ideal place to unwind and relax. Take in the views to the Isle of Wight, watching the yachts and windsurfers race against each other and the tide, ramble along the stony beach that forms part of Lepe Country Park or enjoy a coastal walk and blow away the cobwebs whilst exploring the D-Day remains.
Lymington
A port town on the Solent facing across to the Isle of Wight, the Georgian market town of Lymington is rich with maritime history and is now an internationally acclaimed yachting centre. You can wind through the cobbled streets to the harbour to watch the fishing boats and yachts.
Brockenhurst
The most populated village in the New Forest, Brockenhurst simply oozes charm and visitor appeal. Enjoy walking and cycling in the pretty surrounding countryside with its mixture of heathland and forest and then explore the delights of Whitefield Moor, Watersplash Ford and Brockenhurst Beach on the River Lymington.
Ringwood
Dating back to 1226, Ringwood on the River Avon is a market town often known as the gateway to the New Forest. The 34 mile Avon Valley Path runs through the town which has a variety of cafes, restaurants, pubs and shops. Visit the nearby Ringwood Brewery or Liberty’s Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre.
Bolderwood
A popular tourist spot, Bolderwood is a rural location where you can enjoy the New Forest. Take a walking trail, enjoy a picnic or climb the visitor platform to see the local fallow deer – they are regularly fed by New Forest keepers. Then head back to village of Lyndhurst to enjoy some well-earned refreshment.
Also Nearby
