What to do in the New Forest. Riding, watersports, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, cycling.

New Forest Holiday Cottages in Lymington, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, sleeping 2 to 30 for large groups in and around the forest. Near Milford on Sea, Hurst Castle and saltmarshes. Call 07515 881 329 or 01590 641810 and talk to Jed.

A list of of pubs, restaurants, leisure/sport facilities, gardens, museums, places to visit and tourist attractions is provided in the welcome pack for every holiday let. Tourist information centres and visitor centres / museums are located at:

LYMINGTON
St Barbe Museum & Lymington
Visitor Information Centre
New Street, SO41 9BH
Tel/Fax: (01590) 689000

LYNDHURST
New Forest Museum and Visitor
Centre Main Car ParkSO43 7NY
Tel: (023) 8028 2269 Fax: (023) 8028 4404

Quaint shops, the Quay, pubs, restaurants and easy access to the New Forest, the coast and surrounding areas make Lymington a popular destination on many peoples' holidays.

Walking
The New Forest is a genuine walkers' paradise with many circular and linear routes. There are picnic and toilet facilities, all are carefully sited to allow visitors safe and easy access to a variety of forest landscapes. contact us

Canoeing & Kayaking

Liquid Logistics provide canoeing services to all, regardless of age, ability or experience. The Beaulieu River forms the outstanding backdrop to these rewarding activities. Choose to travel either in an open canoe or a fast and stable touring kayak. You will find them based at Buckler's Hard during the summer months, although booking is essential. Further information is available from:

www.newforestactivities.co.uk

Wagon Rides
A restful way to see the forest can be enjoyed from a Wagon Ride either from Brockenhurst or Burley, using quiet tracks and lanes through peaceful forest inclosures and picturesque villages.

The 40mph speed limit on unfenced roads has made the New Forest a safer place to cycle for those who need a bit of activity on holiday.

Cycling
The 40mph speed limit on unfenced roads has made the New Forest a safer place to cycle. To help protect this unique environment and improve visitor enjoyment, an off-road and road based cycle network has been created linking the main villages and railway station at Brockenhurst by the safest and most attractive routes. If arriving by train, bikes are available for hire nearby to Brockenhurst Train Station. contact us

Forest Leisure Cycling - Enjoy stunning New Forest Cycle Routes from the unspoilt and traditional village of Burley, with free parking. Rides for all ages and abilities.

Cycle Experience in Brockenhurst have provided a cycle route - see it on our New Forest Cycle Route page.

Golfing

Halcyon offer some excellent accommodation for golfing breaks in the New Forest area, with several well regarded courses within a short drive. Check our list of local golf courses and further golfing information for contact information. Take advantage of our midweek and weekend discounts on group bookings to make the most of your golfing break in the New Forest.

Burley Villa School of Riding in the New Forest - Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider, young or old, Burley Villa can take you Horse Riding over 94,000 acres of ancient New Forest enclosures and plains.

Lymington
Quaint shops, the Quay, pubs, restaurants and easy access to the New Forest, the coast and surrounding areas make Lymington a popular destination on many peoples' holidays.

Sway

Visit Artsway for contemporary visual art in the New Forest. Regular activities include Life Drawing, the Art Club and Workshops. Exhibition information available on 01590 682260.

Beaulieu
A short drive from Lymington is Beaulieu, with it's cafe/bar, restaurant, renowned motor museum and extensive grounds.

National Motor Museum at Beaulieu

Fordingbridge

Breamore House. The magnificent Manor House is set above the historic, picturesque village of Breamore, overlooking the Avon Valley, on the edge of the New Forest.

New Forest Water Park Watersports and fun for all the family. New Forest Water Park is a friendly family run business established in 1991. Set in 55 acres of beautiful New Forest Hampshire countryside offering 2 lakes for watersports.

Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is within an hours drive of Lymington and will keep both adults and kids amused for hours with it wide variety of exotic animals set in spacious surroundings.

Southern Coastline
Keyhaven is a busy sailing centre and you can arrange sea angling trips from Keyhaven Quay. There are boat trips to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight and cruises to see the Needles and the coloured cliff sands at Alum Bay.

Frequent passenger ferries from Keyhaven Quay to Hurst Castle offer an alternative to walking out along Hurst Spit. The castle was built by Henry VIII and in 1648 held Charles I prisoner in readiness for his transfer to London for trial and execution by Oliver Cromwell's victorious Roundheads. Hurst Castle was expanded in Victoria's reign to hold the massive 38 ton guns on display. Light refreshments are available.

You can walk East from Keyhaven towards Lymington along the shore and sea wall. The marshes form a remarkable bird sanctuary and are recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Until the 19th Century shallow ponds called 'salterns' were used to evaporate sea water in order to collect the salt.

Milford-on-Sea has a quiet beach for clean paddling and swimming with excellent views of the Needles and Isle of Wight. There is a seafront children's playground, pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops. A two mile drive or walk westwards along the cliffs brings you to Barton-on-Sea, for which you can read our report here.

Christchurch is a fifteen minute drive (or get there by train/bus) West from Lymington and offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and coastal & riverside walks.

Bournemouth & Poole
A 40 minute drive (or get there by train/bus) West from Lymington is Bournemouth, with seven miles of golden beaches, pier, seafront aquarium, amusements, clubs, bars, cafes, shops, nightclubs and leisure facilities. Poole Potteries are world famous for their quality ceramics.

Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is only a fun 30 minute ferry trip across the Solent from Lymington. WightLink operates regular car ferries every day of the week to Yarmouth which is convenient for Freshwater Bay and The Needles Park at Alum Bay. Buses on the island are pretty good so maybe you could leave your car on the mainland? It is also possible to get a ferry from Keyhaven during Summer months.