The New Forest National Park, the emerald of Hampshire, is teeming with incredible natural attractions that won’t cost you a penny. From wild ponies to ancient redwoods to golden beaches, below you’ll find the best that the New Forest has to offer.
Less than two hours from London, nestled against the Solent on England’s southern coast, visiting the New Forest feels like stepping back into a time of primordial magic. Home to some of the oldest trees in the country, with yews standing sentinel here for over 1,000 years, this is an ancient place that has witnessed Bronze Age ceremonies, Iron Age fortifications and Roman roads. Here, nature and history are entwined like knotted roots.
Whether you’re here for a daytrip or a weekend getaway, whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a family with young children, the New Forest National Park is bristling with breath-taking natural attractions year-round. Explore enchanting forests, sweeping heathlands, moors, wetlands, rivers and miles of sandy beaches. And, as the majority of parking throughout the Forest is completely free, you can explore this stunning, ancient woodland without spending anything.
As well as the classics, I have included some unique recommendations to take you off the beaten track. All the locations listed here are pinned on the Google Map at the end of the article – feel free to save or share!
- Blackwater Arboretum
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
- Whitefield Moor
- Beaulieu River
- Highcliffe Castle
- Steamer Point Nature Reserve
- The New Forest Wild Ponies
- Lepe Beach
- Lepe Country Park
- The New Forest Villages
Blackwater Arboretum
It’s hard to imagine that you’ve come to a place like the New Forest without a love of nature and, more specifically, trees. In the midst of this ancient forest, there’s a secret treasure trove of unique trees from all around the world. Alongside the ashes, birches, and cedars from places as distant as Central Asia and Australia, there are giant coastal redwoods (easily identifiable due to their monumental size and red bark) and towering Douglas firs (recognisable by their height and peculiar cones).
Blackwater carpark provides easy access to the Arboretum. It has toilet facilities as well as many picnic benches beneath the trees. From here you can take one of two trails: the arboretum trail (0.5 miles) or the tall trees trail (1.5 miles). The trees in the arboretum are labelled, and there are a number of activities and learning resources dotted around the area for younger children.
Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
Without a doubt, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is the most picturesque road in the New Forest National Park. If you love nature and giant trees, but you are unable to hike any trails, or short on time, this Drive provides you with everything you would otherwise be missing out on.
The road is narrow and quiet, flanked on either side by the tallest trees in the New Forest: redwoods (sequoias) and majestic Douglas firs. Here the forest feels at its deepest and most enchanting, and if you arrive early, or visit during the colder months, it is likely you will be able to enjoy the journey without passing another car. The Drive can be completed in ten minutes, however it can take much longer should you wish to go slowly and soak in the atmosphere.
Think of this as the main artery of the New Forest. If you take the A35 South-West out of Lyndhurst, there is a well signposted left turn that leads you through the winding Drive. This road will take you to the Blackwater Arboretum, where you can stop and explore further, but also beyond: it leads through Whitefield Moor and meanders across into the beautiful village of Brockenhurst. It is a magical detour well worth taking.
Whitefield Moor
If you are having no luck, and you’re still wondering where to find the New Forest ponies, look no further. Even in the middle of January, the Moor is a popular gathering place for herds.
I would recommend parking centrally at Whitemoor Pond Car Park, a small watering hole which attracts long-haired cows during the summer. The Moor is a wide open plain with plenty of space for outdoor games and picnics, and a number of stunning hikes begin here. If you’re driving to the Moor via Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, you will first pass Puttles Bridge, which is a great place to stop. In warmer weather, this is an ideal location for paddling in the Ober Water stream, and there is an easy 1 mile walk through beautiful heathland and tranquil woodland.
While there are a number of moors throughout the National Park, I have recommended Whitefield due to its abundance of wildlife, its variety of walking trails, and its close proximity to many other fantastic free attractions.
Beaulieu River
Rising near Lyndhurst and emptying out into the Solent, the Beaulieu River cleaves the New Forest almost in half. It is the only river in private ownership in England, and at its mouth there is the beautiful village of Beaulieu as well as a number of paid attractions.
However, I’d recommend visiting the river in central New Forest, at one of the many headwaters. Nestled beneath Ashurst is a nature reserve called Deerleap Inclosure with free parking and a circular route that offers sprawling moors, peaty heathland and majestic forest. The route meanders along one of the Beaulieu headwaters and it is uncrowded and completely free to access. On hot days, it is the perfect location for a paddle.
As the name suggests, we were lucky enough to spot deer here. Though we also made the mistake of leaving the trail and mired ourselves in thick bog – I would recommend sticking to the trail, especially in Autumn.
Highcliffe Castle
Built during the 1830s by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, this stunning manor home is an enduring example of Romantic-style architecture nestled on the southern coast of the New Forest National Park. This area blends natural beauty and historical significance. The castle has sheltered some notable figures: Kings and Queens, former Prime Ministers (including William Gladstone), and even Kaiser Wilhelm.
A 20 minute drive from both Brockenhurst and Bournemouth, Highcliffe Castle has cheap on-site parking, easy access to Steamer Point Nature Reserve, and a secluded sandy beach (more on these amazing free attractions below). There is a charge for entry to the Grade 1 listed building (and it is closed during winter), however the architecture, the grounds, and the surrounding coastal walks are free, and well worth the visit.
Steamer Point Nature Reserve
Steamer Point Nature Reserve is a hidden gem on the outskirts of the New Forest National Park, which isn’t as well known as the Lepe area and therefore tends to attract less visitors. Here, forest blends into coastline and you get the best of everything: a woodland walk, cliff views, and a long stretch of sandy beach. In summer months, the blur of trees and coast make this area seem like a tropical island, and it is hard to believe that you haven’t left England.
The New Forest Wild Ponies
These famous furry inhabitants are, without a doubt, the best thing to see in the New Forest. These wild ponies, often mistaken for horses, come in a wide spectrum of sizes and colours; they are gentle creatures and are generally unfazed by people. Remember, though, these are wild animals – approach from the front, don’t get close enough to startle them, especially if there are young foals. This is their home, after all.
They can be found roaming in herds through much of the National Park, though there are some areas where it is more likely to sight them. If you are wondering where to find the New Forest ponies, I would suggest driving through the heathlands and moors in areas like Whitefield. Make sure you drive slowly in areas such as these as they can congregate near the roads.
If you’re staying overnight, and you choose the right campsite, it is very likely that these adorable animals will be your next-door neighbours.
Lepe Beach
Perhaps the most popular beach in the New Forest area, and with good reason. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this spot boasts a mile-long beach with stunning views of the Solent. In the summer, this is a perfect area for windsurfing or kayaking. There are beautiful coastal walks along the cliffs above the beach, and there are camping spots nearby. One walk will take you through wildflower meadows and towards the North Solent Nature Reserve. For history buffs, this area is also scattered with D-Day remains.
Unlike in most places throughout the New Forest, there is a charge for the carpark, though a full day is usually only around £6.00. It can get exceptionally busy during the hotter months so it is worth getting here early to secure yourself a decent spot on the beach.
Lepe Country Park
If you’ve made it to Lepe Beach, before returning to the remainder of the New Forest National Park you should definitely check out the more secluded Country Park area. If you cross Lepe Road from the main car park, you’ll stumble across the Sensory Cottage Garden and the Wild Play Area, both of which are interactive and great for children.
Behind the Garden, a small, hidden trail winds alongside the Dark Water River. Here it is usually quieter, allowing for a peaceful, secluded walk. It overlooks the wetlands of the Dark Water estuary, an area abundant with wildlife and perfect for birdwatchers: there is a small hide and a boardwalk along this trail. If you’re lucky you might spot sandwich terns, whimbrels and even ospreys.
The New Forest Villages
The New Forest National Park is teeming with picturesque, quintessential villages, and each has its own unique draw, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Brockenhurst, the largest village, is worth visiting just for the locals alone: ponies, cows, and donkeys. It is quite the spectacle to see a small herd strolling down the streets past the shops and pubs, but a common occurrence here.
Lyndhurst is beautiful and quaint, with a bustling old high street and some stunning architecture. Be warned, however, the traffic here can often get quite unbearable, and it can be difficult finding places to park. I would also recommend visiting Ashurst. Ashurst is known as the gateway to the New Forest and it backs on to some beautiful walks. My favourite campsite is situated here, and there are a number of lovely little pubs. If you’re in need of a refresher, I would recommend a stop off at The New Forest Ashurst, pictured below.
I hope this list has given you some travel inspiration for your next visit to the New Forest. Make the most of these completely free attractions, and all the natural beauty the New Forest National Park has to offer. Let me know in the comments which ones you’ve visited, and any that you think should be on the next list!
The Gossamer Traveller 