Homegrown Delights

S tep back in time and discover the charm and natural beauty of The New Forest in the west of Hampshire. Unbelievably, it only became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. Covering an area of 566km 2 the area consists vast tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys where deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland. Clear rivers and shady groves provide tranquillity and a car-free haven for walking, cycling and horse riding. The New Forest is also awash with historic manors and hunting lodges that have been turned into luxurious country house hotels, as well as a wealth of traditional pubs and inns that are perfect for a pint after a day of hiking and biking. Most of the accommodation in the New Forest clusters around the central villages of Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, but there are also some attractive options nearer the coast around Lymington and New Milton, and in the east of the national park along the Beaulieu River. Road distances are short, so it’s easy to explore no matter where you decide to stay, assuming you have a car, although it’s also very easy to explore by bike, as there are few hills and a super network of cycle paths. Added attractions like the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, the 18th Century village of Buckler's Hard, Breamore House and Museum near Fordingbridge and Exbury Gardens nearby broaden the appeal for all the family. If you prefer coast to countryside, why not head for the cliff tops at Barton-on-Sea, take a ferry from Hurst Castle at Milford-on-Sea to Keyhaven harbour or watch the boats come into Lymington Quay. Lyndhurst Southampton Brockenhurst New Milton Beaulieu Buckler’s Hard Lymington Burley