Just minutes away from the bustling streets of Southampton visitors can enjoy an oasis filled with quaint villages, forests, heath land and the infamous ponies just four of the wonderful treats awaiting you.
The New Forest National Park
Most things are considered well described by their names, but The New Forest isn t! Firstly, it s not New , and secondly, it s not a Forest ! Some definitions of ‘forest depend on what types of vegetation are contained within it. Other definitions are based on legally defined land areas. The New Forest s vegetation does not classify it as a forest.
The New Forest has existed on the outskirts of Southampton for almost a thousand years! It s been used as grazing land for much of that time and more recently it s provided a playground in which visitors from Southampton and the rest of the UK can enjoy the countryside and the coast. In 2005 the New Forest National Park was established so that the region could be protected for many generations to come. With the formation of the South Downs National Park, Southampton now has two national parks right on its doorstep, so even more reason to visit this thriving city.
Getting to the New Forest from Southampton
The New Forest is easily accessible from Southampton, whether you re coming by car or by public transport. The main road into the New Forest from Southampton is the M27, though there are numerous other smaller roads you can use too, depending on whereabouts you re heading.
There s a very good train service from Southampton that takes you quickly and easily into the heart of the New Forest, to Brockenhurst. From here you could take another train to Lymington, on the coast, or use public buses to get around.
Exploring the New Forest
Cycling in the New Forest is very popular, keen cyclists could even cycle from Southampton. There are miles of cycling trails to enjoy, and some quiet country roads. There are several towns from which you can rent bicycles or if you re coming from Southampton you may have more luck renting a bike from there as those in the New Forest get rented out quickly during peak times. Better still, bring your own! If you are driving, be aware of the speed limits within the New Forest boundaries.
What to See and Do in the New Forest
Visiting the New Forest from Southampton allows you to get away from urban life for a while and enjoy some of Southern England s great countryside.
The small towns and villages of the New Forest could be a world away from Southampton and each of them has something different to offer. The village of Beaulieu is one popular place to visit. The old homes are situated overlooking the village green and mill pond, and there are usually some visitors of a four legged kind here! Donkeys and New Forest ponies are frequently found in Beaulieu.
Beaulieu is more than just the village though. Some of Southampton s top attractions are very close by, including the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Palace House and Gardens, and Beaulieu Abbey. Located on the riverside you ll find the quaint historic village of Bucklers Hard, built in the 18th century. It s hard to imagine that this tiny village became a very important centre for shipbuilding during the Napoleonic Wars, and its proximity to Southampton helped.
Brockenhurst is one of the most popular little towns in the New Forest and a good place to start a visit from Southampton because of the excellent rail links to the city. Just outside the town is one of the Forestry Commission campsites; Hollands Wood is a lovely place to camp. Campsites and B& B s are abundant if you want to stay, or head back into Southampton if you prefer.
Fordingbridge, Burley, and Bransgore are three other lovely villages, while towns include Lymington, Ringwood, and Lyndhurst.
Summer is a great time to visit the New Forest but if you re coming from Southampton it s so close that you can come and enjoy the national park at any time of the year!
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