Local area guide
Explore the New Forest
Hampshire is packed with things to see and do. Here's our personal guide to the best of the area — from wild forest cycling to riverside pubs and sandy Bournemouth beaches.
Nature & Outdoors
New Forest National Park
10-min drive — 220 square miles of ancient woodland, heathland, and free-roaming ponies
Sandy Balls Holiday Village
On-site — leisure facilities, cycling trails, café and activities for all ages
Breamore House & Countryside Museum
A beautiful Elizabethan manor with gardens and a working countryside museum
Hatchet Pond
The largest natural pond in the New Forest — perfect for a scenic walk or picnic
Cycling & Walking
New Forest Cycling
200+ miles of cycling routes through the forest — hire bikes at Burley or Brockenhurst
Avon Valley Path
A peaceful long-distance trail following the River Avon from Salisbury to Christchurch
Godshill
A beautiful viewpoint village with woodland walks and a cricket ground
Pubs & Restaurants
The Augustus John, Fordingbridge
A classic country pub with excellent food and a garden — very popular with locals
The Fighting Cocks, Godshill
A thatched gem in the heart of the forest serving brilliant ales and hearty food
Quarteryard, Ringwood
Contemporary dining in a beautifully converted old building — weekend bookings recommended
Burley Manor
Upscale hotel restaurant with stunning New Forest views
Towns to Explore
Fordingbridge
A charming market town on the River Avon — great for a morning wander, coffee and a browse
Ringwood
Thriving market town with independent shops, the Ringwood Brewery and excellent farmers' market
Bournemouth
Seven miles of Blue Flag beaches — ideal for a day trip
Salisbury
Cathedral city with a world-famous spire and Stonehenge just beyond
Family Activities
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
A world-class motor museum, Palace House and award-winning gardens
Marwell Zoo
Over 170 species in beautiful parkland — a brilliant full-day family outing
Peppa Pig World
At Paultons Park — perfect for little ones
New Forest Wildlife Park
Native British wildlife including deer, otters and owls in a beautiful natural setting
On-site Facilities
Heated indoor pool
Shared heated indoor pool — available seasonally, open specific hours
Sauna
Shared sauna for guests — perfect after a long day in the forest
Free parking
Private parking on the premises
Cycle storage
Secure storage for bikes on-site
Getting here
🚗 By car
Fordingbridge, Hampshire. We'll send you the exact address and arrival instructions after booking. Easy to find — sat nav friendly.
🚂 By train
Nearest stations are Salisbury (40 min drive) and Bournemouth (40 min drive). We can recommend local taxi firms.
✈️ By air
Southampton Airport is 45 minutes away. London Heathrow is around 90 minutes. Car hire is recommended.