WHY THE NEW FOREST?
The New Forest has been voted the number one National Park in Europe in the 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for Destinations.
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The New Forest also came 10th in the world, ahead of global big hitters including Banff National Park in Canada, Grand Canyon National Park in the United States and Iceland’s Vatnajokull National Park.
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It is a world capital for wildlife, it includes ancient woodlands, wild open heathlands and stretches of beautiful coastline.
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The New Forest National Park’s landscape is unique and includes the largest area of lowland heath in southern England, a rare habitat that once covered this part of the country.
Bike Tours
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Cycling in the New Forest gives you a chance to truly experience all the great things we have to offer and get close to our amazing nature.
There are over 140 miles of car-free approved cycle trails.
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Wild life
One of the things that makes the New Forest so unique is to see thousands of free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, deer, and pigs during the autumn, on your travels around the national park.
Endless walks
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Anyone with a keen passion for walking will love the variety on offer. We have more than 140 miles of tracks and footpath, where you can enjoy easy-to-follow walking routes, short strolls or long-distance trails.
Beach
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The New Forest coastline stretches from Totton near Southampton through to Barton-on-sea going west and runs for 40 miles. There are plenty of beautiful beaches for you to visit whilst you’re here.
Family activities
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There are plenty of things to in The New Forest whatever the season. If you love to get active on holiday then there are lots of activities on hand, from a simple stroll through the forest to a long-distance hike encompassing our New Forest towns and village or following along our beautiful coastline.
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Charming towns
Explore the delights of Beaulieu and enjoy a walk along one England’s few privately owned rivers. Learn about the history of witchcraft and cider making in Burley. Discover the 'capital' of the New Forest, Lyndhurst with the grave of the original Alice in Wonderland
The New Forest has a number of special qualities
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Outstanding natural beauty: the sights, sounds and smells of ancient woodland with veteran trees, heathland, bog and an unspoilt coastline.
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Strong and distinctive local communities with real pride in and sense of identity with their local area.
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The iconic New Forest pony together with donkeys, pigs and cattle roaming free.
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An extraordinary diversity of plants and animals of international importance.
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Wonderful opportunities for quiet recreation, learning and discovery in one of the last extensive, gentle landscapes in the south including unmatched open access on foot and horseback.
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A unique historic, cultural and archaeological heritage from royal hunting ground to ship-building, salt-making and 500 years of military coastal defence.
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A historic commoning system, forming the heart of a working landscape based on farming and forestry.
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A healthy environment: fresh air, clean water, local produce and a sense of ‘wildness’.
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An extraordinary diversity of plants and animals of international importance.