Holiday homes & rentals in New Forest

Some fourteen million people visit the New Forest each year to enjoy the abundant natural beauty and recreational opportunities it offers. This large area, located in southern England, is a treasure trove of quaint villages, traditional lodges and log cabins, and fascinating wildlife - there's something for everyone, kids and adults alike.

With a relaxing holiday cottage in the New Forest, you find yourself in the heart of Hampshire's beautiful landscapes. From the comfort of these quaint lodges, you can enjoy exciting activities such as spotting wild ponies in the forest thickets, hiking, paddle boarding, and horse riding. Typical accommodation in the area includes renovated thatched cottages and stone cabins.

How to get to the New Forest

The New Forest is, by its nature, a sparsely populated area, with just a few small towns and villages covering the large region. Most people find it convenient to first travel to one of the nearby large cities - Portsmouth, Southampton, and Bournemouth - and then travel on to their New Forest holiday letting from there.

Because the New Forest is so rural, it’s easiest to bring a car, though you may wish to cycle and walk once in the area itself.

What to eat on your New Forest holiday

New Forest is known for its rich tradition of locally produced food and drinks. If you’re staying in a self-catering cottage, you can buy fresh produce from town markets in Ringwood, Lymington, New Milton, and Hythe, and prepare your own meals at home.

Head to the local farms, such as Hockey’s Farm to sample locally made dairy products and cheeses, buy local meat, home-made cakes, and fresh bread. For a taste of New Forest’s finest ales, pop into one of the microbreweries in Linwood or Downton.

New Forest weather - what to expect

The New Forest’s climate is similar to that of that rest of the UK, which is to say: it’s pretty unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for it to be both sunny and rainy in the same day. During the summer, the weather is typically warm, T-shirt weather, while autumn and winter are often characterised by overcast and cool temperatures.

What to do in the New Forest

People don’t typically book New Forest lodges for the attractions - they go for the forest itself, which is the destination and attraction all rolled into one.

This area is an outdoor lover's dream, with many activities available. Lace up your walking boots and go for a stroll along the lengthy trails that wind through the National Park. Go for as long as you like, a short stroll or a 16 km trek. You’ll be rewarded by beautiful woodland, open land, and the odd classic English pub, where you might want to pause your walk and enjoy some delicious homemade food (and maybe a real ale while you’re at it).

For those who like their outdoor activities with a dash of adrenaline, why not have a go at some intense cycling - there are more than 160 km of trails and it’s a great way to see the diversity of the area. Or why not head out on the water for a spot of water skiing or wakeboarding? Horse Riding is also a popular activity with adults and kids in the New Forest.

It’s not all about nature here, though. There are also beautiful market towns that are great to explore. Lymington, a port town, features beautiful classic cottages, narrow roads, and quaint shops and cafes. Picturesque Beaulieu is home to Buckler’s Hard, a living museum where you’ll be transported back to the 18th century, and The National Motor Museum, which features an excellent exhibition of vintage cars and other vehicles.

New Forest family holidays

Lodges and holiday cottages in the New Forest are ideal for families with kids, because this area is loaded with many great family-friendly activities. The park, with all its nooks and crannies and open land, will fascinate children from the outset.

Get up close to nature in a controlled setting by visiting Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. It is possible to see deer in the park without visiting the sanctuary, but it’s not always guaranteed, so stop by the viewing platform for a view of these beautiful creatures.

If you want to give your children a fun activity that is also educational, head along for one of the organised events put on by the park. These include trails through various sections of the park with a tour guide and a look at the wildlife, such as birds in their natural environment.

For a simple yet memorable family holiday activity, grab a kite from the souvenir store and head to Whitefield Moor. Fly them high and enjoy a relaxing picnic with the kids in a spot with great views, before heading back to your New Forest holiday letting to rest up for the following day's activities.

Get up close with the New Forest ponies

There are about 5,000 ponies living and grazing freely in New Forest. While these ponies live in the wild, they are actually owned by the commoners, the people living on the New Forest land. It is an old tradition that the commoners be allowed to let their ponies roam freely through the woods, and it certainly adds to the great appeal of these mystical woods.

There are specific places where you can see the famous New Forest ponies in larger numbers. If you’re motorized, head in the direction of Southampton via the M27 and A31, following the Emery Down signs. You’ll find plenty of ponies along the way, grazing in clearings near Linwood, Bolderwood, and Ringwood. If you’re walking, your best bet is to roam around the forest surrounding Burley village.

Exploring the historic New Forest

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

This family-friendly park in Ashley Heath has it all, from biking paths and lakes to a narrow-gauge steam railway, a golf course, and tree-top walkway.

Hurst Castle

One of England's most advanced artillery fortresses, Hurst Castle was built under Henry VIII. Visit Hurst for its centuries-old military history, scenic coastal views and bird-watching opportunities (oystercatchers, egrets, curlews, kestrels).

New Forest Wildlife Park

England's leading institution in the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned, sick and injured otters, the park also houses wallabys, bison and wolves among other animals.

Beaulieu National Motor Museum

This historical museum boasts an impressive collection spanning motoring books, vintage cars, photographs, automobilia and films from the world over. The grounds and cafe are lovely too.

Ringwood Brewery

Take the tour at Ringwood Brewery to learn about its history and general layout. The malts, tun room, chilling and barrelling rooms are intriguing. Cask ales and bottled beer can be sampled too.

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