Welcome to the New Forest

The official tourism website for the New Forest

Wild horses won’t be able to drag you away from the New Forest once you’ve experienced its peace and fallen in love with the forest’s idyllic glades, ancient woodland, open moors, heathland and cliff top walks.

Escape to a world a million miles from your everyday life where ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer roam free...  and all just 90 minutes by train from London.

The New Forest has been a top destination for breaks and getaways here in the UK throughout the ages, with so much to see and do, and places to stay, it’s the perfect place to visit and create unforgettable memories!

Fall in love with the New Forest’s breathtaking wildlife and nature. Each season provides a change of scene from the wonderful bright colours of spring and summer to the kaleidoscope of warm hues in autumn and sheets of white frost in the winter. Explore our incredible National Park to discover the true beauty for yourself, don your walking boots and take a stroll through our magical woodlands and heathlands. Hire a bike and enjoy one of the many off-road cycling routes or simply relax and rejuvenate on a picnic or at one of our award-winning spas

Discover the cobbled streets of our wonderful towns & villages or take a stroll along the gorgeous coastline of the New Forest!

The New Forest is home to a wide selection of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets. From luxury and country house hotels, self-catering holiday cottages and bed & breakfasts to glamping, camping and caravan sites and holiday parks, all set against the majestic backdrop of the New Forest. As you admire the timeless scenery it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular holiday beauty spot. 

There is a wealth of things to do and places to explore in the New Forest from award-winning gardens, theme parks, farms and museums, to exciting outdoor activities and watersports. Plus, we host a huge range of events every year. 

Sample delicious food & drink, visit our country pubs and luxury restaurants or our cosy tea rooms, with their tempting menus and great culinary experiences. Taste our local produce at farm shops, farmers’ markets and food & drink events.  

If you would like to take a look at our brochures and guides before you come, read the New Forest Code, or find out where our Local Information Points are for when you are here, then take a browse through our visitor information. The New Forest also offers superb conference and wedding facilities. 

Whatever you need from a short break with the family to an all-out active holiday, the New Forest‘s enchanting surroundings provide an ideal destination. Come and discover this wonderful area for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Check out our blog...

Signs that you need a New Forest break

  • 4 minute read

Feeling a bit meh? Or that you’ve been too busy to enjoy life? Either way, these could be signs that you need a New Forest break. Why the New Forest? Because our unique wild environment is the perfect place to relax, reconnect and enhance your mental and physical wellbeing. A study of 20,000 people…

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How best to celebrate Christmas in the New Forest

  • 5 minute read

With less than two months to go, Christmas is just around the corner! There’s no better a place to spend Christmas than in the New Forest. With Narnia-like scenes, roaring fireplaces and a whole host of enchanting places to stay, Christmas in the New Forest is a special experience and one which you…

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Myths and Legends of the New Forest

  • 4 minute read

A Forest cloaked in mystery The New Forest, with its ancient woodlands, misty mornings, and quiet moors, is a location full of unique experiences and tales of years gone by. When dusk falls and the trees cast long shadows, the Forest takes on an eerie magic — when legends awaken, and stories of the…

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The New Forest’s fascinating culture and heritage

  • 4 minute read

The New Forest, with its ancient woodlands, wildlife-filled heathlands and timeless charm, is a place where nature and history intertwine seamlessly. First established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror in 1079, this special destination has preserved much of its heritage and culture.

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Top things to do this November in the New Forest

  • 4 minute read

With the winter slowly drawing in, November is the last chance to catch the autumn colours on an outdoor adventure in the New Forest. Spend time in the great outdoors on a New Forest walk and make the most of one of the most spectacular times of year in the forest for colour. Although it’ll soon be…

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Top spas in the New Forest

  • 4 minute read

With the fast pace of everyday life, there’s no better time to wind down and take some time to prep yourself for the busy autumn ahead, at one of the top spas in the New Forest. Whether you want to cocoon in cosy luxury, kick-start a kickass new regime, or learn how to practise mindfulness, our…

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Things to do highlights

What's on highlights

Dogstival May 31

Dogstival

Does your pooch deserve some love this summer? Dogstival returns to Burley Park in the heart of the…

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