New Forest Towns & Villages
Discover the unique character of the New Forest's towns and villages, each offering something special. From historic forest hamlets to bustling seaside spots, there’s much to explore, whether you’re here for a day or a longer stay. Wander through charming streets, enjoy the local shops, and take in the beauty of the forest and coast.
Charming forest villages
Lyndhurst, known as the "capital" of the New Forest, is a popular village with lots to see and do. Visit the New Forest Heritage Centre, explore unique shops, pubs and cafes, and find Alice Liddell’s (the original Alice in Wonderland) grave in the churchyard. Nearby, the village of Minstead offers a classic village green, a popular pub, and is the resting place of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sway, with its unique tower dominating the skyline and cute village centre, was also inspired the classic The Children of The New Forest by Captain Marryat.
Bustling market towns
Ringwood, with a market tradition since 1226, offers a vibrant atmosphere on the banks of the River Avon. New Milton, situated between forest and sea, has diverse shops and a regular town market, and it’s conveniently accessible by rail from London. In Hythe, take a scenic ferry ride from its Victorian pier across Southampton Harbour, or wander the town’s markets, cafes, and restaurants. Nearby Ashurst, Eling and Totton, are wonderful spots for some shopping and exploring, with busy town centres, boardwalk trails and country pubs.
Picturesque retreats
Brockenhurst, set amid beautiful forest scenery, often has ponies and cattle grazing on its village green and offers easy access to trails for walking and cycling. Burley, known for its tales of dragons and witches, offers treats from Burley Fudge Shop, locally made beverages at New Forest Cider, and a chance to see deer at Burley Park, overlooking the magnificent Burley Manor. Meanwhile, Beaulieu’s narrow lanes, where ponies and donkeys roam, lead to the National Motor Museum and the historic Palace House of the Montagu family. Further north, Fordingbridge, known as the gateway to the New Forest, offers a scenic medieval bridge over the River Avon, with nearby nature reserves and watersports.
Seaside and beach locations
Lymington’s bustling High Street is lined with boutiques, leading to a lively quay where fishing boats and yachts dock. Nearby, Milford on Sea boasts stunning views of The Needles, glorious beaches and a walk along the shingle spit to Hurst Castle. Barton on Sea is the perfect location to visit for gorgeous clifftop views, beautiful beaches and delightful seaside cafes.
Plan your next adventure in the New Forest and discover the charm of these unique towns and villages for yourself!
Discover our villages...
Brockenhurst
A scenic village surrounded by trails, known for grazing ponies and beautiful forest landscapes.
Burley
Enchanting village with folklore, local ciders, fudge shops, and nearby deer sightings.
Lyndhurst
The "capital" of the New Forest with historical sites, quaint shops, and cosy cafes.
Beaulieu
Charming village where donkeys roam, home to the National Motor Museum and Palace House.
Minstead
Peaceful village with a village green, popular pub, and Conan Doyle’s final resting place.
Sway
Known for its iconic tower and forest setting, a charming spot for history and nature lovers.
Ashurst, Eling & Totton
Forest-edge communities with riverside charm, historic tidal mill, and easy access to New Forest…
Hinton Admiral
Gateway village to forest walks and scenic coastal views, near New Milton and Christchurch.
Milford on Sea
Seaside village with stunning Isle of Wight views, beach walks, and shingle spit to Hurst Castle.
Explore our towns...
Lymington
Coastal town with a lively quay, boutique shops, and a vibrant sailing community.
Fordingbridge
Picturesque market town with a medieval bridge and access to riverside nature reserves.
Ringwood
Historic market town by the River Avon with lively markets, cafes, and unique shops.
New Milton & Barton on Sea
Bustling town between forest and sea, with shops, markets, and convenient rail links.
Hythe & the Waterside
Waterfront town with a Victorian pier, bustling markets, and ferry access to Southampton Harbour.
Follow town & village walking routes...
Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) Start: Ashurst New Forest railway station or bus stop; Grid SU334 101, Postcode SO40 7AA. what3words ///choirs.haircuts.pictured From Ashurst railway station this short and easy walk explores a variety of landscapes that…
Distance: 2 Miles Start: Starting point : Beaulieu Village Centre what3words ///cheetahs.swerving.mammoth One of the most popular routes for families is from beautiful Beaulieu to the historic Buckler’s Hard as the route follows a two mile footpath along fields and…
Distance: 4.3 miles (6.9 km) Start: Outside the Red Lion pub, Boldre. Grid ref. SZ 988 314 Postcode SO41 8NE. what3words ///sinkhole.dates.goat Beginning in the pretty village of Boldre, this is a peaceful and varied walk through country lanes…
Distance: 5 miles (8.1 km) Start: Brockenhurst railway station Grid ref. SU 301 019 Post code SO42 7TW. what3words ///fulfilled.gladiator.corkscrew Brockenhurst is a picturesque village in the heart of the New Forest surrounded by some of the…
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) Start: Burley Village Bus stop Grid ref. SU 221 031 Postcode BH24 4AB. what3words ///reporting.zealous.cooked This walk starts at the village centre before setting out on a circular walk around the edge of the village. There is a…
Distance: 2 miles (3.3 km) Start: Ringwood Road Fordingbridge Car Park, Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge, SP6 1AN what3words///parkway.slanting.loafing Explore the wonderful riverside town of Fordingbridge! Wander along the River Avon, enjoy local gardens and…
Distance: 1.8 miles (2.9 km) Start: Hythe Ferry, Prospect Place, Hythe, SO45 6AU what3words///drill.hugs.dinner Explore the brilliant town of Hythe! Stroll along the high street, enjoy view across the water, visit local parks and grasslands and walk…
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) Start/End: Lymington Town Railway Station, SO41 9AU what3words ///lives.notion.calendars A shorter walk packed full of local history. Visit St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, the modern day…
8.5 Miles Discover the beauty of the parish, start from the thriving village centre, out to Bolton’s Bench and on into the tranquillity beyond. This walk roughly follows the whole outside parish boundary, using the forest as a natural tour guide. On this route you can…
5 miles (if following Spit all the way to Hurst Castle) Starting point : Sea Road Car Park, Milford on Sea what3words ///lamppost.happy.officer For some fresh sea air, try this spectacular coastal walk along Hurst Spit, leading to Hurst Castle. The walk also passes through the…
Distance: 2 miles (3.3 km) Start: Minstead Village Green, SO43 7FY what3words///directors.piglet.commenced Explore the quaint village of Minstead on this lovely, short walk. Start at the Village Green, visit Furzey Gardens and pass All Saints Church, which is were…
Explore New Milton and Barton on Sea on this long but exciting walk from the main town into the seafront village. On this walk, you'll wander a wonderful high street full of shops and cafes, through recreation grounds, alongside wonderful roads lined with trees and onto the…
This Town Trail around Ringwood’s old town centre, designated a Conservation area, has been compiled by The Ringwood Society. We hope that this walk has encouraged you to take a closer look at Ringwood and to discover for yourself the attractions of our historic…
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There are few other places in England where the ancient landscape has remained so unchanged. In 1079 when William The Conqueror named the area his ‘new hunting forest'...