The New Forest has had its fair share of famous people over the years. Read on to discover more about some of our famous connections, both dead and alive…
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Sherlock Holmes creator and author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is buried in All Saints’ Church, Minstead, near to Lyndhurst. Before he died, the author bought a house in the village as a place to escape and unwind. Parts of his novel ‘The White Company’ were set in the New Forest.
Florence Nightingale
Arguably the most famous nurse in history, Florence Nightingale lived in Embley Park, Wellow, from 1825 until her death in 1910. She is buried in St Margaret’s churchyard at East Wellow, on the edge of The New Forest.
Chris Packham
Naturalist, wildlife enthusiast and TV presenter, Chris Packham was born in nearby Southampton but grew up, and remains to this day a resident of The New Forest. Chris is a passionate ambassador for the local environment and a big New Forest fan!
Sir Ben Ainslie
Sir Ben Ainslie is probably Lymington’s most famous recent resident. The Olympic-gold medallist is a member of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and you can see his gold post box, from winning in the London 2012 games on Lymington’s High Street.
