With nature very much at the heart of the New Forest, it’s no wonder there are some stunning parks and gardens waiting to be explored.
Gardens for all seasons
Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter, Exbury Gardens is a delight. This multi award-winning garden comes awash with colour in the late spring months as the rhododendrons and azaleas flower and during summer the full bloom of the Herbaceous and Grasses Garden and Exotic Garden can be seen. Autumn brings with it spectacular displays of colour from the Japanese maples and the popular narrow gauge steam railway is an added attraction for visitors. The garden is dog-friendly as well so why not bring your four-legged friend along for a day out too? You can also enjoy the miniature steam railway which makes a 20 minute round trip through the gardens, a great way to sit back and enjoy the beautiful and eye catching surroundings!
In Minstead, Furzey Gardens are an informal woodland garden of ten acres which offer views across The New Forest to the Isle of Wight. Children will enjoy spotting the fairy doors, learning in the bug barn and letting off steam in the outdoor play area. As with Exbury, these gardens are a delight all year round and be sure to look out for the monthly guided walks which take place here.
Not only is Beaulieu home to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House, but there are plenty of grounds to explore. Over hundreds of years, the original grounds of Beaulieu Abbey have been developed into a charming mixture of formal and informal styled gardens. Today, they feature the Victorian Kitchen Garden, Wilderness Garden and Victorian Flower Garden plus some delightful walks. Keep your eyes open for some of the sculpture that can be found in the gardens as well as the ‘Love Lock Tree’. Younger visitors will also enjoy spotting the Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland topiary.
Wander around and pick out some beautiful flowers and plants at Fairweather's Garden Centre. Take a look around the wonderful display of all sorts of flora and fauna, purchase some lovely gifts, homeware and local food & drink from their shop and visit Steff's Kitchen for some delicious food to help fuel your day. There's loads to see and do at Fairweather's!
The New Forest’s largest water garden can be found at Everton, near Lymington. Koi carp, dragonflies and ducks form some of the wildlife you can spot here. Other small gardens include Macpenny’s Woodland Gardens and Nursery and Braxton Gardens.
If you are staying in the New Forest and would like to visit a garden further afield then Mottisfont Abbey, near Romsey is a firm favourite. It’s well-renowned in the summer for its walled rose garden and is under the care of the National Trust.
Parks
For a walk beside the seaside, Lepe Country Park makes an excellent stopping point in your New Forest visit. Here you can relax on the beach, take a nature walk or cycle some of the pathways.
Moors Valley Country Park, near Ringwood is a great place for children to let off steam. The park features numerous play areas including the popular woodland trail. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic, cycling off-road or for a more adventurous experience with the Go Ape tree top trail or Segway hire.
Fordingbridge’s Riverside Park is a pleasant place to stop by with a picnic. The park features a children's play area, secluded memorial gardens and sports playing fields. If you fancy a spot of fishing then purchase a day fishing ticket from the Riverside Kiosk at the Recreation Ground.
At Lymington, take a trip to the Bath Road Recreation Ground (between the Berthon Marina and the Royal Lymington Yacht Club) for a popular spot for locals and visitors. This park has play areas, a chess table, a large pond and a bandstand.
Jubilee Gardens, Poulner Lakes and the War Memorial Ground are some of the many parks you can visit in and around the market town of Ringwood. Whether you are looking for a play park, a tranquil spot for some nature-spotting or somewhere for a leisurely walk, there is plenty of choice on offer here.
Milford on Sea’s Pleasure Grounds provide a peaceful experience with woodland walks along the Danestream.
Outdoor gym equipment and a children’s play area are just some of the features that make up New Milton’s Recreation Ground. The park area is also home to an indoor and outdoor bowling green, tennis courts, a basketball court and a skatepark.
The countryside on your doorstep
Stay in the New Forest and you will never be far from the open countryside. The National Park is teeming with places for you to walk or cycle. Picnic in the heathland or perhaps hire one of the BBQs that can be found at Brockenhurst or at Bolderwood.
Be amazed by our wildlife from the New Forest ponies through to rare lizards and birds.
Save money on visiting some of our parks and gardens in the forest.
If you want to save money off visiting some of our parks and gardens then don’t forget to purchase the £10 Go New Forest Card. This card can save you money off nearly 400 days out, activities, places to eat and drink and accommodation in and around the New Forest.
