Top 12 things to do in the New Forest
A guide by Street Farmhouse - a boutique bed & breakfast in the New Forest
A guide to help you take in all the New Forest has to offer: its heritage, its environmental importance, its wildlife and its breath-taking scenery. Whether you're a local, or someone who's visiting the Forest for the first time, this guide is for you.
1. Take a walk
This one goes without saying. The New Forest is the largest area of lowland heath in southern England. Locals and holiday goers alike would benefit from reading the Countryfile website for lots of great New Forest hiking routes.
2. Discover fascinating historical sites
Did you know that the New Forest played a vital role in both the First and Second World Wars? Find out more about local historical sites of all ages on the New Forest National Park website. Pictured: Buckland Rings, an Iron Age hill fort in the town of Lymington, Hampshire.
3. Explore vineyards and breweries
Some of our favourites are:
4. Foraging in the Forest
Find it, cook it, dry it, prepare it, store it and eat it! When foraging it's best to stick with an experienced guide - check out wildfood.co.uk for courses in the New Forest.
5. Take a trip to the city
Don't forget there are some fascinating and historical cities located in the New Forest area. Near Street Farmhouse you will find:
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Salisbury - 11 miles
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Winchester - 29 miles
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Bournemouth - 16 miles
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Southampton - 21 miles
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Poole - 21 miles
6. Horse riding in The New Forest
The New Forest is the perfect place to go horseriding, with 140,000 acres to explore. If you're looking for a riding school, you can choose from the best local stables on Trip Advisor. If you're hoping to bring your own horse to the New Forest, then Street Farmhouse is the perfect place to stay, offering self-contained accommodation and stables for your horse.
7. Go fishing
Situated within 56 acres of farmland, Orchard Lakes are one of the most prolific fisheries in the south. Orchard Lakes is only a 30 minute drive from Street Farmhouse.
8. New Forest photography courses
The ancient patchwork of open heath, mature forest, plus gently running streams and rivers make the New Forest a varied and interesting location for beautiful landscape photography. Book a photography course here.
9. A day at the Races
Salisbury Racecourse is an independent Wiltshire racecourse which hosts flat racing every year between April and October.
Often considered to be a good debut venue for the top stables to introduce new prospects, Salisbury is a popular destination for racing action.
10. Unwind at a New Forest golf club
There are many places you can visit for a game of golf in the New Forest, with courses suitable for all abilities. From the tranquillity of Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club to Crazy Golf at Lymington Golf Centre, there truly is something for everyone.
11. Other activities
There's so much to do in the New Forest that we couldn't possibly list it all. Here are a few more local activities for inspiration:
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Visit Stonehenge (40 minutes drive from The Woodshed at Street Farmhouse)
12. Book to stay at The Woodshed
Our boutique bed & breakfast in the new forest is furnished with all you will need to make your stay comfortable and super relaxing.
Conveniently situated just 30 minutes from local airports, The Woodshed at Street Farmhouse has 250 square miles of forest on its doorstep.