New Forest Over 200 miles of beautiful, unspoilt tranquil forest and rugged moors can be found only 5 minutes form the Park. Explore on foot by bike or horse! Visit the pretty village of Burley for New Forest Cider, cream teas, witches and amazing gift shops - take a spell home! |
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Christchurch Lovely historic small town just 10 minutes from the park. A visit to the fascinating Priory is a must, lovely walks along the river - or hire a boat. Enjoy ferry trips to Hengistbury Head with lovely views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbeck Hills. A haven for nature lovers. Market day - Monday |
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New Milton The nearest town to the Park where the glorious Solent meets the timeless beauty of the New Forest National Park. Perfect for your essential shopping. The beaches of Barton on Sea have stunning views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight. There are lovely cliff top walks along the coast. |
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Lymington Lovely Georgian market town, visit the marina and quays. Take the ferry to the Isle of Wight or take a dip in the historic seawater baths. Market day - Saturday |
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Southampton Historic town, perfect for retail therapy at West Quay. See the ocean liners close up on a ferry trip to Hythe with its record breaking historic pier train. |
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Muddeford Quay Less than 10 minutes drive from the Park. A popular spot with locals where beautiful Christchurch harbour flows into the sea. Lots of parking and a cafe, a great spot for crabbing. Popular for sailing & windsurfing. |
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Brownsea Island Take the ferry from Poole Quay which drops you on the Island. Brownsea Island is owned by the National Trust. There are no vehicles allowed. You will need a good pair of walking shoes as you can walk right round the island which will take you the best part of a day to complete. This is the home of the red squirrel and a sea bird sanctuary. You can view the many birds from the viewing platform. There is a country restaurant where the ducks and peacocks watch you eat. On your return, the ferry will take you past Brownsea Island Castle and round the many islands in Poole Bay. |
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Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, BH23 4LE website Grounds of Highcliffe Castle are open to the public free of charge all year round, the Castle is open 1st February - 23rd December daily 11am - 5pm Inside the Castle there are 5 partially restored staterooms housing a gift shop, visitor centre and galleries. Guided tours of the un-restored parts of the building run at 2pm every Sunday & Tuesday. There is a tea room on the clifftop with wonderful views around Christchurch Bay. |
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Bournemouth Large bustling town for shopping or a lively night out. Sweeping golden sandy beaches with the famous pier, (if you are brave - try the zipwire!) bustling promenade and seaside attractions only 20 minutes from the park. Visit the award wining gardens, shows at the BIC, pavilion or pier. |
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Poole We highly recommend taking a boat trip round Poole Harbour to the National Trusts Brownsea Island. A haven for nature lovers - look out for the red squirrels. Poole has the second largest natural harbour in the world and is renowned for its water sports. Visit the beautiful merchant houses, cobbled streets and Poole Pottery at Poole Quay. |
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Swanage Jump on to the steam railway for a scenic journey. A lovely beach to visit or head to the extraordinary ruins of Corfe Castle. Venture further along the Jurassic coast and you may find some fossils! |
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Open Top Bus Rides website Grandstand views as the bus takes you through the heart of this magnificent heath and forest landscape. |
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Forest Leisure Cycling Traffic free New Forest Cycle Hire from the unspoilt village of Burley. Rides for all ages and abilities on stunning New Forest cycle routes. Open All Year Online Booking Free Parking |
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Monkey Madness Reid Street, Christchurch BH23 2BT Tel: 01202 481015 website Indoor Play Centre. |
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Beaulieu Motor Museum website John Montague Building, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7ZN Home to 250 motor vehicles from the first motor cars to the present day. See the park by monorail. Visit Beaulieu Palace House and Abbey. Gift shop, children's playground and restaurant. You will need a whole day to see all of the attractions at this park! |
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Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, nr Beaulieu website Open daily from 28th February to 31st October. Santa specials in December Set in 200 acres of tranquil woodlands, created in the 1920s by Lionel de Rothschild. Part of the gardens can be seen with rides on the miniature steam railway train. Plant centre, gift shop and restaurant. |
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Burley-Villa School of Riding Bashley Common Road, New Milton BH25 5SH Tel 01425 610278 Enjoy trail riding through the beautiful New Forest in full Western outfit. English riding, New Forest hacking, holiday groups, beginner lessons, private lessons, jumping lessons, kindergarten lessons |
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Bucklers Hard website Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, SO42 7ZX Fascinating place to visit featuring exhibition of life in a labourers cottage in the 1800s. This is where many famous warships for Nelsons fleet were built. Now home to a large marina. Boat trips are offered on the River Hamble regularly all day during the summer. |
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FISHING Sea fishing trips from Keyhaven Tel 01425 612896 Summertime specials, June, July and August – 3 hour mackerel trips and 6 hour deep sea fishing trips. Hordle Lakes Golden Hill, Ashley Lane, Hordle, New Milton Tel 077798 954799 or 01590 672300 An attractive established fishery, which offers superb facilities all year round. Set in 11 acres, with 7 individual spring fed lakes. Easy parking and walking is minimal. Larger lakes have double figure Carp and other species such as Bream, Tench, Perch, Rudd and Roach. |
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BOAT TRIPS Puffin Cruises Lymington Town Quay Tel 07850 947618 daytime – 01590 644004 evenings Daily ferry service to Yarmouth IOW 2 hour cruises to needles Rocks & Lighthouse Cruise Lunchtime and evening specials with 2 hour ashore in Yarmouth 1 hour Hurst Castle and Yarmouth cruises 25 River & Marina trips Christchurch Quay Boat trips to Hengistbury Head beach. A lovely peaceful trip across the sheltered bay following the reed beds. See many swans and sea birds. When you land you catch the land train to Hengistbury Head and walk right up the hill if you feel energetic. |