New Forest
Once a hunting ground for William the Conqueror, the New Forest lies within the county of Hampshire in southern England. Its beautiful landscape is rare and fragile, consisting of unspoilt heathland, ornamental woodland, valleys, and a coastline of saltmarshes and mudflats. Well known for its iconic ponies, it became a national park in 2005.
First of all, let’s talk about those famous native ponies. Surprisingly they are not completely wild; they are actually owned, but have permission to roam free. All ponies grazing on this land are owned by New Forest commoners who have ‘rights of common pasture’. Other livestock such as cattle, donkeys, pigs and sheep can also be seen wandering free, which in turn creates a great deal of interest for visitors to the national park!
The New Forest is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders, as it provides an excellent environment for all three. In particular, it is great for cycling with children, as it offers a number of gentle, off-road trails and routes. Pony trekking is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the area. There are a number of centres that offer rides for all ages and abilities.
Quaint villages such as Brockenhurst, Beaulieu, Fordingbridge, Burley and Lyndhurst are worth a visit for a spot of gift shopping, a traditional afternoon tea or a cosy pub meal. They all have a number of interesting shops, pubs and cafes, along with chocolate box cottages. Furthermore, they are all great places to spot the native ponies!
The New Forest coastline is very picturesque with pretty towns and villages dotted along its way. The Georgian town of Lymington is renowned for its sailing history, and boasts two marinas, along with cobbled streets lined with pretty cottages. Milford on Sea has many independent shops and cafes, as well as stunning views across to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.
The New Forest also has a number of fascinating tourist attractions, including the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Buckler’s Hard and Exbury Gardens.