The New Forest at a glance:
- Travel time: Approx 1hr 30mins from London by car or by train direct to Brockenhurst.
- Vibe: Timeless, peaceful, quintessential.
- Top must-see: The wild ponies of Brockenhurst.
- Best for: Animal lovers, walkers/hikers/cyclists, families.
The New Forest is a historic woodland area in southern England, known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The iconic New Forest ponies roam freely throughout the area, something you won’t experience anywhere else! Covering approximately 219 square miles, it spreads across the counties of Hampshire and Wiltshire. Here’s the best villages in the New Forest to visit to get the full experience of what the area has to offer!
Best New Forest village for charm – Lymington
Nestled on the southern edge of the New Forest, Lymington is a picturesque coastal town. The rich history of the place is visible everywhere, with cobblestone streets and Georgian architecture. The high street is lined with independent shops, boutiques, and cafes. This is why for me, it makes it one of the best villages in the New Forest to visit due to its charm. There’s also some great charity shops, perfect if you like digging around to find a gem.
Food enthusiasts will find plenty to saviour in Lymington. Being close to the sea ensures a supply of fresh seafood. From traditional fish and chips to upscale dining experiences, Lymington’s culinary scene caters to all tastes. If you happen to be around on a Saturday, the Charter Market is where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique souvenirs, and has been a tradition since the 13th century.
Best New Forest village for nature – Brockenhurst
Found in the heart of the New Forest, the village of Brockenhurst is where I stayed during my visit. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider region. Its long history can be seen throughout the village, from the ancient St. Nicholas’ Church dating back to the 11th century, to the charming thatched cottages that line its streets.
One of Brockenhurst’s greatest draws is its easy access to the natural beauty of the New Forest. Numerous trails and paths crisscross the area, suitable for running, walking, and cycling. The Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is a particularly popular route, and is where the hotel I stayed at is located (Forest Park which I’d recommend!). Cows roam the streets, and ponies and donkeys chill on the pavements – an unusual and enjoyable sight, especially if you’re normally a city dweller! It’s definitely one of the best villages in the New Forest if you want to experience the closeness to animals and nature.
Best New Forest village for history – Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst is often referred to as the ‘capital of the New Forest. Between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst you’ll find Balmer Lawn, pictured above. There is a large country hotel in the grounds, but anyone can stop by to visit the river. It’s a lovely place to enjoy on a hot day. The history of Lyndhurst itself stretches back to the time of William the Conqueror, who designated the New Forest as a royal hunting ground in 1079. One of the village’s most notable landmarks is the Church of St. Michael and All Angels, the final resting place of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
The High Street in Lyndhurst is known for its quaint, traditional English village atmosphere. There’s a mix of different architecture, with many independent shops, cafes, and pubs housed in period properties. This is another good spot to find a variety of places to eat. Located just off the High Street is the New Forest Heritage Centre, a museum that provides insights into the history and ecology of the area.
Best New Forest village for attractions – Beaulieu
To the South East of the New Forest is Beaulieu. One of its most famous attractions is the National Motor Museum. The museum features over 250 vehicles, including classic cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia. It’s also known for its abbey’s ruins where monks once lived, and Palace House, a stately home owned by the Montagu family since the 16th century.
The area hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including Beaulieu International Autojumble – a paradise for car enthusiasts and collectors – and Beaulieu Boat Jumble – a similar event for boating enthusiasts, selling marine equipment and nautical treasures. Just a short drive from Beaulieu are the stunning Exbury Gardens that cover 200 acres. The gardens were one of the biggest highlights of my visit to the New Forest and I’d highly recommend visiting.
Best New Forest village for something different – Buckler’s Hard
Buckler’s Hard is a unique historic village that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. The village’s layout, with its wide, grassy main street leading down to the river, was designed to facilitate shipbuilding. The Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum, housed in several of the original Georgian cottages, offers a look at the history of shipbuilding here. It’s hard to believe but people still live in these cottages too, in the middle of what is now a tourist attraction!
The Beaulieu River offers a picturesque backdrop for leisurely walks, or you can hop on one of the boat trips that depart from the village. The 30 minute ride takes you down one of the few privately owned rivers in the world to experience the wildlife from a different perspective. You can even stay in Buckler’s Hard at the Master Builder’s House or just pop in for a refreshment/meal and enjoy the view of the river.
New Forest FAQs (2026)
Not exactly. While they roam freely, every pony belongs to a Commoner (a local resident with ancient grazing rights). They are “semi-feral,” meaning they live outside year-round and find their own food, but they are checked annually by “Agisters” to ensure they are healthy.
No, it is actually illegal to feed the ponies. Feeding them teaches them to approach cars and humans for food, which leads to fatal road accidents. They may look friendly, but they can kick or bite if they feel crowded so always look, but don’t touch.
Yes! There is no entry gate or fee to enter the New Forest. You only pay for specific attractions (like Beaulieu Motor Museum or Exbury Gardens) and some designated “Pay and Display” car parks.
Yes, it’s a paradise for dogs! However, you must keep them under “effective control.” During bird nesting season (March to August), you are required to keep dogs on leads in certain areas to protect ground-nesting birds.
No. Wild camping is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem and the livestock. You must stay in one of the many official campsites, or alternatively look at hotels and B&Bs. Be sure to book ahead in summer, as they fill up fast!
Pannage is a unique tradition occurring every autumn (usually September to November). Local farmers release their pigs into the forest to eat fallen acorns. Acorns are poisonous to ponies and cattle, but pigs love them! It is the only time of year you’ll see domestic pigs wandering across the roads.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
