For comprehensive information about the New Forest National Park
***** For information about New Forest access restrictions and related matters, check out the Forestry England website and the websites of the individual venues you wish to visit. *****
New Forest attractions
New Forest attractions are many and varied, and offer much from which to choose. Explore ancient history during a visit to an excavated Roman villa, for example, and later history at other venues. Watch wildlife at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, the New Forest Reptile Centre and local wildlife parks. Visit a working farm to see domesticated animals at close range or enjoy the ambience of well-stocked gardens and arboretums.
New Forest Heritage Centre
Located beside Lyndhurst's main car park, the New Forest Heritage Centre is a popular destination for many visitors to the New Forest.
A bit of history
The remains of a 13th century abbey, a sumptuous country house and the world famous National Motor Museum.
An Elizabethan manor house, museum and tea rooms a little outside the boundary of the New Forest National Park.
An attractive old ship building hamlet and a fascinating maritime museum, situated quite close to Beaulieu.
Two castles originally built during the reign of Henry VIII way back in the 16th century.
A historic working tide mill and an equally historic parish church.
A little outside the National Park boundary, this is the largest known Roman villa in the area.
There's a lot for all to see and enjoy in these fascinating museums, including a varied programme of lectures and exhibitions.
Everything for the motor cycling enthusiast - one of the biggest collections of exotic bikes anywhere in the world, including a range of factory prototypes.
Breamore House
Wildlife and other animals
Live breeding season images of wild birds of prey at the nest are shown at the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst.
Wild fallow deer can often be seen at close quarters throughout much of the year at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary.
Liberty's Owl, Raptor
and Reptile Centre
and Reptile Centre
Various birds of prey are on show here, there are regular flying displays and there is also a reptile house.
Offers a great family day out with lots of farm and other animals to meet, and indoor and outdoor play areas to enjoy.
Native reptiles housed in natural conditions on warm days can be watched basking in the sun or going about their daily business.
New Forest
Wildlife Park
Wildlife Park
Native and other owls and animals are sure to entertain and enthrall visitors to this fascinating wildlife park.
Fallow deer can often be seen in and around the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Gardens and arboreta
Located close to the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, native and ornamental conifers are on display at the Arboretum.
A spectacular 200 acre site with a wide variety of cultivated flowers, shrubs and trees, a steam railway, gift shop and tea rooms.
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) gives visitors unique access to beautiful private gardens, and raises money for charities through admissions, teas and cake.
Impressive ornamental conifers and other trees feature alongside the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, at the Blackwater Arboretum and beside the Tall Trees Trail.
Exbury Gardens
New Forest Explorers Guide - home page
More links
Days out in the New Forest - attractions - great attractions to visit
Days out in the New Forest - activities - activities to enjoy
Days out a little farther afield - the top 20 places to visit from around the region
New Forest Days Out
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** New Forest ponies and other animals**
Sadly, 58 animals were killed - 35 ponies, 13 cows, 8 donkeys and 2 sheep, whilst a further 32 were injured - 3 pigs, 9 donkeys, 11 cows and 9 ponies.
(Forty-three accidents occurred in daylight, 15 at twilight and 101 in the dark. Twenty-seven accidents were not reported by the driver involved).
Here's just one horrific example - Three donkeys killed in collision with van at notorious New Forest blackspot (Advertiser and Times)
** Always take care when driving **