New Forest viewpoints

A panoramic heathland view near Burley

Many people appreciate the panoramic views available when looking down from on high at rolling landscapes spread out far into the distance.

In the New Forest, whilst such options are a little limited amidst the flatter terrain characteristic of the south and east of the area, the more rugged north and western sections provide a number of viewpoints that offer impressive vistas.

For one of the best, try looking south-west from the car park near Picket Plain, just off the A31 - it's on the minor road leading towards Burley (A).

Other examples include that atop the hill close to the car park at Acres Down and others further along the nearby plateau (B).

Good views are available, too, on both sides of the B3078 Cadnam / Brook to Fordingbridge road - the Deadman Hill (C), Ashley Walk (D) and Godshill Cricket (E) car parks provide good bases for admiring the views.

Nearby, the area on the south side of Godshill Inclosure is equally attractive and is readily accessible from the Godshill car park (F).

There are also a number of excellent viewpoints along Hampton Ridge - across the valley to the south of the B3078 (G).

Others can be found on and around Castle Hill, Burley (H) and yet more can be enjoyed from the area close to the Burley car park, a little south-east of Burley village (I).

And finally, there is another Castle Hill, one that offers perhaps the most impressive view of all, looking north-west across the Avon valley towards Breamore and the chalk downs beyond, although here a word of warning is appropriate for encroaching trees and scrub contrive to block out part of the scene (J).