Lyndhurst offers a warm welcome

	Lyndhurst: the Mailman's Arms

Lyndhurst for a great many years has been considered to be the Capital of the New Forest.

And Lyndhurst to this day retains its local importance and popularity, in part because it is so well-served by shops, tea rooms, pubs, restaurants, hotels and other accommodation establishments.

Lyndhurst: the name in its earlier form Lindhyrst, dates back to at least Anglo-Saxon times, and means ‘lime wood’. Lyndhurst's other, later names included Linhest, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, Lindeherst, and Lindhurst.

Now, though, apart from planted specimens, few lime trees can be found in Lyndhurst or, indeed, in much of Britain, probably as a result of long-term changes in climate many years before climate change became a topical subject for modern man.

Lyndhurst was well-described in the mid-19th century by John Wise, when he remarked: ‘The people of Lyndhurst ought, I always think, to be the happiest and most contented in England, for they possess a wider park and nobler trees than even Royalty. You cannot leave the place in any direction without going through the Forest.’

And today, that description applies just as much as it did all those years ago - New Forest heathlands and woodlands still lap against the outskirts of Lyndhurst, no more than a few hundred yards from the village centre, inviting exploration by walkers and cyclists alike.

Lyndhurst village history is intrinsically connected with the history of the old hunting Forest, but not to the exclusion of a richly varied local history - check this out at the link above.

	Lyndhurst: cottages at nearby Swan Green

As befits the Capital of the New Forest, the local Forestry Commission headquarters are based in Queen’s House, at the very top of Lyndhurst High Street, whilst attached is the Verderers’ Hall, the meeting place of the ancient Verderers’ Court.

Close by is Lyndhurst's splendidly Gothic, Victorian parish church of St. Michael and All Angels with its impressive 49 metre (160 foot) spire, whilst across the road, the Crown Hotel offers hospitality just as it has done since at least the 18th century.

The New Forest Centre, situated at the bottom end of the Lyndhurst central car park, houses the local visitor centre, gift shop, museum and library. Opened in 1988 by the Duke of Edinburgh, the museum has displays illustrative of New Forest life in days gone-by, and is a ‘must-visit’ for anybody with an interest in the New Forest and its history. The Christopher Tower New Forest Reference Library on the upper floor also has a wide range of local interest books and other documents.

The visitor centre, gift shop and museum are open from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm, 7 days a week, whilst the library is open from 10.00 am until 4.40 pm, Wednesday to Saturday, although it is advisable to phone the Centre office on 023 8028 3444 before visiting to ensure that the Librarian is available.

	Lyndhurst from Bolton's Bench

At the opposite end of Lyndhurst car park, the village Community Centre offers refreshments on Saturday mornings throughout the year, and a supply of donated books for sale at very reasonable prices. It also houses the local county library.

Lyndhurst Community Centre events include antique auctions, craft and gift fairs, book fairs and farmers' markets.  The Centre is open from 9.00 am until 4.45 pm from Monday to Friday, with a break for lunch between 1.00 pm and 1.45 pm. Saturday opening is from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm, whilst other opening times depend on event timings.

For those wanting to stay in Lyndhurst, numerous hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments are available, although advance booking is advisable at busy times of year.

The closest Forestry Commission camp sites to Lyndhurst are at Ashurst, Matley Wood and Denny Wood, all around 4 kilometres (2½ miles) away, whilst nearby Pondhead Farm offers its own camping facilities.

References:
Trees in the Wild: Gerald Wilkinson
Hampshire Place Names: Richard Coates
The New Forest: Its History and Scenery: John R. Wise
New Forest Centre: http://www.newforestmuseum.org.uk/index.html
Lyndhurst Community Centre: http://www.lyndhurstparishcouncil.org.uk/Community/Community/Lyndhurst-Community-Centre.htm