For those who love nature, a visit to the New Forest National Park, located in Hampshire, is one of the most exhilarating and popular tourist areas of the region. The area is famed for its unspoilt, natural beauty and for being home to the New Forest ponies, which freely roam within the boundaries of the park. However, the forest has a lot more to offer than the countryside and its wildlife. Many fascinating, unique and picturesque tourist attractions can be found here. Theme Parks, Museums, Art Galleries, Gardens, Castles, Stately Homes, Vineyards, Country Parks, Historical sites, Wildlife Centres, Graded walks and cycle routes are to mention a few of the wonderful attractions and places of interest, both in and around the New Forest.



One of the three Visitor Information Centres at Lyndhurst, Ringwood or Lymington is a great place to begin your adventure. Here you will learn about the New Forest and all it has to offer its visitors. Inside the Museum, at the Lyndhurst Visitor Centre, you can learn about the New Forest history. In 1079 William the Conqueror claimed the land as his new hunting ground and he introduced new laws to help manage and protect the forest and its wildlife. Today many of these 'laws' are still in-place, administered by the Verderers, with help from the Agisters and Commoners who maintain perfect co-ordination with each other.

Throughout the year, the national park buzzes with the presence of tourists, who come to appreciate all it has to offer. The New Forest National Park is absolutely ideal for those who love adventure. There are endless opportunities to explore the beautiful forest while cycling, walking, horse riding or driving. Many picnic areas, public car parks, walks and cycle routes are located throughout the forest, all of which are very popular with families, especially during the summer months.

A visit to the countryside, in many an opinion, would be incomplete without sampling some of the local produce. Delicious hearty fare and locally produced wines and cider can be obtained from various shops dotted around the New Forest and the regular farmers markets offer a diverse range of produce, grown and made by local small-holders and farmers.

An abundant supply and wide variety of accommodation can be found within The New Forest National Park. Everything from campsites and holiday parks to five star and luxurious hotels are readily obtainable. The same is true for eateries, whether its a charming tearoom or a fine dining restaurant, you are sure to find something to suit your requirements and budget.

The New Forest, famous for its enthralling natural beauty and its wildlife, was awarded the status of National Park in March 2005. The unique landscape, a mixture of woodland, grassland, heathland, wetland and coastline has created a wide variety of habitats for some of the United Kingdom's rare, protected and endangered wildlife and plants. The New Forest is the smallest National Park in England, at just over 200 square miles, yet it is of great national importance for conservation.

If you a planning to visit the New Forest National Park, you will not be disappointed. There's something here for everyone.