The Forest | Forest Park Hotel

MAGICAL, SCENIC, UNRIVALLED

A World Capital for Wildlife

Located at the southern centre of England and hugging the Hampshire coastline. The Forest sits between the UK’s largest coastal resort Bournemouth and the maritime city of Southampton, this ancient region thrives with enchanting forest and unique wildlife.

With over 10,000 hectares of lowland Heathland it is the largest remaining area in Western Europe, and has the largest concentration of ancient trees and bog lands . Roaming the forest are five species of deer, along with boar, horses and donkeys. The sounds of bird life is everywhere, with nightjar and woodlark nesting in the Heathland, and in the bog-lands and mires rare species thrive including 2700 species of fungi.

The New Forest is one of the oldest in the United Kingdom, and is known for its cultural diversity and people. A place now preserved as a national park where the land and wildlife is protected by its habitants for future generations.

Our concierge will guide you on all that this wild and beautiful forest has to offer. Quiet coastline to bustling villages, historic houses and heritage museum , you won’t be disappointed on your visit to this magical region. Close by are many scenic cycling and walking routes , for you to slip away from the world.

BROCKENHURST

Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, just ten minutes’ walk from the Hotel and situated between Lyndhurst and Lymington, Brockenhurst is a bustling village, one of the largest in the area. Here you will find ponies and donkeys roaming free in an old world setting full of charm.

Brockenhurst has a unique Forest vibe, with an abundance of quality pubs and restaurants to local shops and tea rooms. Convenience offers Tesco Express and Sainsbury’s in the centre of the village, you will also find ATM’s here. Seasonal shows take place near the hotel and village, including the New Forest and Hampshire County Show in July.

Situated on the London mainline rail route and very close to the M27/M3 and A35, exploring from Brockenhurst is a breeze. If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of walking and cycle routes to explore during a visit to the area.

NEW FOREST

There are only a few other places in England where the ancient landscape has remained so unchanged. In 1079 when William the Conqueror named the area his ‘new hunting forest’ little could he imagine that nearly 1000 years later his ‘Nova Foresta’ would still retain its mystery and romance.

As well as the ancient systems of managing the forest, man has left his mark on the New Forest in many other ways. Learn about the forest’s history and archaeology at the many museums and heritage centers. From stately homes such as Beaulieu to the Roman Villa at Rockbourne, the New Forest has it all.

You can visit historic villages such as Buckler’s Hard where ships for Nelson’s fleet were built, using the mighty oaks
from the forest. Another example of how man has harnessed nature is at Britain’s only surviving tidal mill, Eling Tide Mill.

WALKING IN THE NATIONAL PARK

Walking is a wonderful way to see the New Forest National Park close up. There are many possible New Forest walks to take you into the woods, by sea, over heath or by rivers and streams. The National Park has many special qualities and the freedom to ramble across unenclosed land. From April to July there may be signs asking people to avoid certain areas to limit disturbance to rare breeding birds, such as snipe, curlew and redshank. These birds nest on the ground in wet areas.

View walking routes here.

BEAULIEU NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM

From the earliest motor carriages to classic family saloons, the National Motor Museum boasts one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world.

With over 250 vehicles the story of motoring on the roads and circuits of Britain is told, from pioneering origins to the present day. The stylish, the elegant, the fast, the famous and the plain functional are all on show at what is the most well renowned motor museum in the UK. This really is a great day out for all, and is situated in the stunning grounds of Palace House, the home of Lord Montague.

PAULTONS PARK

The home of Peppa Pig World is a family theme park located in the New Forest Hampshire. Paultons features rides and attractions which include a roller-coaster, a log flume, a water park, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, birds and animals, beautiful landscapes and gardens and much more!

Peppa Pig World is Peppa’ very own theme park with 7 fun rides and attractions located at Paultons Park.

BOLDER WOOD DEER SANCTUARY

Spotting deer in the New Forest isn’t guaranteed. At Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose-built viewing platform overlooking a large meadow area where a herd of fallow deer regularly gather. The New Forest National Park location is on the south-central coast of England and lies within the county of Hampshire.

LOCAL BEACHES

With a gorgeous, largely unspoilt coastline along the Solent though, the national park really is one of the best locations in the south for sandcastles, ice-cream and working on your tan!

Barton-On-Sea: A safe beach with views out across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.

Calshot: This mile-long, narrow spit of shingle sits at the entrance to Southampton Water, making it an ideal spot for watching the mass of marine traffic coming and going from the port.

Lepe: Set within the Lepe Country Park a short distance from Calshot, Lepe enjoys some of the most stunning sunsets in the area.

Mudeford: Mudeford is a delightfully family-friendly spot that caters very well for younger children.

Bournemouth: Voted the UK’s best beach, and Europe’s 5 th best, this seven mile stretch of golden sands is just 40 minutes’ drive and offers a large variety of activities.