Embark on a journey through the New Forest in southern England, where the wilderness welcomes you with a rich tapestry of biodiversity. This haven is a treasure trove for motorhome enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in nature's splendor.
Buckler's Hard Story and Maritime Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the past. The museum showcases a prominent figurehead from the HMS Gladiator, launched in 1782 at Buckler's Hard. Visitors can explore reconstructed 18th-century cottage interiors, providing insights into the village's history and the river it nestles beside. The area remains largely unchanged since the 1800s, when it was a bustling shipbuilding hub. Notably, three ships that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar were constructed here. The museum brings the shipbuilders' lives to life with realistic dummies and audio narratives. Beyond the museum, visitors can admire the well-preserved shipbuilders' cottages, a chapel, and a pub.
A stroll along the river leads to the quaint hamlet of Beaulieu, where the Montagu Arms Hotel serves a quintessentially English tea experience for £5.50 per person. Guests can savor Russian Caravan loose-leaf tea and a selection of sandwiches, scones, and shortbread in a charming conservatory overlooking the terrace and gardens.
The B3054 road returns travelers to Lymington, a town once thriving from its spa and seaport, now a popular yachting center. The Lymington River is a picturesque scene crowded with sails. Visitors can find parking at Gasport Street and Cannon Street and explore the town's charming houses and cobbled streets.
A short drive to Milford on Sea allows for parking adjacent to the seafront, where one can enjoy a swim or a clifftop walk. This village is one of the few remaining coastal villages on the south coast, offering a unique seaside experience.
Five miles north on the B3058 lies the Burley Villa School of Riding, which has been offering equestrian experiences for over 25 years. English-style riding, or 'hacking,' is available for £25 per hour, while a two-hour forest trail ride is priced at £45. The school also offers themed rides, such as the 'sunriser' trail with breakfast or the 'sundowner' trail with a barbecue. The 'dude day' is particularly popular, featuring a ride to Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and a barbecue.
In Burley, visitors can bypass the car park with a height barrier and find an informal car park suitable for motorhomes. From there, take a Burley Wagon ride from the Queen’s Head pub car park, with short trails lasting 20 minutes (£5) and longer trails for an hour (£12). The rides take you through ancient woodlands and quiet village lanes, where you might encounter Daisy and Dawn, the local donkeys. The village also has shops dedicated to the tale of the Burley witch, a white witch who settled there in the 1950s, offering charms and stories of her legacy.
Continuing west on the A31 leads to Ringwood, a market town on the Avon River, just outside the New Forest National Park boundary. Known for its trout fishing and Georgian and Queen Anne architecture, Ringwood has a rich history, including its connection to the Duke of Monmouth, who was captured nearby in 1685.
Further along the A338 is Fordingbridge, historically the sole western exit from the New Forest. The old bridge here was once guarded to prevent deer poachers from escaping. The B3078 takes you through the New Forest's heathland, which turns a stunning purple in late summer. At Stoney Cross, you'll find the Rufus Stone, marking the spot where King William II was killed in 1100, an event shrouded in mystery and legend.
The New Forest's core is where its wild diversity truly shines, offering visitors a chance to connect with the essence of this ancient landscape. Whether exploring the historic villages or venturing into the heart of the forest, the New Forest presents a world of natural and cultural wonders waiting to be discovered.
