The New Forest

The New Forest, a stunning area of natural beauty in southern England, is a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking a peaceful retreat. With its ancient woodlands, open heathlands, and free-roaming ponies, the New Forest offers a unique and enchanting experience. The good news is that getting to the New Forest by train is easy and convenient, making it an ideal choice for a car-free getaway.

 

 

Why Choose Train Travel?

 

Travelling by train to the New Forest has many advantages. First and foremost, it’s an environmentally friendly option, reducing your carbon footprint compared to driving or flying. Train travel also allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey without the stress of navigating traffic or finding parking.

Moreover, the New Forest is well-connected by rail, with several stations located within and around the national park. This means you can easily explore different parts of the New Forest without the need for a car.

 

Getting to the New Forest from London

 

 

If you’re travelling from London, getting to the New Forest by train is a breeze. Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst, the largest village in the New Forest, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Brockenhurst is an ideal base for exploring the New Forest, with plenty of accommodation options, shops, pubs, and restaurants. From Brockenhurst station, you can easily access walking and cycling trails that lead into the heart of the national park.

For those looking to explore the wider area, trains from London Waterloo also run to Salisbury (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) and Christchurch (around 2 hours). These stations offer excellent access to Short Stay Homes properties in these charming locations.

 

Other Major Cities with Direct Connections

 

 

In addition to London, several other major cities have direct train connections to the New Forest. These include:

• Southampton: Trains from Southampton Central to Brockenhurst take around 15 minutes.
• Bournemouth: The journey from Bournemouth to Brockenhurst takes approximately 20 minutes.
• Weymouth: Trains from Weymouth to Brockenhurst take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a change at Southampton Central.
• Salisbury: Direct trains to Brockenhurst take about 40 minutes.
• Christchurch: Direct trains to Brockenhurst take approximately 15 minutes.

 

Exploring the New Forest by Train

 

 

Once you’ve arrived in the New Forest, you can use the local train network to explore different parts of the national park. The New Forest has eight train stations, each offering access to unique attractions and landscapes.

 

Brockenhurst Station

 

As mentioned earlier, Brockenhurst is the main hub for train travel in the New Forest. From here, you can easily reach other stations within the national park or embark on walking and cycling adventures. Don’t miss the chance to spot the famous New Forest ponies that often wander through the village!

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	SO42 7TW
Facilities	Ticket office, waiting rooms, toilets, cycle hire, car park, step-free access, Wi-Fi
Nearby	Village centre with shops, pubs, restaurants; walking and cycling trails; New Forest ponies
Notes	Main hub for train travel in the New Forest; frequent services to London and other cities

Beaulieu Road Station

 

If you want to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the New Forest, head to Beaulieu Road station. Located in the heart of the national park, this station is surrounded by ancient woodlands and open heathlands. It’s the perfect starting point for a peaceful walk or a picnic in the great outdoors.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	SO42 7YQ
Facilities	Unstaffed station, basic shelters, limited parking, step-free access
Nearby	Access to Beaulieu village and National Motor Museum; walking trails
Notes	Located in a remote area; check train schedules in advance

Ashurst Station

 

Ashurst station is another great option for nature lovers. The station is just a short walk from the open forest, where you can discover an extensive network of walking trails. Ashurst is also home to the New Forest Wildlife Park, a fantastic attraction for families and animal enthusiasts.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	SO40 7AA
Facilities	Unstaffed station, ticket machine, waiting shelter, limited parking, step-free access
Nearby	New Forest Wildlife Park; walking trails; Ashurst village amenities
Notes	Ideal for nature lovers; close to village amenities

Lymington Station

 

For a taste of coastal charm, take the train to Lymington. This historic seaside town boasts a picturesque harbour, a bustling high street, and plenty of seafood restaurants. From Lymington, you can also catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight, making it a great base for further adventures.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	SO41 9AU
Facilities	Ticket office, waiting room, toilets, cycle storage, car park, step-free access
Nearby	Historic harbour; ferry to Isle of Wight; shops and restaurants
Notes	Short walk to town centre and ferry terminal

Sway Station

 

Sway station is located in a charming village surrounded by the New Forest’s stunning landscapes. From here, you can easily access walking and cycling routes that lead through the heart of the national park. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Sway Tower, a unique Victorian structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	SO41 6BA
Facilities	Unstaffed station, waiting shelter, limited parking, step-free access
Nearby	Village centre with shops and pubs; walking and cycling routes
Notes	Quiet village setting; good base for exploring the forest

New Milton Station

 

New Milton station is situated on the southern edge of the New Forest, offering easy access to both the national park and the nearby coast. From here, you can explore the town’s shops and restaurants or head to the nearby beaches of Barton-on-Sea and Milford-on-Sea.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	BH25 6JS
Facilities	Ticket office, waiting room, toilets, cycle storage, car park, step-free access
Nearby	Barton-on-Sea beach; shops and cafes
Notes	Convenient for coastal visits; regular services to Bournemouth and Southampton

Totton Station

 

Totton station is located on the eastern edge of the New Forest, just a short train ride from Southampton. This bustling town is a great base for exploring the nearby Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy birdwatching, fishing, and walking trails.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	SO40 3WX
Facilities	Ticket office, waiting room, toilets, cycle storage, car park, step-free access
Nearby	Gateway to Southampton; shops and restaurants
Notes	Busy station with frequent services to Southampton and beyond

Hinton Admiral Station

 

Hinton Admiral station is a hidden gem in the New Forest, surrounded by picturesque countryside and within easy reach of the coast. From here, you can embark on a scenic walk to the nearby village of Bransgore or explore the stunning gardens of Highcliffe Castle.

 

Attribute	Details
Postcode	BH23 7DS
Facilities	Unstaffed station, waiting shelter, limited parking, step-free access
Nearby	Proximity to Highcliffe Castle and beach; walking trails
Notes	Limited facilities; check train schedules before travel

Tips for Train Travel in the New Forest

 

 

To make the most of your train journey to the New Forest, keep these tips in mind:

1. Book your tickets in advance to secure the best fares and avoid disappointment, especially during peak seasons.
2. Pack light and bring comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be doing plenty of exploring on foot.
3. Download maps and guides for walking and cycling routes before you arrive, so you can plan your adventures in advance.
4. Check the train schedules and plan your journeys accordingly, particularly if you’re visiting multiple destinations within the New Forest.
5. Visit the official New Forest website for up-to-date information on attractions, events, and accommodation options.

Consider using Salisbury or Christchurch as your base. These locations offer a wider range of amenities and attractions, while still providing easy access to the New Forest.

Check out Short Stay Homes properties in Salisbury and Christchurch for comfortable and convenient accommodation options.

 

To Conclude…

 

Getting to the New Forest by train is a convenient and eco-friendly option, with excellent connections not only within the forest itself but also to nearby cities like Salisbury and Christchurch. These locations offer the best of both worlds – charming urban experiences and easy access to the natural beauty of the New Forest.

Whether you choose to stay in the heart of the forest or in the historic city of Salisbury or the coastal town of Christchurch, train travel allows you to explore this stunning region with ease. And with Short Stay Homes, you can find the perfect accommodation to complement your journey, whether you prefer a forest retreat or a base in one of the area’s charming cities.

And with Short Stay Homes, you can enjoy the perfect accommodation to complement your journey. Our luxury holiday cottages in The New Forest provide the ideal base for exploring this enchanting destination, while offering all the comforts and amenities you need for a truly memorable stay.

Have you ever wondered why the New Forest, a vast expanse of ancient woodland and heathland in southern England, is called “new”? The name seems like a contradiction, given that the area has been around for centuries.

In this post, we’ll delve into the fascinating history behind the New Forest’s name and explore its evolution from a royal hunting ground to a beloved national park.

 

 

The Birth of the “New” Forest

 

The story of the New Forest’s name begins in 1079 when William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, created a new hunting forest in the area. He named it “Nova Foresta,” which is Latin for “New Forest.” But why “new”?

At the time, the word “forest” had a different meaning than it does today. It referred to an area of land reserved for royal hunting, subject to special laws and regulations. By designating this area as a new forest, William the Conqueror was essentially creating a new hunting ground for himself and his nobles.

To create this new forest, William the Conqueror consolidated more than 20 small farmsteads and hamlets into a single, compact area. This process displaced many local residents and restricted their access to the land they had previously relied on for grazing, hunting, and foraging.

 

Forest Law and the Royal Hunting Ground

 

 

Under the Forest Law, which governed the New Forest, hunting was reserved exclusively for the king and his officers. Local communities, known as “commoners,” were prohibited from enclosing their land, as this would prevent the “beasts of the chase,” such as boar and deer, from running freely.

 

However, to compensate for these restrictions, commoners were granted the right to graze their animals freely throughout the forest. This ancient practice continues to this day, with much of the New Forest land still owned by the Crown and managed by the Forestry Commission.

 

Year	Event
1079	William the Conqueror creates the New Forest
1600s	James II becomes the last monarch to hunt in the New Forest
2005	The New Forest is designated as a National Park

The New Forest Today

 

Today, the New Forest is a National Park, spanning 219 square miles across Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorset. It is known for its:

• Natural beauty
• Diverse wildlife
• Rich cultural heritage

Visitors to the New Forest can enjoy a wide range of activities, including:

• Walking and hiking
• Cycling
• Horse riding
• Exploring historical sites

Despite its name, the New Forest is home to some of the oldest and most magnificent trees in England, with many ancient oaks and beeches dating back hundreds of years.

 

Experience the New Forest with Short Stay Homes

 

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the New Forest, consider staying in one of our luxurious holiday cottages. Short Stay Homes offers a selection of charming properties throughout the New Forest, ranging from traditional thatched cottages to modern wooden lodges.

Our holiday homes provide the perfect base for exploring the New Forest and its many attractions. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, stepping outside to see wild ponies grazing nearby, and spending your days discovering the forest’s hidden gems.

Many of our cottages feature amenities such as:

• Hot tubs
• Private gardens
• Cozy fireplaces
• Fully-equipped kitchens

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a celebration with friends, Short Stay Homes has the perfect accommodation to suit your needs.

 

Royal Connections and Celebrations

Throughout history, the New Forest has been a favored hunting ground for monarchs. However, the last recorded royal hunt in the New Forest took place in the 1600s, led by James II.

In 2024, villages throughout the New Forest will be celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III & Queen Camilla over the long weekend of May 6th, 7th, and 8th. This historic occasion presents a perfect opportunity to visit the New Forest and explore its royal connections and natural wonders.

Conclusion

The New Forest’s name may seem like a misnomer, but it reflects the area’s fascinating history as a royal hunting ground created by William the Conqueror. Despite the initial displacement of local communities, the New Forest has evolved into a cherished national park, where ancient traditions coexist with modern conservation efforts.

So, the next time you visit the New Forest, take a moment to appreciate its unique history and the enduring legacy of its name. Whether you’re celebrating the Coronation or simply enjoying the beauty of the English countryside, the New Forest offers a timeless escape for all to enjoy.

And for a truly unforgettable experience, book your stay at one of Short Stay Homes’ exceptional holiday cottages in the New Forest. Immerse yourself in the area’s rich history and natural beauty while indulging in the comfort and luxury of our carefully selected properties.