New Forest Landmarks
The New Forest became a national park in 2005 and was once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror. It covers a huge area of 566 square kilometres and is made up of unspoilt woodland, heathland, and river valleys. Deer, ponies, and cattle roam freely. The New Forest really does provide you with tranquillity.
There are plenty of opportunities of things to see and do within The New Forest, we have listed our top 5 Landmarks for you to add onto your to-do-list whilst on your self catering holiday.
Set in its beautiful parkland, surrounding farms and fields, the house’s magnificence has changed little over the past 400 years. Breamore house was completed in 1583 and looks today as much as it would have done to its original owners.
The village has a much older history and is recorded in the doomsday book. However, there were settlements in what is now the parish boundary long before 1066. Today there are several seventeenth- and eighteenth-century cottages remaining in the village.
The spectacular Elizabethan Manor House overlooks the Avon Valley on the edge of the New Forest. On your visit here, you can enjoy seeing various paintings, tapestries, porcelain, 17th century needle work and a rare James 1 carpet. There are also fine examples of period furniture in the house.
Breamore House and Museum
You will enjoy a full day out here exploring the history of this estate. There is so much to see and do. So be sure to pack a picnic blanket and rustle up a delicious lunch with you; find a spot within the picturesque grounds to sit and take it all in.
Why not walk off that lunch by walking up to the famous Breamore Mizmaze? One of the eight surviving historic turf mazes.
Bucklers hard
On the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest, you will find the unspoilt haven of Buckler’s Hard, which remains untouched by time.
Once a thriving shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built, Bucklers Hard is now a tranquil haven, perfect for a peaceful escape from day-to-day life.
You can enjoy a gentle stroll through their Apple Orchard. The fruit is picked each autumn and used with apples from other orchards on the Beaulieu Estate to make Beaulieu Apple Juice.
There is so much to do here for the day that you will be spoilt for choice. So why not use this helpful itinerary to ensure you get the most out of your visit?
Ringwood Brewery
Beer has been brewed in Ringwood for centuries, ever since medieval man mixed the water from the River Avon and the malted barley harvested from the fertile fields near our Hampshire luxury cottages.
The market town was a magnet for thirsty merchants and dusty drovers who needed to wet their palettes before they got down to the nitty-gritty of bargaining and bartering. So many deals were sealed over a draught and a noggin in one of the many taverns, inns and ale houses which gave Ringwood one of the highest populations of pubs per head in England.
Ringwood Brewery was founded by Peter Austin in 1978, initially brewing Best Bitter and Fortyniner, and then the Brewer timeline kept evolving. You can find out all the History behind this famous Brewery and what exciting things they have planned for the future by attending one of their tours. Plenty of public transport options locally should you wish to try the ales.
Hatchet Pond
Hatchet Pond is the largest area of fresh water in the New Forest, located just outside the picturesque village of Beaulieu. This is a full-access location whether by car, on foot or by enjoying a New Forest cycle ride.
There is an easy walk from the car park of up to 3 km. You can walk along the pond’s edge on a good grass or gravel surface. It is impossible to go all around the lake with wheels, as it is very boggy at the southern end, and there are also small streams to cross. If you take your bike, you might want to secure this in the car park before walking.
The pond can also be thoroughly enjoyed without leaving your car if you fancied sitting and taking it all in with a flask of tea. The area is lovely to sit in, have a family picnic, or even appreciate the view. Add this location to your daily itinerary when exploring the New Forest landmarks.
Beaulieu Palace House
Palace House, once the gatehouse of the medieval Beaulieu Abbey, has been the Montagu family home since 1538. Remodelled and extended during the 1800’s set in an idyllic New Forest setting, overlooking the picturesque Beaulieu River millpond, it is now a fine example of a Victorian country house.
Did you know the palace house was one of the first historic houses open to the public? Palace House was also used as one of the primary locations in The Honourable Rebel, a feature film based on Elizabeth Montagu’s life. When visiting this historic home, you will find more interesting facts and delve into history.
A helpful itinerary has been structured for you to make the most of your visit to the Palace House and the fantastic Beaulieu Estate, which offers various fun-filled activities for all ages. Be sure to pack a picnic and take your pick out of many of the lovely grassy spots to sit and enjoy your lunch or use one of the many picnic benches in Beaulieu’s picturesque parkland. There is also undercover areas for all weather alfresco dining. If you would rather leave the picnic at home then treat yourselves in the onsite restaurant, they even have a cake shop for the sweet tooth lovers!