What is the New Forest famous for?
New Forest Ponies
When you hear of the New Forest what does it a make you think about? There are many reasons why this unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest is famous.
When visiting the New Forest, you’ll be hard-pressed not to notice the adorable 4 legged locals – of course the ponies! The native New Forest ponies are one of the national park’s most iconic attractions, and can be seen roaming feely through the countryside, you will even see them in the towns and villages. And whilst sipping on your cold tipple in one of the local pubs you might have an extra visitor at your table there too!
The New Forest ponies are not just attractive additions to the landscape, but they are also crucial in maintaining the forest. As they have been around for so long they are an essential part of the local ecology, and their presence has transformed the New Forest into what we see today.
You are pretty much guaranteed to see the New Forest ponies when visiting, it’s estimated that there are now about 5000 ponies in the New Forest. This means that there are about 14 ponies per square mile. Wow! Of course ponies aren’t the only animals you can see in the New Forest click here to see if you can tick any of these off your list…
New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park really is a unique part of the UK, which lies within the county of Hampshire, on the south – central coast of England, and Is predominantly occupied by an area formerly just called the New Forest, approximately 150 square miles in size and once a royal hunting ground for King William 1 and his noblemen, in the 12th century AD.
The unique blends of open heathland and ancient woodlands makes the New Forest one of a kind.
The National Park status, given in March 2005 was awarded to the New Forest and immediate surrounding area in recognition of the many qualities that the Forest holds. Although received with mixed feelings, the new status given will ensure the exciting and secure future that the area deserves.
New Forest food
Sample the fresh, local produce when visiting Thew New Forest. You will be surprised by just how many culinary treats you will find on your travels. When buying local produce you will not only be helping to support the local community but you will also be helping to make the New Forest as sustainable as possible.
Whether you will head to one of the farm shops, or taste some of the tempting treats at one of the café or restaurants where local fare is top of the menu you will be sure to fine a wide array of local produce on offer within the New Forest.
If you have a sweet tooth then you will be spoilt for choice when visiting Burley Fudge Shop, the owners Chris & Jenny Tabb have lived in and around the New Forest for 30 years and since 1998 they have dedicated themselves on producing fantastic fudge and great customer service.
They make a wide range of fudge and can make anything tailored to your choice for that extra special occasion. There are also hidden gems of other sweet treats in store for you to spoil yourselves.
Or a visit to one of the many farm shops in or around the New Forest is a must, Hockey’s is a working farm which benefits from commoning right in the New Forest National Park. You can visit the livestock including alpacas and donkeys, sit in the fairy garden next to robins aviaries or enjoy breakfast on the lawn or under cover in the canopy or the in the vinery.
When it comes to the finer details when staying in one of our self-catering holiday homes you will find a fully stocked welcome hamper waiting for you, all our hamper products where possible are supporting local businesses who provide local produce. Find out more of what our hamper includes here.
Famous people
The New Forest is recognised for quite a few reasons, but not many people are familiar with the famous people that do or did have a connection within the New Forest.
Sherlock Holmes creator and author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is buried in All Saints’ Church near to Lyndhurst. Before he died, the author bought a house in the village as a place to escape and unwind. Interestingly parts of his novel ‘The White Company’ were set in the New Forest.
Florence Nightingale unquestionably the most famous nurse in history, who lived in Embley Park, Wellow from 1825 until she died in 1910. She is buried in St Margaret’s churchyard at East Wellow, on the edge of the New Forest.
Naturalist, wildlife enthusiast and TV presenter, Chris Packham was born in nearby Southampton but he grew up, and remains this day a resident of the New Forest. Chris is a passionate ambassador for the local environment and one of the top New Forest fans!
One of the most recent famous residents of the New Forest is Sir Ben Ainslie. The Olympic–gold medallist is a member of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club and you can see his gold post box, from winning in the London 2012 games on Lymington’s High Street.
Getting out and about
There is plenty to see and do within the New Forest, something to suit each of you. Whether that be a casual walk exploring many of the beauty spots surrounding the forest, or a more structured planned route of walking the Breamore Railway line or maybe the Solent Way – Hythe to Hamble? The walking routes are endless in this beautiful area so be sure to have your camera at the ready!
You can find walks which are more suited for your fitness levels almost anywhere in the New Forest. If you are wanting a more casual route then maybe a casual stroll around the quirky Brockenhurst village or if you are the daring type then maybe you are wanting to set yourself a challenge for a more varied route? The Avon Valley Path route might be just what you are looking for, a long-distance route starting at the stunning Salisbury Cathedral.
Or if you are wanting to cover more miles in the day and you are a cycling fan, you have over 750 miles of off-road cycle routes and urban cycle paths to chose from in the Hampshire area alone. Why not experience the Lyndhurst to Burley cycle route, stop halfway to refuel in one of the quirky country pubs, indulge in a ploughman’s before setting off for the final leg of your adventure.
Maybe you will give the walking and cycling a miss for one day and head straight to the shops for some retail therapy, we all like treating ourselves from time to time right? The historic town of Lymington offers plenty for the visitors shopping in the New Forest offers you an extensive choice from independent art galleries and antiques to craft shops, local produce and designer clothes shops, this is just to name a few. There are plenty of places to keep even the most extreme shopaholic satisfied! The Georgian street is lined with independent shops and boutiques as well as some of the well-known high street favourites. There are also regular markets bringing with them many stalls selling local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, furniture, clothing, and jewellery.
So, all that is left on your list of things to do is to book a date in your diary to make the dream reality. It’s time to come and explore this outstanding area of natural beauty.
With a selection of our properties located within the New Forest you will have the perfect base for your itinerary to happen.
