The National Park offers something for everyone. Whether you want to see it from its miles and miles of trails on cycling trips and New Forest Walks, boat rides along the coastline, or perhaps just to visit some of the many museums and historic sites located within The national park boundaries, no visitor will be disappointed. The only let down is that one has to go home sooner or later!
To ensure you get to see the absolute best and beauty of the New Forest it is a good idea to take up one of the many guided tours that are available within the Forest. The choice is yours and what your preference might be but experienced Forest Rangers offer tours either cycling, walking or horseback. This is a way to ensure you capture the entire beauty of the forest.
Expert guides can inform you about the natural marvels of the park, with walking tours given by wildlife experts, geologists and more throughout the year. No matter when you plan to take a holiday, there is always something to see, as events seem to happen somewhere in the park every single day of the year!
If you’d prefer some history along with your scenery and walk, the forest can offer that as well. Besides the abundance of museums located throughout the park, there are many historical homes and villages to visit during your stay in the area. Bucklers Hard, where Admiral Nelson’s fleet was built is just one of these places.
The New Forest includes many miles of coastline and rivers along the south coast. There are many beautiful and historical sites that can be seen from guided boat tours available here. There are also for the more energetic many water based activities available such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. The visitors centre has considerable information and ideas for tourists seeking ideas about the park.
The wildlife lover can quite literally have a field day walking around the park. Its status as a wildlife preserve means that there are many animal species here to be observed in their natural habitats. One of the best way to observe them is on one of the multitude of walks, whether guided or solitary in nature.
Deer are in abundance here as well, as are all manner of birds, frogs and reptiles. At dusk, bats may be seen as they emerge for the evening. If reptiles are your thing, the forest has a Reptile Centre which is certain to both educate and delight children of all ages. Children will delight at the varied wildlife here and to be able to get so close to the animals is an experience to be treasured.
Whilst not actually a forest walk a trip to Exbury Gardens is a really rewarding experience. Situated in over 200 acres you can walk along the miles of pathways until your hearts content. The best time to capture the absolute splendour of Exbury is of course in April as all the shrubs and bushes spring into to life and again in September time. That said the gardens are well worth a visit throughout the year.
If your planning a trip to the New Forest National Park and plan to stay over night there is a good variety of New Forest holiday cottages in the region where you can stay which can be found on the New Forest guides website.
Also while you are in the area make sure you visit the nearby city of Southampton which is renowned for its shopping experience and museums.
