New Forest National Park

Created in 2005, the New Forest National Park is one of the UK’s newest National Parks, although the New Forest was established in 1079 when William the Conqueror named the area his ‘new hunting forest’; little could he imagine that nearly 1,000 years later his ‘Nova Foresta’ would still retain its mystery and romance. While the majority of the national park in the neighbouring county of Hampshire, the enclave around both Landford and Nomansland villages sit within Wiltshire. Just 10 miles from Salisbury, the New Forest National Park makes a great day out from the city.

What can you see in the New Forest National Park?

The New Forest National Park is a scenic area with heathlands, forests and not forgetting the wild New Forest Ponies. Whist meandering through the area you can often spot cows, pigs, donkeys and of course the ponies roaming free.

One of the Wiltshire villages, Lover, is famed for romantics visiting in years gone by the local post office in the lead up to Valentine’s Day. Here they could have their letters stamped with the village name!

Leisure activities in the New Forest

Walking
Don your walking boots and enjoy wandering through the tranquil countryside. There are lots walking routes that you can do in the area.  Look out for the annual New Forest Walking Festival too which features wildlife walks, history hikes, family strolls and more.

Cycling
Cycle some of the quiet lanes, ride along one of the National Park’s cycle routes and take in the nature on your bike.

Horse riding
Keen horse riders will love riding in the countryside here. Lots of horse riding routes are available with bridleways and byways marked on local Ordnance Survey maps.

Nature
Birdwatchers and nature spotters will love the rich diversity of the area. Look out for woodpeckers, squirrels and of course the new forest ponies! Or book onto a day at Forest Falconry where you can learn to fly some impressive birds of prey.

Find out more

To find out more about this National Park visit the New Forest National Park website.