The New Forest National Park in Hampshire has been named one of Europe's best places to escape the crowds by travel guide Lonely Planet. Located on the south coast between Southampton and Bournemouth, the destination is just 90 minutes from London, offering a quieter retreat after a busy summer of packed beaches and crowded towns.
A landscape of woodland and free-roaming animals
Spanning 219 square miles, the national park is made up of ancient woodland and open heathland, where visitors can spot free-roaming ponies, cattle, donkeys and deer. The area is also said to have pigs during autumn. More than 140 miles of scenic walking trails and footpaths cross the park, suitable for leisurely strolls or full-day hikes.
Some routes pass through idyllic villages, including Burley, known for its pubs and handmade fudge, and Lyndhurst, called the 'capital of the New Forest', with a high street of independent shops, pubs, cafés and the New Forest Heritage Centre.
The 'secret' 40-mile coast
The park also features a 40-mile 'secret' coastline with golden-sand beaches and salt marshes. This stretch can be overlooked by visitors due to the 193,000 acres of woodland, but it extends from the clifftop village of Barton-on-Sea in Hampshire to Totton, near Southampton. The coast offers opportunities for paddleboarding and sailing, alongside walking and cycling routes elsewhere in the park.
According to the New Forest website, recommended spots include Lymington for its bustling quay, independent shops and Saturday market, Milford on Sea for coastal walks and sea views, and Hythe for its historic pier and ferry to Southampton. For something quieter, the website suggests exploring the village of Buckler's Hard.
Dining and accommodation options
Visitors can eat at country pubs, farm shops, award-winning restaurants and cosy cafés if they forget a picnic. Accommodation ranges from hotels and B&Bs to woodland camping, glamping, self-catering cottages and rural holiday parks, making it easy to spend several days exploring the area without the crowds.
