Towns

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst is known as the ancient capital of The New Forest, and is the focal point of any visit, reached via the A35 from Bournemouth or Southampton or the A337 from Lymington or Cadnam (M27 Junction 1).

In the Domesday Survey of 1086 Lyndhurst was known as "Linhest" derived from Linden or Lime tree, with Hurst being a wooded hillock. Foxlease, on the outskirts of the town, is the Girl Guides Association Centre and hosts guides from all over the world.

Queen's House, the most historic building in Lyndhurst, rebuilt in the 17th century on the orders of Charles I and completed by Charles II, is used today as the Verderers Court which deals with the general affairs concerning the Forest.

Lyndhurst Church, St Michael & All Angels, is worth visiting too. Built in the 1860's, and of different coloured stone, it has stained glass windows by Burne-Jones and Morris. The grave of Alice Liddell, Lewis Carroll's inspiration for Alice in Wonderland, lies in the churchyard.

With it's vast array of shops including gift, antique, camping supplies and a small supermarket, Lyndhurst is the ideal venue for shopping or just soaking up the atmosphere.

The New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre, located in the centre of Lyndhurst car park, has all the additional information you will need for your visit to the New Forest. There are many places to eat and drink including pubs, tea rooms (one of which, The Mad Hatter, is dedicated to the Alice in Wonderland story) and of course the humble "chippie".

Also in the area, and worth visiting, is the Reptillary and en-route to this you will pass Swan Green with it's pretty thatched cottages which are famous the world over as they appear on sweet tins and chocolate boxes.

Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst, in the heart of the New Forest, is situated between Lyndhurst and Lymington and is reached via the A337.

A large village with a good selection of pubs and shops including one for camping supplies. The "Snakecatcher" was a regular drinking hole for "Brusher Mills" who was a local character who collected snakes from the forest and sold them to London Zoo. "Brusher" got his name as he was employed to brush the cricket pitch at Lyndhurst.

It is also the base for many of the cycle hire businesses. One shop not to be missed is "Treasures of the New Forest" which is a delight for all people interested in crafts. To the North of the village is New Park which is the annual home of the New Forest Show held in July and is well worth visiting, but bring an ample supply of patience as the traffic can become chaotic. The local churchyard contains a 1000 year old Yew which some believe to be the oldest tree in the forest.

 Before you leave the village stop by and sample a cream tea at the "Brock and Bruin" tea rooms.
Leave the village via the Western end of the main shopping street, through a ford known as the Watersplash and turn right to drive up through Rhinefield ornamental drive which is a blaze of colour when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

Hythe

Hythe is situated at the extreme East of the New Forest, and is accessible via the A326 Southampton to Fawley road or the B3054 from the Lymington direction.

Hythe is a waterfront town with a mostly pedestrianised shopping area and on each Tuesday is the host to a fairly large market in the car park in St Johns Street. Hythe pier, from where you can catch a ferry to Southampton, is home to the oldest continuously operating dedicated pier train in the world. This electric train was built in World War I and is free of charge. The pier itself was built in 1880 and is 2100 feet long. World War II heroes departed from Hythe pier on D-Day in 1944. There are also boat trips from the pier for viewing some of the big ocean liners that frequent Southampton. Just along from the pier is a picnic area and boating marina.

Sir Christopher Cockerell (inventor of the hovercraft) lived in the village until just before his death in 1999. A sculpture in his memory had been erected close to where the hovercraft was developed.Lawrence of Arabia also lived in Hythe and worked at the British Powerboat Company in the 1930's. He was involved in the commissioning of RAF206, the 1931 seaplane which is now fully restored by local craftsmen and available for trips on Southampton Water. Close by is Dibden golf course as well as Lepe Country Park, Calshot Castle, Exbury Gardens and Beaulieu Village.

Lymington

Lymington, situated on the coastal area of the New Forest, is accessible via the A337 from the directions of Lyndhurst or New Milton or via the B3054 from Beaulieu.

Mentioned in the "Doomsday Book" as Lentune in 1086, Lymington's main industry, up to the 19th century, was salt workings which stretched from Lymington bridge to Hurst. The town was sacked and burned by the French in the 14th and 16th centuries. At Buckland Rings, just North of the town centre, is the remains of a hill fort dating back to between 500 and 100 B.C.

Lymington was well known for smuggling in years gone by due to the winding river and many subterranean passages from the quay. It is now a haven for yachting enthusiasts, who enjoy the advantages of the double tides, with it's marina edged with shops full of sea faring clothes and plenty of places to eat and drink. Cobbled streets and 17th century houses make Lymington a must for visitors. The large church at the top of the High Street, St Thomas's which dates back to the 12th century, once had a curate, Henry Lyte, who wrote many famous hymns including "Abide with me".

The High Street is full of interesting shops and on every Saturday becomes a hive of activity when it is lined with market stalls selling everything from vegetables to fabric and tools to antiques, but get there early as parking can be a nightmare. A walk along the river leads to the open air sea water swimming pool, children's sandpit, play area and a boating pool.

Passenger and car ferries to the Isle of Wight go from Lymington and take approximately 30 minutes, or visitors can cruise the Solent from the town quay.

Whilst in the area try a visit to Spinners Gardens or a brisk walk to Hurst Castle.