New Forest

Spend a lovely few days in the delightful county of Hampshire to experience and enjoy some glorious driving, whilst touring the beautiful and historic New Forest National Park. The New Forest, created in 1079 as a hunting ground by William the Conqueror, has much to see with its pretty woodlands, open heath, and lovely coastline.

Stay in a charming country house hotel in Beaulieu, just near the famed National Motor Museum. The tour will also include visits to other Hampshire attractions, including country houses, stunning gardens, and the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. as well as enjoying the open heaths and woodland areas of the Forest.

Tour Highlights

Explore the New Forest, created in the 11th century as a hunting area for William the Conqueror
Spend time exploring the fabulous National Motor Museum and the lovely Beaulieu Palace
Stroll around the delightful Exbury Gardens, renowned for their azaleas and rhododendrons
Visit Bucklers Hard, an 18th-century shipbuilding village for Nelson’s Navy
Wander around the ancient seaport and colourful coastal town of Lymington, with its rich maritime history
Discover the Roman Villa at Rockbourne, itself a very pretty village with numerous thatched cottages
Visit Breamore House, a superb Elizabethan manor house, with a fascinating Countryside Museum

Tour Map

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the New Forest

Drive deep into the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire to the beautiful country house hotel for a three-night stay. If you have time it’s an ideal day to visit Exbury Gardens before your arrival.

Day 2: Visit Beaulieu & Bucklers Hard

35 Miles

After a delicious breakfast, drive through the beautiful village of Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum. Enjoy a tour of the cars, palace, and grounds (or if you wish to spend a lot of time here, the day of departure is perfect for a visit). Continue across the open heathland to Lyndhurst in the heart of the New Forest. The scenic drives include woodland and expansive heath with visits to Furzey Gardens, the village of Burley, and also the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum. Head back along the south coast to the charming town of Lymington then on to the unique village of Buckler’s Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, and discover its distinguished shipbuilding history. Finally, explore the 200-acre grounds of the captivating Exbury Gardens. They are renowned for their beautiful autumn colours. Return to the hotel.

Day 3: Across the Forest to Breamore

53 Miles

Head to Brockenhurst and discover the Ornamental Drive past Rhinefield House and onto Linwood and Mockbeggar. Drive north on small, out-of-the-way lanes to Fordingbridge. Visit the Roman Villa at Rockbourne and then onto Breamore House. This fascinating Elizabethan Manor also has an excellent countryside museum. This part of the Forest is always pretty quiet and secluded. Drive back across the Forest of one of our favourite roads for a final night at the hotel (or return home if you wish).

Where we'll stay

Escape to this quiet corner of the New Forest and to the unique welcome of an outstanding and elegant country house hotel with its timeless English garden. The hotel dates back to 1742 and has a cosy, homely and welcoming character. Luxurious bedrooms are individually and stylishly decorated with flair. Indulge in stylish dishes at the award-winning restaurant which showcases the rich larder of the Forest, coast and country and ingredients are free-range and organic where possible. There is also a more informal brasserie offering home-cooked classic dishes and award-winning real ales. The friendly staff offer excellent customer care and personal service.

What's included

Requirements

The New Forest Tour is ideal in any car. However, the most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery and relish character hotels. There is no need for early departures or late arrivals at the hotel. Just a wonderful few days for you to relax and enjoy wonderful driving, excellent food, delightful scenery, and a beautiful hotel.