With its thatched cottages and quiet primrose lanes, it’s easy to see why the idyllic village of Brockenhurst is considered one of the region’s most desirable places to reside.
What’s particularly lovely about this charming setting is the way it blends effortlessly into its beautiful New Forest surroundings; ponies, donkeys, ducks and deer all often seen wandering freely along the honeysuckle byways.
Visitors to Brockenhurst adore its gentle pace and rustic charm, from its picturesque ‘watersplash’ ford to its olde-worlde inns, this really is one of the most enchanting corners of the New Forest.
The history of Brockenhurst can be traced back as far as the Bronze Age burial mounds that bespeckle the surrounding heathland. What today is the largest village in the New Forest used to amount to four modest Saxon manors which fell between the boundaries of William the Conqueror’s vast hunting ground.
One of the village’s most venerated residents stands rooted in the graveyard of St Nicholas' Church; a mighty yew tree, believed to have cast its shade for a thousand years or more, the oldest tree in the forest. Also keep an eye out for the grave of Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills, the legendary New Forest snake-catcher, hermit, and authority on countryside lore.
The village has upheld its colourful and longstanding tradition of fetes and festivals, playing host to the annual New Forest and Hampshire County Show which runs for three days during July.
A holiday in Brockenhurst places you in the heart of the magnificent New Forest with breathtaking scenery at every turn. One of the most stunning New Forest bridleways, the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, forges its path through the leafy outskirts of the village on a route lined by glorious rhododendrons, azaleas, giant redwoods and Douglas firs.
One of the best ways to explore Brockenhurst’s gorgeous surroundings is by bike and you’ll find an impressive range of bicycles and accessories for hire at Brockenhurst’s cycle centre, from electric mountain bikes to dog trailers.
The South Taste Trail is a popular excursion local to the village, combining a scenic walk to the charming neighbouring parish of Burley with various stops at tea rooms, delicatessens and traditional country pubs - burning off the calories as you go.
If you’re of the opinion that four legs are better than two, the Brockenhurst Riding Stables offers pony trekking experiences for all abilities, or you might prefer a round of golf at the prestigious Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club.
While away an hour or two with a mooch around Brockenhurst’s traditional high street, where you can stock up on supplies at the local butchers, bakers and greengrocers, as well as the artisan outlets, independent shops, cafes, bistros and takeaways that line this ancient thoroughfare.
Brockenhurst serves as one of the New Forest’s eight train stations and is on the Weymouth to London - Waterloo Mainline. Local bus services run regularly to Lymington and Southampton, while the New Forest open-top bus (June to September) is an exciting way to travel between the area’s towns and villages.
Take a look at some of our delightful Brockenhurst holiday cottages.
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