Tucked in the lee of a leafy hill lies the charming village of Burley where cattle and ponies still roam freely under commoner’s rights.
Burley is full of endearing traits, from the cattle grid at the entrance to the local fire station (thought to be the only one in the country), to the secret smugglers’ cellar full of coins and pistols discovered beneath the bar at the 16th century Queen’s Head inn. Its history can be traced back to a prehistoric era and the Bronze Age burials mounds and Iron Age hillfort on the western fringe of the village. The name ‘Burley’ is of Saxon origin and means fortified place (burgh) and open meadow or clearing (leah).
Burley is renowned for its long association with witches, the most famous being Sybil Leek, a self-styled white witch who, during the 1950s, walked around the village in a long black cloak with her pet jackdaw on her shoulder. As a result, you’ll see plenty of witchy gifts and ornaments for sale in the village’s novelty shops, in fact, one of the shops has a portrait of Sybil Leek hanging up above the old Jacobean fireplace inside.
If you possess a penchant for popular folklore, Burley Beacon is bound to capture your imagination; the supposed lair of a once fearsome dragon that was slain by Sir Berkeley ‘The Valiant’ on Bolton’s Bench Hill after a battle that raged through the forest for thirty days and thirty nights.
There’s so much to see and do when you holiday in Burley. If you want to discover Hampshire’s great outdoors, you’ll find endless tracks and trails beneath the mighty oaks and giant redwoods of the New Forest. In the heart of Burley, you’ll find Forest Leisure Cycling where you can hire mountain bikes, comfort hybrids and electric bikes, plus family-friendly accessories such as child seats, trailers, tag-a-longs and tandems.
Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the New Forest Deer Safari at Burley Park where you’ll have the chance to learn all about these ancient forest dwellers and see them in their natural habitat. Enjoy the leisurely roll of a Burley Wagon as it takes you on a gentle tour in the dappled shade of Primrose hedgerows and Hoof-worn byways, a delightful way to discover this historic parish. If you’re looking for a truly mindful experience, then The Horse Raft offers you the unique opportunity to spend one-to-one time with horses while exploring and learning about their woodland home. The Burley Murder Mystery trail is definitely one for the super-sleuths as you endeavour to solve the riddles and clues found on the village’s prominent features and monuments. The trail reveals the village’s history of witchcraft and smuggling, while also introducing you to some of the New Forest’s most colourful characters, including legendry snake catcher and woodsman, Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills. Other popular excursions include the Beeches Brook Fishery, The Burley Food Trail, Brockenhurst Riding Stables and Burley Golf Club.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more sedate, why not take advantage of Burley’s wonderful hospitality, from cosy tearooms to pretty pub gardens, you’ll have no problem finding a quiet corner, a scenic view and a tempting menu. For the sweet-toothed among you, a visit to Burley Fudge Shop is a must, and for those keen to sample a drop of the local moonshine, a detour to the brewing house at New Forest Cider could easily help fill an afternoon.
Our impressive list of Burley Holiday Cottages is awaiting your perusal…
https://props.toadhallcottages.co.uk/s3images/regioninfo/NFC/2014-06-12_15.37.42_copy.jpg
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Close
Close
For more information please see our privacy policy
Things to do
Food & drink
Beaches
