48 Hours in the New Forest

Lymington

Long weekends and short breaks are now a regular feature on our holiday calendars. If you’ve limited time, here are some of the highlights of this amazing region that should be at the top of your list for a long weekend in the New Forest.

new-forest

Day one

Visit Beaulieu

Lord Montagu’s handsome ancestral home, Beaulieu Palace, Abbey and Gardens, is also the location for the world famous Beaulieu Motor Museum. You don’t need to be a petrol head to enjoy this great place. See a huge collection of vintage, rare, high-speed and F1 cars, and don’t miss the World of Top Gear and TV and Film car exhibitions!

beaulieu-palace

Have lunch and a stroll around Lepe Country Park

Just 15 minutes from Beaulieu is Lepe Country Park. Come here for lunch at the cute café or pack a picnic and take in the amazing views. There’s a lovely walk, WWII landmarks and some good old fashioned rest and relaxation. The shoreline is about a mile to the Isle of Wight, and Southampton Water is a hive of activity with cruise ships and huge tankards navigating their way to and from the famous docks. To the left of the park are the remains and defences from the D-Day invasions with plaques describing the role the area played during WWII. This is also a fantastic spot for watching the yachts racing during Cowes Week.

Stop off at Lymington

Drive along the coast to the Georgian marine town of Lymington with its pretty high street lined with boutique shops and cafes. A pebbled lane leads down the Harbour, which makes a great pit stop to pause for an ice cream and watch the yachts and boats navigating back to their berths.

Lymington

A superb supper in a great pub

For scrumptious laid back food, a gorgeous chocolate-box setting and a great selection of beverages head to the The Red Lion in Boldre, not far from Lymington, for a relaxed supper.

Day Two

Try something new!

Book a 2-3 seat Canadian canoe or kayak tour on the privately-owned Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. As the river is private and permits are required, it’s never busy – even in the height of the summer. On the tours you can see kingfishers, rare birds and dragonflies as well as stunning river wildlife.

beaulieu-river

Hurst Castle – a coastal fort along a pebble spit

The pebble beach between Milford on Sea and Keyhaven leads to a one and half mile shingle spit to King Henry VIII’s coastal Fort – Hurst Castle. The castle has been extended over the centuries and was most recently used in military action during WWII. If you don’t fancy the walk back, there’s a little ferry boat to take you back to the village.

Cake, coffee, fossils and a nature reserve!

Walking back along the pebble spit, to your right is Keyhaven Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), check out the marshes, lagoons and enchanting bird life. Further on is Milford on Sea and The Needles Eye Café, a great place to stop for a refreshing cup of tea and maybe a cream tea? Then stroll along the beach in search of a present from the past – a funky fossil. There are plenty along this stretch of beach, particularly ironstones containing bivalves and gastropods.

Milford-on-sea-hurst-spit

Dinner in Milford on Sea

It’s in the Times top 100 best restaurants for very good reason. Ververine is an unassuming, relaxed little restaurant which sells fresh fish out the front. At the rear is an elegant, cosy restaurant serving creative, fun and delicious dishes. The tasting menu is to die for!

Take a look at our fabulous New Forest holiday cottages and plan your short break today.