The New Forest has been ranked fifth in a survey of the most Instagrammed locations in the UK this year. The list was compiled by travel specialists, TravelBird, who collected data based on the number of tags on the social media platform from 470 of the world’s most popular attractions.
The New Forest was hashtagged an amazing 287,818 times!
A photo can really capture the fun and relaxation of your time in the New Forest. Here are some of our most favourite shots which always bring a smile!
Dinky Donkies
You’ll usually find donkeys hanging out on the grass in Beaulieu Village.
Cottages near Beaulieu
You don’t need the seaside to find a great beach to picnic!
The beach and stream at Balmer Lawn, Lyndhurst is a favourite haunt for New Forest ponies, donkeys and cattle to gather.
Cottages near Lyndhurst
Hampshire Cow or Highland Cow?
That’s a tricky one as they both look the same – either way, we love them. Small and cuddly, they are not. But they are funky and fun to photograph! You’ll find them all over the forest.
Cottages surrounded by open forest:
Acres Down Farm, sleeps 6.
The Old Barn, sleeps 2.
Orchardside at Penn Farm, sleeps 4.
The ponds, lakes and streams of the New Forest
Mother Nature’s lucky dip for children looking for bugs and critters. Hours of fun for all the family!
Cottages near lakes and ponds:
Heywood Rest, sleeps 4.
1 Rose Cottage, sleeps 4 .
Kelmscott, sleeps 7.
Seaside silliness!
We couldn’t resist ‘Tommy Cooper’!
Find coastal cottages:
Sowley Gate House, sleeps 10.
Homelea, sleeps 5.
Shingle Beach House, sleeps 7.
Life’s a beach at Lepe
A day out at Lepe Country Park is a must. Views are great – it’s only a mile from the Isle of Wight, and The Solent is a busy waterway of ships, boats, cruisers and tankards to and fro-ing. The park itself has a lovely little café and there’s a play park, large BBQ area and lawns for ball games. Walk left and you’ll see remnants from WWII D-Day, where troops set off for the shores of France.
Cottages near Lepe Park:
Oak Tree Cottage, sleeps 4.
Megs, sleeps 2.
Carriage House Cottage, sleeps 6.
Watch Out!
Yes, the free roaming animals really do walk around the villages and roads of the New Forest. Remember the speed limit is 40 mph.
Pretty cottages near wildlife:
Gorley Firs Cottage, sleeps 4 .
Beecroft, sleeps 2.
Holmans, sleeps 8.
Who said battle games were just for boys?
There’s so much to do in the New Forest for everyone including Battlefield LIVE near Beaulieu.
Cottages near Beaulieu:
Old Barn, sleeps 2.
Clobb Copse, sleeps 4.
The Coach House, sleeps 8.
Awesome skies
Beautiful sunsets and big skies are all part of the course here in the New Forest. The Keyhaven Nature reserve, where this photo was taken, is breathtakingly beautiful.
Cottages near Keyhaven:
Ruby Cottage, sleeps 6.
Holmlea, sleeps 5.
The Lookout, sleeps 2.
OH DEAR!
OK, it can get muddy if you don’t stick to the gravel tracks at certain times of year, but kids love the mud, right? With a family-friendly cosy cottage to return to and a deep bubble bath, everyone is happy.
Find family friendly cottages
Forget New England fall
The New Forest is a blaze of russets, golds, reds and oranges in the autumn. Think acorns, sweet chestnuts, rustling leaves, crisp blue skies and hazy sunsets with a pub lunch and roaring log fire.
Cottages near Denny’s Wood (pictured):
The Grooms, sleeps 4.
Camellia, sleeps 6.
Pittefaux Cottage, sleeps 7.
Inspiring picture-perfect landscapes of heather
Carpeting the New Forest in swathes of pinks and purples, heather is a gorgeous sight to behold. Did you know that heathland is rarer than rainforest? The New Forest has the biggest remaining heathland in Western Europe.
Cottages near open heathland:
Homelands, sleeps 6.
Pink Cottage, sleeps 4.
Heron House, sleeps 6.
Do you know your fungi?
Unscrupulous pickers have led the forest to endorse a blanket ban on fungi picking to protect the 2700 different species that grow in the New Forest. Having said that, you can still go on fungi identification walks and learn all about nasty yet handsome fellas like this one!
Cottages near deciduous woodlands where fungi grow:
Little Green, sleeps 2.
Old Farm Cottage, sleeps 8.
Summer Haven, sleeps 6.
Pedal Power!
Cycling is BIG in the New Forest with over 130 miles of designated tracks and trails to explore.
Cottages with cycle trails close by:
4 Forest Edge Close, sleeps 5.
Walnut Tree Cottage, sleeps 6.
Marshlands Cottage, sleeps 4.
Take a look at our portfolio of more than 130 cottages in the New Forest and select your dates now.