Here’s our ultimate roundup of the best places to take photos of the beautiful vistas that are so typical of the New Forest. Our sprawling National Park has countless viewpoints showcasing diverse landscapes, pretty woods, vast heather plains, ponds, streams, quaint hamlets and villages. We’ve also added one on the coast because it is only a few miles from the southern border. We’d urge you to explore the cliffs, paths and beaches in the area as they are wonderfully unspoilt and far less busy than well-known neighbouring resorts.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
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Close to the buzzy village of Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest is Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. This well-known spot has easy parking and is an easy wander through the ancient woodlands and enormous Douglas fir trees, which were more recently planted in the 1860s. Head over to the viewing platform, and with a bit of patience and luck, you’ll encounter a herd of deer in their natural habitat. It’s the place to go for a front-row seat to get close to the wildlife.
Find holiday cottages in Brockenhurst.
Hurst Castle
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Venture south of the forest until you arrive at the traditional seaside village of Milford on Sea. This coastal gem has a one-and-a-half-mile pebble spit leading to King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Hurst Castle. It has been extended and added to over the centuries and holds an intriguing history that you can learn about inside the castle. But it’s the views that will steal your heart. Stand on the pebble spit for a panorama across the bay and the Isle of Wight. The ever-changing seascape is peppered with seals, dolphins, sailboats and leisure craft, as well as the odd cruise liner and maybe a cargo tanker heading to Southampton Port.
Take a look at our cottage holidays in Milford on Sea.
High Corner Inn
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Perched atop a tranquil hill just south of the market town of Ringwood sits the High Corner Inn. It’s a magical setting to kick back, unwind and relish the surrounding New Forest beauty. Go for lunch, sip on a refreshing glass of bubbles, and soak in the scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see. It’s an idyllic setting where you can capture the forest’s lush woodlands, wild roaming ponies and wildlife while enjoying a tasty bite to eat.
See New Forest Cottages in Ringwood.
Bolton’s Bench
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The thriving village of Lyndhurst, known as the capital of the New Forest, is home to the iconic Bolton’s Bench. It is an imposing mound of a hill topped with an enormous yew tree, offering some of the most captivating views in the New Forest. Amble to the top and be rewarded with scenes of the forest as far as the eye can see, where ancient woodlands and open meadows are sprinkled with ponies and wildlife. It’s a popular spot for dog walkers too.
Find holiday cottages in Lyndhurst
Pipers Wait
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In the wilder, hillier northern part of the New Forest, near a tiny village called Nomansland, is the highest point in the National Park – Pipers Wait, which stands 140 meters above sea level. The viewpoint is quite breathtaking and well worth the trip to soak up some spectacular views.
Pipers Wait is easy to find and has a designated car park, inviting nature enthusiasts, walkers, and sightseers to ascend to its summit. At the top, the view stretches in every direction, offering an uninterrupted vista of rolling hills and dappled woods. Highlights include Watership Down, immortalised in Richard Adams’ classic novel, historic Danebury Hillfort near Andover, and on a clear day, you’ll see the Isle of Wight on the southern horizon.
See holiday cottages in Nomansland
Views of the New Forest offer the most wonderful photo opportunities of our ancient English landscape, packed with birds, wildlife and colour. So, pick a holiday cottage, book a stay, and prepare for a holiday of memory-making. Take a look at the full collection of New Forest Cottages.