The New Forest is home to some of the prettiest scenery in the UK, with picturesque landscapes, ancient woods, beaches and coastline. The New Forest National Park is celebrated for its unique heritage and friendly locals and never fails to impress. When it comes to ‘gram-worthy’ spots, Instagrammers are spoilt for choice as the region oozes opportunities and the chance to capture the fun, photogenic and candid shots to share with Instagram’s one billion monthly users.
When holidays and memories can be shared at the touch of a button, go to the New Forest for super photos that will bait plenty of heart button double-tapping from your followers. There’s so much to do here, no matter what the season, come rain or shine. Book a stay in one of our gorgeous New Forest Cottages and check out our blog for more ideas of what to see and do.
Here’s our roundup of some of the best spots for Instagramming in the New Forest…
Wilverley
Cold frosty days are magical out in the New Forest. Wrap up warm and head out to get some breath-taking shots of the woods and wildlife. This shot was taken at Wilverley Plain, a huge expanse of grass and heathland crisscrossed with walking paths and cycle trails. In the warmer months, it’s a popular spot for picnics, ball games, kite flying and spending the afternoon surrounded by the famous free-roaming donkeys and ponies.
Carpets of Bluebells
Britain’s favourite flower can be found in huge clusters under dappled shade in the New Forest. Come early spring to see a deep expanse of violet and lilac bluebells which make the most stunningly beautiful images. Some of the best areas of the New Forest to see Bluebells include Roydon Woods, Brockenhurst, Broomy Inclosure – Linwood and Sandleheath, Fordingbridge. Exbury Gardens 200 acres of tended gardens of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias and woodland also has bluebells, so come for the weekend and snap the hues of blue.
Spring Babies
The New Forest ponies, donkeys, cattle and wildlife are blooming as the buds of spring pop, and the landscape dramatically explodes into a palate of emerald greens and yellow. There’s nothing cuter than new-born foals tottering and bouncing about in the spring sunshine all over the New Forest. Get your camera ready for ludicrously sweet poses – but please don’t get too close, their mummy’s can get quite protective!
Lessons in Sailing
Book a holiday cottage in Lymington and learn how to sail. You’ll get great shots as well as enjoying yourself. You can take a short course or join a crew and take part as much or as little as you like. Try Charlie Sailing , LYC and Sailing Spook.
Wild Child
Children will LOVE spending time outdoors looking for New Forest wildlife. Leave the screens behind, give them an identification book and let them see what they can find. There are over 9000 native ponies, donkeys, cattle, pigs and deer pootling around the New Forest. Look a little closer and spot newts, frogs, and toads. In fact, 55% of butterflies and moths, 46% of beetles, 74% of dragonflies and damselflies, and 67% of grasshoppers and crickets that are found in Britain live in the New Forest.
Heather Vistas
As far as beautiful landscapes go, the New Forest summer landscape, ablaze with bright yellow gorse, banks of wildflowers, blooming trees and vast swathes of deep purple heather, is a sight to behold. No lengthy introduction needed, just look at the picture.
Fungi Forays
There are 2700 species of fungi and mushroom in the New Forest. Some are kaleidoscopic colours, and others look like they are already dead! They are stunning to capture as a photo but don’t under any circumstances pick them if you don’t know 100% what you’re doing. There are plenty of guided walks you can book on, try Hedgerow Harvest or the New Forest Website for more information.
Landscape lovers
The diverse colours of the New Forest change frequently. As big skies tussle with clouds and sunsets, winds blow, and rain turns to snow – all are beautiful to capture for lasting memories and as inspiration to share with followers on your social media. This breath-taking photo taken in the north of the New Forest encapsulates every colour of the rainbow.
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