Walking In The New Forest

March 3rd, 2009 Posted in Outdoors

The National Park offers something for everyone. Whether you want to see it from its miles and miles of trails on cycling trips and New Forest Walks, boat rides along the coastline, or perhaps just to visit some of the many museums and historic sites located within The national park boundaries, no visitor will be disappointed. The only let down is that one has to go home sooner or later!

You can view the forest in many ways, there are guided walks, bicycle tours or if it might be a personal favourite on horseback. This way you can see the best of the beauty to be found within the Forest. Driving through the forest might be a lovely way to view the fabulous scenery certainly they are missing and not capturing the best of the natural beauty within the park.

When ever you are visiting the New Forest, at what ever time of the year, there is always something to see. The ever changing seasons will note typical and beautiful scenery changes even making a familiar walk different every time. Experienced guides such as wildlife experts, geologists and Forest Rangers will take you through the wonders and natural beauty of this wonderful countryside.

Throughout many of the guided tours and walks – the experienced ranger or tour guide will offer some history about the places you are visiting. Bucklers Hard for example was where Admiral Nelson’s fleet was built. The forest as you can imagine has a lot of history about it including formerly being the hunting ground of kings.

The New Forest includes many miles of coastline and rivers along the south coast. There are many beautiful and historical sites that can be seen from guided boat tours available here. There are also for the more energetic many water based activities available such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. The visitors centre has considerable information and ideas for tourists seeking ideas about the park.

The New Forests status of wildlife preserve means that within just a short distance into the forest will mean that you will see considerable animals and wildlife within their own habitat. You really don’t even have to look that hard. Wildlife lovers could make a considerable list by the end of one day for all the species they are likely to come across.

Deer are in abundance here as well, as are all manner of birds, frogs and reptiles. At dusk, bats may be seen as they emerge for the evening. If reptiles are your thing, the forest has a Reptile Centre which is certain to both educate and delight children of all ages. Children will delight at the varied wildlife here and to be able to get so close to the animals is an experience to be treasured.

Whilst not actually a forest walk a trip to Exbury Gardens is a really rewarding experience. Situated in over 200 acres you can walk along the miles of pathways until your hearts content. The best time to capture the absolute splendour of Exbury is of course in April as all the shrubs and bushes spring into to life and again in September time. That said the gardens are well worth a visit throughout the year.

If your planning a trip to the New Forest National Park and plan to stay over night there is a good variety of New Forest holiday accommodation in the region where you can stay which can be found on the New Forest guides website.

Also while you are in the area make sure you visit the nearby city of Southampton which is renowned for its shopping experience and museums.