Scenic New Forest Cycling Routes With Pubs & Hidden Gems
Planning a cycling break in the New Forest? Whether you're chasing scenic woodland trails, charming pub stops, or peaceful rides alongside ponies and coastlines, the New Forest National Park is a cyclist’s dream. With bike hire nearby, cycle-friendly hotels, and routes for all levels, it’s the perfect destination for your next cycling getaway.
Scenic Cycling in the New Forest: A Year-Round Adventure
A cycling haven; the New Forest National Park welcomes keen cyclists year-round, no matter whether the focus on the day is to find a great pub, or hidden gems and secret spots. Whatever you’re hoping to discover on your scenic New Forest cycling routes, one thing is for sure, our bike-friendly hotel is the ideal base for your cycling adventures.
Bike Hire Made Easy Near Brockenhurst
Bring your bikes or hire them nearby at Cyclexperience located just 15-minutes on foot from our New Forest hotel. Bike rental makes life easy if you’re looking to get away for a weekend and don’t want the hassle of finding the bike rack, helmet, pump etc. Simply hire it all and go!
Top Cycling Routes with Pubs Along the Way
We have everything you need on our doorstep for the perfect cycling break, from village pubs, beautiful landscapes and ancient woodland to a hotel spa to relax in post-ride, and hotel restaurants to satisfy any post-adventure appetite.
Peruse the official New Forest National Park Association’s Cycle Routes map and note that The New Forest Tour Bus carries bikes free of charge, so if you’d prefer to only cycle one-way, you can!
The Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst Circular route can begin right at our door, and will take you to the village of Lyndhurst, a popular tourist spot year-round. On the way, you will pass through the small village of Bank, it’s here that you can find a real hidden gem of a pub, The Oak Inn, a quaint and quintessential cosy pub – the perfect stop for a delicious lunch or snack on route. Or a cold refreshment on a summer’s afternoon.
If it’s charming old villages, independent cafes and local wildlife you’re looking for on a cycle ride, set off from Brockenhurst to Burley. Around 6 – 8 miles away, a round-trip will take about 1hr 20 mins. You’ll see plenty of New Forest ponies and donkeys on route, and you can stop at The Queen’s Head pub for a refreshing break before making your way back to the hotel.
Sunrise, Sunset & Photography on Two Wheels
Sunrise or sunset, golden hour in the New Forest is something to behold, the warm glow that spreads across the heathland and the low sun shimmering through the ancient trees. Our National Park is a photographer’s paradise, so why not plan a cycling adventure around capturing our special New Forest. Set out at dusk or dawn for a peaceful ride to capture sunrise or sunset at Hatchet Pond, the largest body of fresh water in our National Park and a secret spot in the New Forest for photography, walks and picnics. Just 11-minutes by car from the hotel, or a 30-minute cycle away.
Coastal Cycling Adventures from the Forest to the Sea
For those looking for scenic coastal spots, take your bikes to Calshot Beach for a beachside ride; it’s a 30-minute drive from our Hampshire hotel or drive to New Forest Activities for convenient bike rental in Beaulieu, then it’s just a 40-minute cycle to Calshot Beach or visit the nearby hidden gem of Lepe Country Park.
Find Out More – New Forest Activities
If you’d prefer to drive and explore the area of Lymington, it’s just 13-minutes by car and there’s ample car parking, then you’re free to cycle around town, or head along the coast. Discover the hidden gem that is the Solent Way Cycle Path, offering beautiful far-reaching views of the Solent and across to the Isle of Wight. Approximately 12 miles long, the route follows the coastline to Keyhaven and passes through salt marshes and nature reserves on the way.
Discover Hidden Gems of the New Forest by Bike
For more of our beautiful wildlife, you’ll want to explore trails near the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. On route you’ll have the chance to spot New Forest ponies and donkeys (you don’t usually need to travel far to see them), then once you’re there, park up and wander along the short trails to the purpose-built platform that overlooks a large meadow, here local New Forest Park Rangers feed the deer (when available) daily between 12.30pm -2.30pm.
Discover Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Culture and History Stops for Curious Cyclists
If, however, it’s local museums in the New Forest you’re looking for, why not plan a day out to Beaulieu; home to the National Motor Museum. Just 7 miles from our Brockenhurst hotel, set off early and spend the day wandering the fascinating displays and impressive car collections, then cycle back to our hotel where you can freshen up and head to dinner at one of our 3 hotel restaurants.
For lovers of art, hop on your bike to the charming market town of Lymington, just 30-minutes by bike from our Brockenhurst hotel; here you can visit the great hidden gem, the St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery.
Your Ideal Cycling Break Starts at Our Hotel
No matter whether you’re a fair-weather adventurer or a budding pro, you’ll find routes to suit your energy, or passion during your unforgettable New Forest weekend break. Hop on the bus with your bike, simply cycle from the door or plan an epic with a post-adventure massage at SenSpa – just make sure you make your New Forest getaway everything you want it to be this summer.
Image of the New Forest Bus Tour credited to NFPA
