Secret spots of the New Forest: Scenic trails and scenic places you won’t find on a map
Our New Forest National Park may be famous for roaming ponies, quaint villages, and bustling beauty spots, but for those seeking some serenity in scenic places a little off the beaten track, visitors are free to explore and wander to find their very own secret spots.
Many who visit may not be aware how special our National Park is; with the highest possible conservation status, it’s considered a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and is held as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, and so with any beauty spot it’s important that we preserve the magic and always respect the wildlife, leaving no trace of where we’ve explored so it remains unspoiled.
With the magic of the forest in mind, there are a few hidden gems and scenic spots we know you’ll enjoy visiting during your couples break or weekend away.
The village of Burley is a scenic 16-minute drive away from our Brockenhurst hotel; on the drive you’re bound to spot our roaming New Forest ponies, and even donkeys and when you’re there you’ll know. Steeped in history and folklore, it’s long been known as the ‘witches’ village’ and famous for the Coven of Witches gift shop. This magical history, stems from the 1950s when a local resident, the ‘white witch’, Sybil Leek, would often be seen walking around in her long black cloak with her pet jackdaw upon her shoulder.
But the local tales don’t stop there, rumour has it that The Queen’s Head pub, built in the 17th century, was a favourite haunt of smugglers, and history tells of renovations uncovering a hidden cellar, which only validates the historic stories.
You can’t visit for a New Forest break and not venture into the woods for a walk or spot of forest bathing. But you needn’t walk far to find yourself alone among the trees, listening to the birds. But if you are seeking secret spots and scenic places, go on a search for some of the New Forest’s oldest oaks. The Knightwood Oak, or Queen of the Forest as she’s affectionately known, is estimated to be around 600 years old.
There’s a walk that takes in two of our most spectacular oaks:
Follow the theme and find the Tall Tree Trail of the Blackwater Arboretum, a magical place where ancient giants tower above and invite you to wander, photograph and simply just be still among the trees. Many couples have enjoyed romantic strolls here – the picture-perfect spot for a picnic or proposal!
For lesser-known scenic places
Find little spots like Denny Wood and Matley Wood on the outskirts of Lyndhurst where you can walk between ancient beeches and oaks and feel as though you’re the only ones in the forest. In June the forest floor will be carpeted in bluebells, and as autumn approaches, golden hues. Lookout for roe and fallow deer, listen to the woodpeckers and spot butterflies.
There’s a 10km loop that takes in woodland and heathland:
If you’re seeking scenic places you can reach on foot from our New Forest hotel
Head to Roydon Woods, a nature reserve cared for by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Roydon Woods is truly a hidden gem boasting a series of waymarked trails and public bridleways. There is an undulating 11km circular walk that will guide you past some special places on the way, including St Nicholas’ Parish Church. Mentioned in the Domesday Book, it’s believed to be the oldest churches in the area and is the site of First World War Commonwealth War Graves belonging ‘primarily to New Zealand soldiers’. In autumn, lookout for fungi, there are more than 900 species growing in the area.
If scenic sunsets are your thing
Head to Hatchet Pond, a hugely important place for the New Forest’s wildlife, it’s the National Park’s ‘largest body of fresh water and home to some of the rarest wetland plants and freshwater animals long since lost from many other parts of the UK.’
Just 11 minutes from our Hampshire hotel, pop over for an afternoon stroll and stay for sunset. A romantic peaceful place to sit and enjoy dusk’s warm reflections or we recommend this 2.7km stroll for breath-taking photos and a relaxing pre-dinner activity.
Whilst we could recommend every winding road and every walking trail through our beautiful New Forest, it’s down to each scenic explorer to find their perfect spot.
Everyone who visits the New Forest connects to nature differently, and our National Park certainly rewards curiosity. So, when you visit for your midweek getaway, step beyond the guidebooks and signposts, find your own secret spots and connect in your way to our ancient and enchanting forest. But be sure to step lightly and become an ambassador of protection for this special place.
