Where To Wander This Spring in the New Forest
Has the buzz reached you yet? Spring in the New Forest National Park is a hive of excitement; the hope of warmth and long sunny days are on the horizon, whilst nature everywhere is awakening and bursting back into life.
It’s not just witnessing our best beauty spots and the forest’s spring flora and fauna that will bring you the greatest joy during your New Forest walks this spring. Forest walks can do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing. And that’s why it’s the perfect time to book your spring break and reap the benefits of this wonderful time of year.
Where to walk for your wellbeing this spring?
Discover the astonishing Tall Tree Trail at the Blackwater Arboretum, an unforgettable place where ancient giants tower above you as you wander and roam.
Walk beneath and among the giants; the biggest trees in the New Forest can be found here, the sun casting beautiful light through the canopy as you pass the impressive Douglas firs and redwoods that were planted in the late 1850s.
Spending time in woodland is widely believed to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, boost mood and increase overall wellbeing. The practice of Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, is a mindfulness exercise stemming from Japan. It refers to a practice of immersing oneself in nature and engaging the senses in order to harness its wellbeing benefits.
There is a one-and-a-half-mile circular walk that you can join starting at the Blackwater car park. Find the start of this New Forest nature trail under the carved oak archway across Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. The trail begins a short way along the gravel trail to your right, and offers a gentle, low level gravel track which is suitable for most ages and abilities.
Mindfulness exercise:
Slow your natural pace and pay attention to your breath. Engage the senses one by one; inhaling the fresh spring air and earthy, warm notes of the redwood trees; listen to the soothing birdsong above you and feel the gentle breeze on your skin; take a deep, intentional breath to calm the central nervous system and let a feeling of peacefulness wash over you.
Where to wander for… Spring highlights in the New Forest
Spring brings with it an abundance of life; snowdrops, crocuses and primroses blossom in the hedgerows and birdsong becomes the soundtrack to every morning. Moreover, newborn foals and calves can be seen taking their first steps. Look out for butterflies like Brimstones and Orange Tips dancing in sunny clearings. The green stems of the approaching bluebells burst into growth throughout our ancient woodland, promising to blanket the forest floor in hazy blues and purples as May and June approaches.
So, the answer to the question, where to wander to see this beautiful spring attractions? Everywhere. Follow winding paths and nature trails from the doorstep of our New Forest hotel to see it all.
Seasonal experiences to pair with your walk
Time to spa
When it’s time to rest and relax after forest walks and woodland wanders, head to SenSpa. A luxurious afternoon of tension-relieving therapies awaits. Or stay for a night or two and plan a whole day in our award-winning spa.
Combine your spring walk with the Afternoon Delight spa experience. Half a day to feel completely pampered and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea.
Outdoor dining
Set out for a morning wander then return to our hotel for an al fresco lunch at the Neigh Bar (opening May 2026). Discover small plates and shareable options so you can try even more on the menu and peruse the drinks list for a new spring favourite.
Try an English sparkling, a chilled cider or go straight for a refreshing Aperol Spritz.
Pack a picnic
Another popular spring attraction in the New Forest – picnics! Hire a bike and roam or walk and wander with a packed picnic and find a most perfect peaceful place to stop and enjoy.
Spa Break
Make it a spa break and combine memorable walks with unforgettable spa experiences for the relaxation and warmth you’ve been craving all winter.
The Clear Head Club spa break ‘includes soothing spa treatments, access to the peaceful, child-free spa facilities, dining at one of four exceptional eateries, and a health-enhancing smoothie.’
Looking for more than a wander? Try our best walking routes for spring…
Brockenhurst village walk
This longer than a wander but not a big hike. A 5-mile walk starting from Brockenhurst Train Station just 3-minutes from our hotel; this New Forest walk is considered easy and circumnavigates our very own village of Brockenhurst. This lovely and a favourite among our guests, leads you from the hotel, through the village, then out and around over marsh, heath and through ancient forest where you’ll also have the chance to see the New Forest ponies and donkeys.
Emery Down Circular walk
This walk is ideal if you’re seeking longer forest trails and time to truly immerse themselves in nature. This New Forest nature trail begins near the village of Lyndhurst, a short drive from our New Forest hotel.
This 6.2-mile walk, considered moderately challenging, offers a wonderful mix of terrain and views, showcasing some of the New Forest’s finest features, from babbling brooks and streams to ancient winding woodland, heathland paths and forest track, surrounded by the National Park’s wildlife every step of the way.
Brockenhurst to Lyndhurst walk
A popular 13.5-mile circular walking and running route, this walk offers idyllic forest views and fairly easy-going terrain but is longer for those looking for more adventure and more miles.
This route takes in riverside, woodland, heathland and has some urban terrain when you reach the village of Lyndhurst, your halfway point. Here you can stop for a coffee and refuel on cake, then meander or sprint back.
Practical tips for spring wandering
So, you know where to wander but how? Here’s a few helpful practical tips for walking in the New Forest National Park:
- Spring brings sun but as you know, in the UK we always need to prepare for the rain. Always pack a waterproof and even if it’s been dry, the New Forest is abundant with muddy, boggy sections and marshland – waterproof walking shoes or boots are also recommended.
- If the weather is bad, be prepared to change your plans, or ensure you have plenty of layers to stay warm and dry.
- Pack sun cream – the last thing you to do is have to deal with sunburn during your break.
- There is plenty of parking in and around the New Forest. Please stick to designated parking areas, advise from the New Forest Park Authority is, ‘At peak times, some car parks are full by mid-morning. If your chosen car park is full when you arrive, please find another one nearby. Do not park on the verge or block gateways.’
This spring visit the New Forest National Park. Not only to discover the best walks and nature trails, but to boost mind and body, reaping the benefits of time in nature, and you may just want to stay a little longer for the spa.
