The Local Area

Set aside by William The Conqueror in 1079 for hunting the Royal Deer, the New Forest is certainly not NEW!! Many customs and traditions continue and it is rich in history and heritage. The famous New Forest ponies are all owned by the Commoners whose properties have ‘Forest Rights’ attached to them. The most important of these ‘Rights’ is the Right of Pasture. Their ponies, cattle, donkeys some sheep and pigs can be turned out to graze the forest and they play an important part in shaping the landscape of the forest. Walking, cycling and riding are all good ways of exploring and enjoying this unique corner of England and we are happy to help plan your day with you.

Cycling is very popular. If you bring your own bikes we have under cover storage available and cycling maps for your use. Bikes can be hired from several outlets around the forest. Riding can be arranged but needs to be booked well ahead as there are a limited number of stables. Water sports can be found either on the Solent or at the New Forest Water Park near Fordingbridge.

What To See & Do

Please visit NFA for information of a wide range of activities in and around the New Forest.

20 minutes, or less, drive from Pinewood Cottage:

Historic Houses: Beaulieu, the ancestral home of Lord and Lady Montagu with the world famous National Motor Museum; Braemore House, the home of Sir Edward and Lady Hulse – a fine example of an Elizabethan country manor house.

Gardens: Exbury Gardens, the Rothschild family still live in this Rhododendron and Azalea paradise; Furzey Gardens near Minstead are a delightful smaller garden with all year interest.

Family Attractions: Paultons Park, the South’s leading leisure park with more than 50 attractions for everyone from tiny tots to granny; Longdown Activity Farm, gives young ones a chance to bottle feed baby animals and meet lots of friendly animals.

Others: Buckler’s Hard, located on the Beaulieu River, is not only a pretty waterside village but also the historic site where Nelson’s favourite ship, Agamemnon, was built from New Forest oak.

Sammy Miller’s Motorcycle Museum: enthusiasts can see hundreds of rare models from all over the world.

Half and hour to an hour’s drive

The cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury and the historic Dockyard of Portsmouth. Bournemouth with its long sandy beaches, shops and evening entertainment

For further information on the surrounding area, please visit www.thenewforest.co.uk