Information
The New Forest was created as a royal forest by William I in about 1079 for the royal hunt, mainly of deer, the New Forest National Park was created in 2005

The designated area of the National Park covers 219 sq miles. As well as most of the New Forest district of Hampshire, it takes in the South Hampshire Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part of Wiltshire south-east of Redlynch.

As well as providing a visually remarkable and historic landscape, the ecological value of the New Forest is enhanced by the relatively large areas of lowland habitats, lost elsewhere, which have survived. There are several kinds of important lowland habitat including valley bogs, wet heaths, dry heaths and deciduous woodland.

Things to do
The New Forest is home to 193,000 acres of unspoilt heath land and ancient woodland. With 143 miles of track, for the energetic rambler, the New Forest offers endless walking routes that will twist and turn through vibrant gorse, imposing woodland and bubbling streams.

Cycling in the New Forest is ideal for families wanting safe off road and gentle cycle routes, where you will experience the open heathland and sheltered woods. New Forest cycling is the way to experience the peace and take in some fresh air.

The New Forest is a haven for any market lover with plenty of bustling town markets with stalls selling everything from clothes to gifts to choose from, along with regular local New Forest Producer markets to tempt your taste buds.