The New Forest National Park is located in south-west Hampshire on the south coast of England and is known for its expansive ancient woodlands, open, wild heathlands and free-roaming ponies, cattle, pigs and donkeys. Just 90 minutes from London, it spans approximately 220 square miles and boasts 15 impressive miles of coastland.

Towns & Villages

Lyndhurst is known as the “capital” of the area, a hub for walkers, with boutique shopping, pubs and cafés on offer. Similar villages such as Minstead, Burley, Sway and Beaulieu offer walking, shopping and dining, whilst Ringwood, New Milton, Hythe and Lymington are known for their bustling markets and high streets. Located on the edge of the New Forest National Park, Lymington has a rare blend of coastal living and rural tranquillity – you can spend the morning enjoying the peace and quiet of the ancient woods, followed by an afternoon on the water. Many of the best walking routes, including the Solent Way, either begin or pass through the town, making it a popular base for cyclists and walkers. Local favourites such as Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu – with its National Motor Museum, Hatchet Pond, Keyhaven Marshes and Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary are all close by, with a wealth of woodland walks and coastal trails easily accessible.

Activities

The New Forest offers an extensive network of cycle and walking paths for lovers of the great outdoors, as well as treetop trails, archery, horse riding and pony trekking, and a selection of golf courses. If water-based activity is preferred, Beaulieu River and the Solent offer a variety of water sports including sailing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding and kayaking. Luxury yacht charters and fishing are also popular ways to enjoy the water without getting wet.

Food & Drink

The New Forest is a haven of food and drink with farm shops, award-winning restaurants, plentiful cafés and an array of excellent, traditional country pubs, whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a drink and dog-friendly pub garden after a long walk.

Property

Homes within the New Forest National Park command an 85% premium over the wider county, with an average price of £715,825.

While house prices have softened over the last year or so, average prices in Lymington have seen an increase of 10% over the last five years, with the county average increasing by 12% since 2020.

Here is a selection of homes for sale in the New Forest area: