Best Scenic Drives In The New Forest
The NewForest is considered one of the most extensive remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland, and forest in Southern England, covering southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. It covers an area of more than seventy-one acres, with its park having an area of 566 square kilometers. Although it was named the New Forest, it is neither new nor a forest. In 1079 the region was declared a royal hunting reserve by William the Conqueror. The landscape is more heathland than adjacent woodland, and the word forest descends from Old French for ‘hunting ground.’The new forest park offers about one hundred and forty miles of tracks and footpaths, leading to a wider range of routes; below are scenic drives in the new forest considered the best.
SOUTHAMPTON
NEW FOREST WILDLIFE PARK
The New Forest wildlife park is a safe outdoor environment that offers you the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy its fresh air while you are at it. Situated in the beautiful woodlands of New Forest National Park is a home of delight, as this park holds both conservation projects and educational programs. With about 260 animals from 40 different species, it offers excellent wildlife sightings; follow the woodland trails to see the European Bison, wild boar, wolves, wallaby, lynx, Scottish wildcats, foxes, owls, pine marten, polecats, and ferrets. The park also has an impressive playground suitable for all ages and abilities to learn, exercise, and play; the café offers lovely snacks and hot/ cold drinks. New Forest Wildlife Park is packed with enough fun for every individual, group, or family with all these and more.
NORTH SOLENT NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
BROCKENHURST
BOURNEMOUTH
RHINEFIELD ORNAMENTAL DRIVE
It isa4-kilometer loop trail located near Brockenhurst that offers visitors scenic views and is suitable for all skill levels. The southern end of the Rhinefiled ornamental drive is a sharp bend just at the entrance of Rhinefield House, which used to be a private country mansion but is now a hotel. This house was built in the second half of the 19th century. It features a massive garden with an idyllic setting and ornamental ponds; many non-native trees were planted along the road leading to the house, and these trees include giant redwoods and Douglas firs.