The New Forest Where Time Stands Still

Have you ever read the novel called The Children of the New Forest by Frederick Marryat? It is an enchanting story of children, set in the late 1800s during the time of the Civil War in England and it is set in the New Forest. Well, guess what? The New Forest isnt a fictitious place. It is very much in existence, even today and is one of Englands primary tourist attractions.

History

This forest is a centuries old forest and was once the haunt of kings and aristocrats. It was where they hunted for pleasure. Now, of course, it doesnt offer that kind of attraction, but is known mainly for its charming ponies and horses and of course its idyllic scenery. It has also recently been given the status of a national park and is one of the thirteen national parks of the country. This National Park is situated near Dorset. It is between the sunny southern coasts of Hampshire and Wiltshire.

If youre planning a romantic weekend getaway, the New Forest could be just the thing for you. This is because there are so many things to do there. At any time of the year, you will find a plethora of activities planned out. There is always some festival or event going on there. But a pre requisite is that you need to be a lover of animals and Nature.

Things To Do

You can visit the world famous Exbury gardens. This is a gem of a garden and if you have young children, it will be a treat for them to play hide and seek here among the dense but well-kept greenery. If you have time, you should visit the quaint little village of Beaulieu where you can stop for a scrumptious meal or two.
You can also wander through the Palace house there, the Beaulieu Museum and the Beaulieu Abbey. If you are a lover of history, you can proceed to the Bucklers Hard Village and get an idea of how ship builders lived during the Nelsons age as well.

Events

While at the forest, if you are fortunate enough to visit at the right time of the year, you can go for the New Forest Show. This is an old, traditional show and reportedly first started way back in 1921.If youre athletic you can also watch the New Forest marathon. Apart from this, if you are just looking for a quiet day out with a loved one, you can go down one of the many cycling trails and walks in the area.

Most people who visit the new forest go camping, but this is not for everyone, so there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from. There are charming little bed and breakfast places and cottages too, where one can have all the privacy one needs. There are also the New Forest Hotels which will cater to your every need if you are looking for a luxurious break. So if you havent already visited the New Forest, go have a look.