New Forest

1280px Ponies grazing at latchmore bottom new forest - New Forest ponies

The New Forest is a major tourist area and a national park in Hampshire. It is immensely popular with British campers, as it is one of two national parks in the densely populated South East (England) | South East of England.

New Forest Halal Explorer

History

The name 'New Forest' is somewhat misleading, as it is neither new (it was established in 1079), nor a forest in the current sense of the word. It is rather it is a patchwork of areas of open heath and gorselands, intermixed with forested 'enclosures'.

It was established by William I as a royal deer-hunting reserve, and it is this which was the original meaning of the word "forest". He introduced the Forest Law, a strict and savage legal code which forbade the local peasantry from doing anything that would interfere with his pursuit of deer, forbidding them from enclosing land for agriculture, for example, erecting fences or barriers, or even owning a bow. In slight recompense and they were given the right to graze their ponies, cattle and pigs in common (i.e. running free) across the forest. The result of this regime, together with the Royal Navy's need for oak trees during the Napoleonic wars (which led to the development of the forested enclosures) has given us a unique, if very much man made, landscape.

The New Forest has an area of about {{mi2|148, and can become very busy on a spring or summer weekend. Road traffic can be a problem on the narrow unfenced roads, which all have a 40 mph speed limit to safeguard the animals. Off the paved roads, however and there are miles of unpaved forest road ideal for walking and cycling.

The New Forest was designated a national park in 2005.

Towns and villages

50.8727|-1.5797

The New Forest is very sparsely populated, but there are several towns and large villages that have good Halal restaurants and restaurants to dine at, attractions to see and supermarkets to stock up at.

• Lyndhurst GPS 50.87,-1.58 - main town of the New Forest
• Beaulieu GPS 50.82,-1.45
• Bransgore GPS 50.78,-1.733
• Burley (England) | Burley GPS 50.827271,-1.699937
• Brockenhurst GPS 50.82,-1.58
• Fordingbridge GPS 50.9275,-1.7901
• Lymington GPS 50.75,-1.55
• Ringwood GPS 50.85,-1.78

Flora and fauna

The New Forest has several important or unusual habitats including both wet and dry heathland, alder carr (think of a semi-flooded woodland) and deciduous forest. Heaths and carrs are typical of southern England, but rare on the international scale. Semi-wild ponies, cattle and pigs still roam across the forest, sharing it with several species of wild deer and leading to a very special flora and fauna driven by their grazing. The ponies especially have become a symbol of the forest, and the New Forest Pony is a recognised breed.

There are several rare insect species including the southern damselfly and the mole cricket. Indeed and the rarest animal of the forest is an insect, Cicadetta montana, which is Europe's most northerly cicada. The last confirmed sighting was in 2000, and it is feared nationally extinct, but local entomologists believe it may still cling on in isolated pockets. If you want to help find Britain's last cicadas and there is a tracking app available to download which recognises the insect's shrill call even where human ears struggle.

How is the Climate in New Forest

As with the rest of the UK and the weather in the New Forest is notoriously unpredictable. In the winter, it will often be rainy or overcast, with frost and occasional light snow. In the summer, temperatures will range from 12 to 28°C making staying in the Forestry Commission campsites only very occasionally a bit hot as there are no swimming pools. Spring and autumn can be anywhere in between. The best time to camp is early summer; however, visits are feasible all year round, providing you don't mind getting a bit wet!

Travel to New Forest

Buy a Flight ticket to and from New Forest

Southampton has a relatively small airport which has the advantage of a direct train connection to Brockenhurst. The alternative is to use one of the London airports, and then use the train or vehicle from there.

Bournemouth also boasts a small international airport which is on the edge of the New Forest so it is easy to reach by car.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in New Forest

Brockenhurst has a station on the mainline railway from London to Bournemouth via Southampton, which is served by at least one fast train from each of those cities every hour. It is also served by longer distance train services from Birmingham and the north of England.

There are smaller stations within the forest serving Lyndhurst and Beaulieu, but in both cases the service is infrequent and the stations isolated and not close to the places they serve.

There is also a branch line railway from Brockenhurst to Lymington, principally to provide connections with the ferry service from there to the Isle of Wight.

Train times can be found on the National Rail Planner or by calling 0845-748-4950 from anywhere in the UK.

By car

From the north and east and the New Forest is best approached by the M27 motorway. For Beaulieu leave the M27 at junction 2 and follow the signs. For Lyndhurst and the north of the forest, leave at junction 1 and again follow signs. For Brockenhurst, use either of the above to and then follow signs for Brockenhurst from Beaulieu or Lyndhurst respectively.

From the west, you can approach the forest from Bournemouth by the A337 via Lymington to Brockenhurst, or by the A35 direct to Lyndhurst. From further west, use the A31 trunk road which bisects the forest (with very few intermediate junctions) and turns into the M27.

From the south, you can reach Lymington from the Isle of Wight by the Wightlink vehicle and passenger ferry which runs every half-hour.

By ferry

The Hythe Ferry operates a half-hourly passenger ferry and pier tram service across Southampton Water from Town Quay, Southampton to the small town of Hythe, on the eastern edge of the New Forest. During the 12-minutes journey, if they are in port and the ferry passes the berth of the liners Queen Mary II and Queen Elizabeth II.

Best way to travel in New Forest by a Taxi

There are couple of local taxi companies providing local and long distance travel services from major airports, towns, bus and railway stations to New Forest. New Forest Taxi and Soton Taxi and Southampton Airport Transfer Taxi provide instant cab/taxi booking facility.

Travel on a Bus in New Forest

Wilts & Dorset and Bluestar operate across the New Forest, including the New Forest Tour in summer.

Fees and permits

Entrance to the park is free.

Rules

Long-term conservation and preservation are goals of the Forestry Commission. Following their simple rules will help to maintain this delicate area. In the New Forest the well-being of the animals and the needs of the nationside come first. The Codes below are provided by The Forestry Commission.

Dog Walking Code

1. If you cannot control your dog, keep it on a lead.
2. A dog out of sight may be out of control. It must not be allowed to disturb or chase livestock or wildlife.
3. Keep to the existing tracks on the forest when birds nest on the ground (1 March - 31 July). At this time, keep your dog close by or you may be asked by a forest ranger or keeper to put it on a lead.
4. Prevent your dog fouling on footpaths and around vehicle parks. If it does foul, remove the waste.
5. Groups of dogs can be intimidating to other forest users and wildlife. Keep them under control.
6. Be considerate to other forest users, particularly children at play and picnickers.
7. Keep well away from any work taking place in the forest.
8. Prevent excessive barking from your dog.

Horse Riding Code

1. Keep to the tracks when the ground is soft or muddy. When there is no alternative, keep to a slow pace.
2. Take an alternative route to avoid soft slopes. Riding straight up and down causes erosion.
3. Avoid widening existing tracks, or creating new ones. Keep off re-seeded areas and recently reinstated rides.
4. Vary your route on the forest to spread the wear and tear.
5. Keep to the tracks when birds are nesting on the ground (1 March - 31 July).
6. Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest users. Be courteous and friendly.
7. Do not build jumps or create lunging areas on the forest.
8. Keep well away from any work taking place in the forest.
9. Never ride more than two abreast. Limit groups to a maximum of eight horses on the road.

Out and About guide

1. Be safe and plan ahead - follow any signs and aim to be out of the forest by dusk.
2. Close all gates behind you unless they have been fastened open.
3. Do not pick or remove plants or flowers.
4. Do not feed or disturb the common stock - ponies, cattle and donkeys. Give them space and do not touch them.
5. Take your litter home and do not light fires.
6. Keep to the existing tracks on the forest when birds nest on the ground (1 March - 31 July). At this time, keep your dog close by or you may be asked by a forest ranger or keeper to put it on a lead.
7. Keep below the forest speed limit (40 mph) and slow down when approaching walkers, riders or livestock.
8. Do not park on verges or in gateways. Use one of the many vehicle parks.
9. Keep well away from any forestry work and obey the warning signs.

Cycle Code

1. Keep to the way-marked gravel tracks when cycling in the forest.
2. Slow down and call out a warning when approaching other forest users. Be courteous and friendly.
3. Take extra care when nearing horse riders. When in a group, all cyclists should pass the horse on the same side.
4. Do not startle ponies, cattle or wildlife. Go slowly and give them space.
5. Avoid causing obstructions - do not ride more than two abreast. Always ride in single file on narrow roads.
6. Keep well away from any work going on in the forest.
7. Do not pass any vehicle loading timber until you have been told it is safe to do so.
8. Use the map, and plan to be out of the forest by dusk.

How to get around in New Forest

By foot

The New Forest has an excellent network of footpaths, rides and forest roads which can be used by walkers and hikers well away from any motor traffic. Indeed you are free to wander where you wish in much of the forest area.

The distances involved are not insignificant, and the conditions underfoot can be very variable. Walking boots and decent walking clothing are advised.

By bike

With a good network of gravel rides and forest roads open to cyclists and walkers, but not to cars, cycling is a really good way to see the New Forest. Because of its popularity and there is a good selection of cycle hire outfits, which can supply adult and children's bikes, trailers, etc. Here are some of them:

• Forest Leisure Cycling, Burley, www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk, tel 01425 403584.
• New Forest Cycle Experience, Island Shop, Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, tel 01590 624204. Open every day 9:30AM Monday - 5:30PM.

Travel on a Bus in New Forest

The New Forest#Do|New Forest Tour operates a tourist bus service around Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Lymington, Brockenhurst and many intermediate rural locations, and runs with low floor easy access buses hourly throughout the summer check thenewforesttour.info for times.

Additionally there is a network of conventional rural bus services running on the main routes in the forest. Traveline provides an online travel planner for these services, which can also be contacted by calling 087-608-2-608 from anywhere in the UK.

By car

The road network within the New Forest is fairly limited in its extent, although all the major villages are served. The roads are quite narrow and can get busy. As most roads are unfenced, drivers must be constantly aware of the possibility of encountering animals on the road, especially at night. For this reason and the forest is subject to a blanket {{mph|40 speed limit. It's not unknown for the Forest to get hit by heavy fog at night reducing vision to a few metres.

What to see in New Forest

New Forest heath and horses - |New Forest ponies grazing on heathland

The main thing to see in the New Forest is the forest itself. Throughout the forest there are areas of heathland, forested enclosures, upland streams and the free roaming New Forest Ponies.

However there are some more specific attractions, as described in the following sections.

Northern Forest

The Northern Forest is that part of the forest north of the very busy A31 road which bisects the forest and forms something of a barrier for both visitors and the local flora and fauna. Compared to the Southern Forest and the Northern Forest is higher and has more open heathland and less woodland. With a smaller population and fewer roads, this part of the forest tends to be less busy.

Other than the forest and there are a few other attractions.

Rufus Stone - The Rufus Stone

• Rufus Stone SO43 7HN 50.91121, -1.617062 in an attractive glade just north of the A31 towards the eastern boundary of the forest; it is clearly signposted from the dual-carriageway Opening Hours: Open daylight hours Free - The stone marks the spot where popular myth has it that King William II, often called William Rufus and son of William the Conqueror, was killed by an arrow shot by Walter Tyrell, while hunting on 2 August 1100. Whilst it was called an accident and the fact that William's body was left to rot where he fell by his hunting companions, and the reaction of his brother Henry in immediately riding to Winchester to claim the treasury and the crown does make one wonder. The actual location of William's death was probably a fair bit to the south but no one really knows for sure.

• Breamore House - SP6 2DF 50.9705, -1.7839 Breamore village is 3|miles north of Fordingbridge. Follow the brown signs from the A338 Salisbury Road. ☎ +44 1725 512 858 Opening Hours: April and October: Tuesday Sunday noon-5:30PM; May-Sept: Tuesday - Thursday Sunday noon-5:30PM; and open bank holidays throughout the year Adults £9.50, seniors £8, children (5-15 years) £6, children under 5 free Breamore House BreamoreHouse - An Elizabethan (late 16th century) manor house with very fine furniture and paintings. Also onsite is an agricultural museum with a comprehensive collection of steam-powered farm machinery. The museum and the ground floor of the house are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

Southern Forest

The Southern Forest is that part of the forest south of the A31. This is lower lying, with a greater proportion of woodland although heathland still occupies a significant proportion of the area. The Southern Forest is more inhabited, containing all the major forest villages, and tends to see more visitors.

• Exbury Gardens - 50.7986, -1.4005 ☎ +44 2380 891203 Opening Hours: March - October: daily 10AM Monday - 5:30PM £7.50 adult, £3.50-5.50 senior; £1-1.50 child (higher price applies during rhododendron and azalea flowering season) Exbury Garden Exbury Gardens - Exbury Gardens is a spectacular 200-acre woodland garden, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas & camellias. Best seen in late spring (up until the beginning of June), when the rhododendrons and azaleas are at their best.

The building slips at Buckler's Hard, Hampshire, UK. - Bucklers Hard, major shipbuilding centre during the Napoleonic Wars

• Buckler's Hard - 50.79903, -1.42243 ☎ +44 1590 614645 Opening Hours: Easter-September: daily 10:30AM Monday - 5PM; October - Easter: daily 11AM Monday - 4PM Admission to the village street and riverside is free; museum admission is £5.90 adult, £4.75 senior, and £3.75 child Bucklers Hard2 Buckler's Hard - Buckler's Hard is a very pretty 18th century village with a single wide street running down to the Beaulieu River. During the Napoleonic Wars, with Britains urgent need for ships and the New Forest's abundant supply of Oak, Bucklers Hard became a major shipbuilding centre. Many warships, including Nelson's Agamemnon, were built on the slips at the foot of the village street. In some of the village buildings is The Maritime Museum with displays on the villages history.

Beaulieu river at longwater lawn - Beaulieu River cutting through Longwater Lawn

• Beaulieu|Beaulieu Village is a very attractive village on the River Beaulieu (bigger than the picture shows!) with a handful of pretty good attractions - an Abbey, a Palace and a Motor Museum.

• New Forest Wildlife Park - 50.886, -1.4983 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 5:30PM in spring/summer; daily 10AM Monday - dusk in autumn/winter Admission is £9.95 adults, £6.95 children, and £8.95 seniors New Forest Wildlife Park - They've gotta lotta otter. Along with a fine owl collection, wolves, deer, quite a lot of butterflies and a few other odds and ends including a rare albino wallaby.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for New Forest

• A good way for a first-time visitor to see the new forest by bus is the new New Forest Tour, an open top bus route which runs on a one-way loop through the forest serving Lyndhurst, Beaulieu, Lymington, Brockenhurst and many intermediate rural locations. Buses run every 60 minutes during the summer, and you can get off at any point and catch the next bus after you have looked around.
• Visit the adjoining town and small port of Lymington, and maybe even catch the ferry across the Solent from there to the very pretty (and even smaller) port of Yarmouth (England) | Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

• Paulton's Park - 50.9489, -1.55236 just off junction 2 of the M27 Opening Hours: Fully open Apr–Oct, generally 10AM–5:30PM. Christmas at Paultons: weekends and certain other days in Nov–Dec: 10:00–16:30. Closed 24 December–31 March Adults and children taller than 1 m: £31.75 / £27.25 advance; children under 1 m: free Paultons Park a popular family theme park with over 40 rides, as well as a small zoo, gardens and 'park within a park' Peppa Pig World

• Furzey Gardens - a beautiful country garden with adventure playgrounds, tree houses and mini fairy houses for kids to discover. There's also a museum and tea rooms. Furzey Gardens won a Gold medal at the 2011 Chelsea Flower Show.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in New Forest

There is a very good bike store in Brockenhurst, which will be able to supply most parts to allow you to make any repairs. The also hire bikes out.

There are camp stores in Lyndhurst.

Halal Food & Restaurants in New Forest

• Breamore House Tea Barn is a cafe in the heart of the Hampshire country side. It is situated in the grounds of Breamore House, a manor house dating back to the 16th century.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to New Forest

New Forest - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to New Forest, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for New Forest. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in New Forest and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to New Forest. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to New Forest. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inNew Forest: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in New Forest.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in New Forest: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in New Forest, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in New Forest.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in New Forest, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in New Forest, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within New Forest and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in New Forest, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in New Forest, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of New Forest without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for New Forest is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring New Forest.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group New Forest is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in New Forest, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group New Forest Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in New Forest

eHalal Group New Forest is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in New Forest. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in New Forest.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in New Forest ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within New Forest. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in New Forest, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in New Forest are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@halal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Camping Places

There are numerous camp sites in the New Forest, but wild camping is not allowed.

Forestry Commission Sites

These are all run to a very high standard. They all offer wash huts with hot showers and flushing toilets, drinking water, and some have campsite shops offering gas and food etc.

• Ashurst - Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, SO40 2AA ☎ +44 845 130 8224

About 5 miles away from Southampton, this is the furthest east of all the FC campsites. Ashurst is a decent campsite situated close to Ashurst (New Forest) train station, which is on the line to Southampton. Pitch your tent the far side of the site to the railway line for a better nights sleep! The site is dog free, and there is a small shop on site for buyig gas, milk, iceboxes etc.

• Denny Wood - Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7FZ ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Hollands Wood - Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Holmsley - Thorney Hill, Bransgore, Christchurch, BH23 7EQ ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Matley Wood - Beaulieu Road, Lyndhurst, SO43 7FZ ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Ocknell and Longbeech - Fritham, SO43 7HH ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Roundhill - Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QL ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Setthorns - Wooton, New Milton, BH25 5WA ☎ +44 845 130 8224
• Balmer Lawn Hotel - ☎ +44 1590 623116 £70-160 - The, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Probably the best known and most prestigious hotel in the New Forest.

• Twin Cottage - ☎ +44 7884 390343 Bisterne Close, Burley, If you are interested in a little independence and space, consider renting a cottage. Twin Cottage, in the heart of the New Forest, is a beautifully furnished two bedroom cottage with a fully equipped kitchen, wireless internet and is great for children.

Stay Safe

The ponies here are feral and although pretty, are best left alone. Do not feed them as this encourages them to pester people for food and never get between a mother and her foal as they will kick out. The same applies to the deer who inhabit the park, with extra caution to be taken during the autumn rutting season, when the testosterone-fuelled males grow antlers and compete with one other for the right to breed.

Travel Next

• Isle of Wight
• There are nice beaches in nearby Christchurch (England) | Christchurch
• Fleet Air Arm museum in Yeovilton
• Bovington#Do|Bovington Tank Museum is roughly 45 min drive away

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.