Lots to See

Lots To See And Do

A bit of history

The New Forest is a designated national park of more than 10,000 acres. Dating back to 1079, when William the Conqueror named the area his ‘new hunting forest’, there can be few other places in England where the landscape has remained as unchanged. The ancient system established by William The Conqueror to protect and manage the woodlands and wilderness heaths is still in place today through the efforts of Verderers, Agisters and Commoners – literally the judges, stockmen and land users of the forest.

From Lime Wood you can

Visit Lyndhurst which is our nearest village. Lyndhurst has been the ‘capital’ of the New Forest since William the Conqueror established the area as a royal hunting ground in 1079, and has been visited by Kings and Queens throughout the centuries who came to stay at the Royal Manor. Stay at our hotel in Lyndhurst and enjoy a wide range of activities and shops (both high street names and those exclusive to the village), along with tea rooms, local pubs and cafes.

Try one of our activity or local attraction suggestions that make the most of our beautiful country house surroundings. You can either follow the link provided and book the activities directly or one of our helpful Lime Wood team members can arrange it all for you!

Lime Wood’s suggestions:

Beaulieu Abbey – Founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks the Abbey still attracts many visitors who enjoy the walk through the serene Cloisters and Herb Garden.

Bournemouth – 40 minute drive – Renowned for its seven miles of golden beaches and beautiful parks and gardens, Bournemouth blends the contemporary with the traditional to ensure you are truly spoilt for choice - welcome to our gem on the South Coast.

Broadlands – Home of Lord Mountbatten and now Lord and Lady Romsey - (house closed until 2012).

Buckler’s Hard, The Maritime Museum – The 18th century maritime village of Buckler’s Hard sits on the western bank of the Beaulieu River and is a pleasant place to while away a couple of hours while learning about the important role that Buckler’s Hard played in Britain's shipbuilding history. In the main museum hall you can see many models and paintings of ships built at Buckler’s Hard, along with a wartime history video focusing on the Beaulieu estate during the Second World War.

Compton Acres – Compton Acres invites you to escape to a different world. Twelve individual gardens, set in ten acres with spectacular views over Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. The old English Garden – This Garden is formed of these double herbaceous borders set against tall wild Rhododendron ponticum hedging which is trimmed annually. Purbeck stone walls built by Cornishmen during 1954 – 1955 using hand dressed stone replace banks of peat walling and Irish Yew. The wall to the left is home to various wall shrubs.

Exbury Gardens – 20 minutes drive – Lionel Nathan de Rothschild was the man whose inspiration created Exbury Gardens. It was his vision, his dedication and his resources which have created one of the finest woodland gardens in the country.

Furzey Gardens – These informal gardens were first planted in 1922 and are renowned for their all year round beauty. The scented glades and secret garden paths lead to unique views of the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. It also has a picnic area on the grounds with a play area for families with children.

Highcliffe – 25 minute drive – sand and chesil beach

Hurst Castle - 30 minute drive - it's situated at the end of a spit that extends 1.5miles from Milford-on-Sea. The views are spectacular.

I.O.W – 25 minutes to ferry, 30 minutes to Yarmouth, The Isle of Wight is one of the most idyllic yet exciting parts of Britain. A place that seems to exert an irresistible attraction that brings visitors back time after time. There are an amazing number of attractions on the Isle of Wight for a place that measures only 23 miles by 13 miles. The Isle of Wight has over 60 places to visit with plenty of things to to do come rain or shine including Cowes!

Keyhaven & Hurst Castle – 25 minute drive – Chesil beach with picturesque walk to World War II. Keyhaven with its creeks and inlets form a natural harbour and has a ferry to Hurst Castle with it's Museum. There is a passenger service ferry service to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight which is a short distance across the Solent. There is a public slip way with parking, ideal for exploring the area by dingy or kayak. There are two sailing clubs at Keyhaven.

Longdown Activity Farm – The farm offers a number of exciting ways for children to learn about life on the farm. Children can feed goats, rabbits and pigs and take part in daily chores as well as ride on the tractors and trailers. Also includes picnic area and tea room.

Lyndhurst - Is our nearest town and houses a variety of tea rooms, shops, restaurants and the Lyndhurst Gallery.

Lymington – Mecca for yachts, gateway to the I.O.W, A bustling, pretty market town, Lymington is a 15 minutes drive from the hotel. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the board Georgian high street and a trip down the cobbles to the town quay and numerous yacht havens, which provide the emphasis for the summer sailing season.

Marwell Zoo - Marwell offers you the chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world and help save them. It's 35minutes away by car.

Milford On Sea – 25 minute drive – Chesil beach

Motor Museum, Beaulieu – The museum boasts over 250 vehicles from every motoring era. These include some the earliest examples in motoring, legendary world record breakers and an exceptional collection of World and British Championship superbikes.

Mottisfont Abbey – Famous for its Buildings and Rose Gardens

New Forest Show – The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire. It is a great family day out with much to do, learn and see. The show attracts, on average, 95,000 visitors every year and brings together a celebration of traditional country pursuits, crafts, produce and entertainment. The dates for 2011are 26-28 July. Lime Wood supports the New Forest show by advertising in their brochure and opening its doors to anyone who wishes to stay over this period. We are located 20 minutes away.

Paultons Park & Pepper Pig World -  The popular Family theme park is only a 20minute drive from us and has a variety of rides and attractions for all age groups.

Palace House, Beaulieu – Formerly the 13th century Great Gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House is set in glorious grounds and gardens with immaculate spreading lawns and walkways overlooking the Beaulieu River.

Portsmouth – 40 minutes drive – The historic Royal Dockyard forms the heart of the city and remains the spiritual home of the Royal Navy. Attractions within the dockyard include the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior. Portsmouth has many attractions apart from the dockyard including the new Spinnaker Tower, D-Day museum promenades, beaches, a pier & fun fair at Southsea, itself is worth a visit for the chance to pick up a bargain at the many antique shops and the new shopping centre ‘Gunwalf Quays’.

Romsey – 20 minute drive

Salisbury – 40 minute drive – Known as 'The city in the countryside', the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury has historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional English eating houses and characterful shopping streets, not to mention a superb range of attractions, including the UK's finest medieval cathedral.

Sand Banks – 50 minutes drive

Southampton – West Quay, high quality retail 15/ 20 minute drive, Southampton is a vibrant, modern city which offers a warm welcome to visitors from all over the world. It is a city rich in heritage from its time as a Roman seaport to today's modern, bustling, vibrant cosmopolitan city. Cruise gateway to Europe

Stockbridge – Georgian market town in the test valley with art gallery/antique shops/restaurants and great gift shops – 40 minute drive

Stonehenge – The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world. What visitors see today are the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000BC and 1600BC.

The New Forest Museum in Lyndhurst provides a unique guide into the Forest’s history and heritage.

The New Forest National Park – 90,000 acres of heath land, woodlands and streams. It is a protected with a large wildlife habitat expanse of natural vegetation and forest

Winchester – 25 minute drive – The Ancient capital of England, Winchester is a unique heritage city with a magnificent Cathedral, award-winning pubs and restaurants and a tempting array of independent shops, all surrounded by fabulous rolling countryside and pretty Hampshire villages.

Bits and Bobs we like:

Fishing Shops and Fishing Guides

Other Shops

Cars and Boats

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