Explore the New Forest

The New Forest park is 94,000 acres of open forest and heathland stretching from the South coast to north of Southampton. The New Forest is beautiful all year round. It is particularly popular in the spring and autumn when the colours in the forest are at their best.

New Forest Ponies, cattle, pigs, sheep and donkeys wander freely about this timeless forest. The animals are owned and managed by commoners who have the right to graze their animals this ancient way on the forest and the animals help maintain the New Forests growth.

The park has 192 kilometres of wide, gravelled off road cycling paths, hundreds of miles of walking tracks and endless places to horse ride, dog walk, picnic and absorb the calmness and beauty of this outstanding area.

Cottage Lodge Hotel is in the lovely village of Brockenhurst which is situated in the heart of the National Park, within easy walking distance to the open forest, the centre of the village and the train station.

Walking in the New Forest

There are hundreds of walks in the New Forest National park. History walks, coastal walks, forest walks, wheelchair friendly walks and many more. We keep a folder of our favourite walks and cycles at Cottage Lodge. But, you can access the official walks via the New Forest website.

Cycling in the New Forest

Bring your own bike and store it with us at the Cottage Lodge or hire a bike from Cycle experience, just a few minutes walk from Cottage Lodge. There is 192km of off-road cycling in the New Forest National park. You can pick up the closest trail less than 300m from the Cottage Lodge hotel.

Local attractions

Like to explore the local area? There is so much to see.

Rainy days are perfect to explore Beaulieu Motor museum, head for Winchester, or visit a wildlife park. If relaxing is more your thing then we are close to some top spas and museums. If you’re a foodie then we are blessed with some great restaurants locally to enjoy. See below to find more inspiration: