Ringwood
A captivating ancient woodland and heathland, famous for its free-roaming ponies and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Ringwood
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A captivating ancient woodland and heathland, famous for its free-roaming ponies and stunning natural beauty.
"A truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit."
🚗 Respect Wildlife
Never feed the ponies or other animals. They have right of way and can be unpredictable.
👟 Pack Comfy Shoes
Essential for exploring diverse trails. Be ready for varied terrain and potential mud.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
New Forest Ponies
Throughout the New Forest
Iconic, free-roaming equines that are a symbol of this ancient woodland. A truly magical sight!
Burley Village
New Forest
A charming village with a unique witch and fairy theme, offering quirky shops and spooky tales.
Ringwood Town Trail
Ringwood
Explore the historic market town of Ringwood and discover its vibrant character and local heritage.
New Jersey Botanical Garden
Ringwood, NJ
A stunning 96-acre garden sanctuary with diverse flora, offering breathtaking views and peaceful strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: New Forest's Free-Roaming Animals
Best Footwear for Forest Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Respect Wildlife
Never feed the ponies or other animals. They have right of way and can be unpredictable.
👟 Pack Comfy Shoes
Essential for exploring diverse trails. Be ready for varied terrain and potential mud.
📸 Capture the Magic
The New Forest offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during autumn.
🗺️ Explore Local Villages
Discover charming spots like Burley for unique shops and a touch of magic. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Respect Wildlife
Never feed the ponies or other animals. They have right of way and can be unpredictable.
👟 Pack Comfy Shoes
Essential for exploring diverse trails. Be ready for varied terrain and potential mud.
📸 Capture the Magic
The New Forest offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during autumn.
🗺️ Explore Local Villages
Discover charming spots like Burley for unique shops and a touch of magic. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially important during longer walks or warmer months. Carry water bottles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New Forest for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and the magical experience of seeing ponies roam freely. It's highly recommended for families and nature lovers seeking outdoor adventures and a peaceful escape. Some find the facilities basic and wild camping is not permitted.
"I spent a truly lovely week here. There are so many amazing walks to do, wildlife to see & ponies, donkeys & cows roaming freely. It is a truly beautiful area of the country & I highly recommend a visit."
Sally Mitchell
"Beautiful place to go loads of open spaces for people to walk and cycle. Large areas for children play.
Beautiful river at brockenhurst where you can often see horses and foals, cattle and sometimes donkeys and pigs."
Claire
"The rebirth of Foxlease Park, nice to see it back up and running, volunteered here back in February? And it was just nice to see it with life and music...
Nice little room in the coach house, could do with an extra pillow, but nice time."
Matt Wickham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Forest is accessible by train from London Waterloo to stations like Brockenhurst or Ashurst. Driving is also an option, with parking available at various points.
Bus services connect many of the villages and attractions, but schedules can be infrequent. Consider a car or cycling for maximum flexibility.
Designated car parks are available at popular spots like Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and Brockenhurst. Some may have fees.
Ringwood has a train station and is served by local bus routes, making it accessible for day trips.
The NJ Botanical Garden in Ringwood, NJ, is best reached by car. Public transport options are limited in this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The New Forest itself is a national park and generally free to enter. Some specific attractions or car parks may have fees.
While the grounds of the NJ Botanical Garden are generally accessible, there might be parking fees or specific event charges. Check their official website for current information.
Burley Village is a public area and does not have an entrance fee. You can explore its shops and atmosphere freely.
Opening hours vary for shops and attractions in Ringwood. It's best to check individual business websites for their specific times.
Yes, day passes and memberships are available for Highlands Natural Pool. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary walk, the Old Railway Cycle Route, and various paths around Brockenhurst.
Yes, cycling is very popular with dedicated cycle paths like the Old Railway Route. Bike hire is available in several villages.
Expect to see free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, and deer. Birdwatching is also excellent.
Absolutely! The New Forest is fantastic for families with plenty of open spaces, animal encounters, and easy walks.
Ringwood, NJ, offers the beautiful NJ Botanical Garden and the Highlands Natural Pool for outdoor recreation.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find traditional pubs, charming tea rooms, and farm shops offering local produce. Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst have a good selection.
Many pubs and cafes offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are becoming more common. It's always good to ask.
Ringwood has a range of pubs and restaurants, including options for casual dining and local cuisine.
Hunter & Barrel in Ringwood, VIC, is known for its steaks and offers a variety of dishes, including appetizers and cocktails.
Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! There are many beautiful spots with open spaces perfect for a family picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ponies, ancient trees, and misty mornings. Autumn colors are particularly photogenic.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for capturing the landscape and wildlife.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of private property and wildlife. Avoid disturbing animals.
The quaint cottages, witchy-themed shops, and surrounding forest provide charming photo opportunities in Burley. +1
Yes, the cherry blossom trees at the NJ Botanical Garden in Ringwood, NJ, are spectacular in spring and make for beautiful photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Burley Village for its unique, whimsical charm, which kids often find enchanting.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Don't miss the chance to witness the unique commoning system in action and observe the diverse wildlife. The changing seasons bring different beauty, with autumn offering spectacular colors and spring showcasing blooming flora.
🌿 Garden & Nature Lovers (Ringwood, NJ)
+1 Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll with your furry friend. For a refreshing dip, the Highlands Natural Pool offers a unique swimming experience in a freshwater pool fed by a stream, surrounded by the serene Norvin Green State Forest.
It's an ideal destination for a summer day out, combining swimming with nearby hiking opportunities. Remember to check for day pass availability and opening times. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting New Forest Ecosystem
Beyond the iconic ponies, the New Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and numerous bird species. The diverse habitats, from dense woodlands to open mires and heathlands, support a rich array of flora and fauna. The forest's age, with some areas dating back over a thousand years, adds to its mystique and ecological significance.
When exploring, remember that these animals are wild and should be treated with respect. They have right of way, and feeding them is strictly prohibited as it can disrupt their natural diet and behavior. Observing them from a safe distance is part of the authentic New Forest experience.
Exploring Ringwood: A Tale of Two Ringwoods
Across the globe, there's Ringwood, Victoria, Australia, a suburb of Melbourne. This Ringwood is recognized for its shopping centers like Eastland and a vibrant local scene, including a notable presence of thrift stores.
+1Further afield, Ringwood, New Jersey, USA, is a township renowned for its stunning natural attractions. It's home to the New Jersey Botanical Garden within Ringwood State Park, a sprawling 96-acre horticultural paradise, and the Highlands Natural Pool, a unique freshwater swimming experience set amidst the Norvin Green State Forest.
+1Each 'Ringwood' offers a unique flavor, from the historic charm of the UK town to the natural beauty of its New Jersey namesake and the suburban bustle of its Australian counterpart. Understanding which Ringwood you're interested in is key to planning your visit.
Autumnal Splendor in the New Forest
During autumn, the wildlife is also active, and spotting the ponies against the backdrop of colorful foliage is a particularly memorable experience. The forest floor becomes carpeted with fallen leaves, adding to the picturesque scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit