The New Forest - Perfect autumn getaway
As the cold starts to draw in and autumn is definitely showing its all too fast approach, many of us are taking short breaks to try and catch the last glimmers of sun and to enjoy the blustery days of autumn before the winter cold really kicks in. Going away at this time of year gives you a great opportunity to see some of the county’s most beautiful landscapes in their autumn finery and nowhere is as beautiful at this time of year as the New Forest in Hampshire.
The New Forest is Britain’s largest heathland and forest and largely protected by the borders of the National Park. It’s exceptionally beautiful and one of the UK’s most popular walking destinations. In the summer months the area is incredibly popular but really autumn is the New Forest golden season. As the trees start to wear their autumn coats the forests become a sea of beautiful golds, chestnut browns and fading greens. The beauty of the New Forest on a sunny autumn day is truly sublime and nowhere in England can you be quite as shocked by the beauty of nature at this time of year.
For visitors the New Forest it offers a haven of escape and relaxation from our busy lives and lifestyles. The area is perfect for a relaxing walking holiday with few hills and miles upon miles of forest and heath trails to explore. It’s also great for more adventurous outdoor pursuits with fantastic cycle trails and a variety of outdoor activities available on the edges of the forest and the nearby coast. The forest boasts a rich biodiversity with a curious mix of domesticated and wild animals including deer, ponies, bats, lizards and even snakes! The sheer size of the New Forest means that there are always new areas to explore and places to see; so you won’t have a second without wanting to do something new.
While the forest itself is ultimately the biggest draw at this time of year Hampshire has a huge range of attractions to suit all tastes and you’ll want to spend some time exploring all its offerings. We’d start by taking a day trip to the coast to gaze out at the Solent and, if the weather isn’t too cold, take a dip in the sea. The coast is beautiful and there are vast cliffs to explore as well as quiet sandy beaches. From here you can head to Hurst castle in Milford-on-Sea or to the farm and gardens at Staunton Country Park or the Alice Holt Country Park with its nature trails and the Go Ape high wire course which is fantastic family fun. Further afield a day trip to Southampton is a must if you’re never been. It boasts fine examples of Tudor buildings, an interesting city centre with gorgeous cathedral and incredible views out from the docks to the rivers and the Solent.
The New Forest is a beautiful place to stay and there are plenty of great accommodation options throughout the New Forest and in its environs. Family cottages in New Forest villages are incredibly popular and there are some truly beautiful places to stay in with Lyndhurst and Brokenhurst being particularly beautiful locations to visit. The villages are the perfect destination for an autumn getaway and provide you with a great base camp to explore the area and a warm and cosy environment where you can let all your cares and worries evaporate as you soak in some of the most beautiful autumn scenery in the world.
