The New Forest is a great destination if you're looking for a car(e)-free holiday, with plenty of local transport, walks and trails to make it easy to explore, be carbon-conscious... and take the scenic route whilst you're at it!
For those driving hybrid / fully-electric cars, the map below shows charging points throughout the New Forest + you can also chat to us about which of our homes have chargers installed.
There is a regular public bus service around the New Forest National Park… stopping off at plenty of New Forest hot spots, you’ll also get to sit back and enjoy the amazing views whilst you’re at it… especially if you’re lucky enough to hail a double decker!
Bluestar operates the main route from Southampton, with Route 6 stopping in Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Lymington + Morebus is a Bournemouth-based route which includes stops in Christchurch, New Milton and Lymington; or through Ringwood.
We also recommend taking a tour bus for sightseeing in the National Park during summer months. With a few routes to try out, it’s also an open-top affair & you can learn a bit of New Forest history from the on-board commentary whilst you’re at it…
Hop on and hop off wherever you like, catch the next bus or even change direction by swapping the route- all on the same ticket! Whichever route you take this is a great way to meet the New Forest ponies, roam around the chocolate box villages and immerse yourself in the quintessential English countryside;
South Western Railway provides routes all the way down the south coast, with options to get on and off as you please (the line runs from London Waterloo all the way down to Weymouth).
Brockenhurst is one of the larger of the forest stations (you can get here in under 2 hours from London), and is also home to the Lymington Town and Lymington Pier connections for a fab day trip or a ferry over to the Isle of Wight… Whichever route you choose to take you’ll be sure to soak up some beautiful forest scenery & glimpse some wildlife along the way!
There are a few major roads that cut across the New Forest but there are still plenty of lanes and back roads to explore, making it a great place to navigate on two wheels. You’re never more than a few miles from civilisation in any direction, yet you do truly feel like you have left suburbia behind. Along the way, there will be plenty of towns, villages and pubs to discover.
Cycle routes are found the length and breadth of the National Park – read our blog cycling in the New Forest to find out the best cycle trails and the dos and don’ts in the New Forest.
Cycle hire companies can be found across the whole of the Forest, and we have listed a few of our faves below. Pssst.. if the idea of long distance cycling is making you tired already, then maybe an E bike is the way to go!
In Lymington – New Forest Bikes
New Forest Bikes offer popular guided bike tours of the local area. One such tour is the Surf & Turf ride which takes you on a leisurely ride along the sea wall towards Keyhaven (where you will experience some fantastic views of the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle) and then through the gorgeous bluebell fields of Roydon Woods (plus a pit stop to sample some famous New Forest ice cream).
Their shop is in Lymington and a 1-minute walk from Lymington train station. Alternatively bikes can be delivered to your holiday accommodation.
NFE guests can benefit from a 10% discount.
In Brockenhurst – Cyclexperience
These guys know the New Forest inside out and can hire you any type of bike including kids bikes, tagalongs and trailers.
Not only can you hire an excellent choice of bikes right beside the train station, but you can also get the bikes delivered to your holiday property. They have an extensive selection of routes with good maps, so enjoying the National Park and escaping into the woods has never been easier.
Cycle Experience are offering NFE guests a 10% discount on midweek cycle hire (not redeemable at Weekends or Bank Holidays).
In Beaulieu – New Forest Activities
A well known and respected company with offices in Beaulieu village and Bucklers Hard. They also offer Kayak trips, bush crafts, archery, ropes, canoeing, raft building and specialise in family group bookings.
Our guests have been offered a 10% discount off any activity using the code NFESCAPES.
Please ask a member of the NFE team for the T&Cs relating to this discount.
In Lyndhurst – The Woods Cyclery
The Woods Cyclery offer an extensive range of bike hire & kit to suit all abilities. With venues in both Lyndhurst and Burley, both locations are perfectly placed to get off the beaten track & explore the forest, with the option of joining in on guided tours if you fancy.
The Woods Cyclery team have offered all New Forest Escapes’ guests a 10% discount on cycle hire (excluding bank holidays).
Electric Bikes – Jaunt- ebikes , Milford on Sea
Jaunt-E’s retro style E-Bikes will put a smile on your face. Designed for leisure and pleasure, they will take you wherever you want to go, with a little bit of extra help for those tricky bits.
Jaunt- E not only offer cycle hire, but popular E-Bike + activity excursions including Vineyard tours and tastings, Brewery Safaris, Picnics and Kayaking experiences. All hire includes free delivery plus helmets, a lock and a handlebar bag.
The team have offered guests of New Forest Escapes a 10% discount on orders.
Most of the firms are based in the main towns in and around the New Forest National Park. It always pays to plan in advance if you need a cab as the telephone service is not always reliable in the forest and we wouldn’t want anyone left to fend for themselves! So here’s a small selection of the main operators:
Take a look at how New Forest Escapes are taking strides in becoming Greener & Greater…
