New Forest’s rich and unique history means that there are plenty of interesting heritage sites to visit. While the area is famed for its breathtaking natural scenery, there are also countless must-see sites for those interested in its history. Here are some of our favourites, which we think anyone staying in our New Forest holiday cottages should check out!
Beaulieu Abbey
This glorious Cistercian Abbey was founded in the early 13th century and now stands as a quiet ruin with various historical exhibitions and a parish church on the grounds. In the rest of the grounds, you can also explore the National Motor Museum, the Secret Army Exhibition, and various rides, as well as having a chance to explore Beaulieu’s picturesque high street and meet free-roaming donkeys and ponies.
Buckler’s Hard
Not far from Beaulieu Abbey is the hamlet of Buckler’s Hard, which is part of the Beaulieu estate. Most of its buildings are cottages made from local red brick with clay tiled roofs and date back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, remaining relatively unchanged since their building.
The hamlet has a unique history, being a prominent shipbuilding location. Between 1744 and 1815, around 55 boats were built here using local New Forest oak wood, including Admiral Nelson’s favourite ship. The hamlet also played a part in the Second World War, serving as a motor torpedo boat base in the run-up to D-Day. Now, the hamlet is preserved as a Georgian village, with a museum detailing the story of its history and boats.
Hurst Castle
This artillery fortress was built by Henry VIII in the 1540s and remained in military use until 1956, after its use in both world wars. Now, Hurst Castle makes for a great day out for families and history enthusiasts. The castle’s dramatic and scenic views add to its intrigue, and the journey to the castle is part of the experience: to get there, you will either have to get a ferry from Keyhaven Harbour, or walk the scenic 1.5 mile route along Hurst Spit.
The New Forest Heritage Centre
Located in Lyndhurst, this free-entry museum is the perfect place to discover some of the New Forest’s most interesting pieces of history. The Heritage Centre features exhibitions about the area’s culture, traditions, and wildlife conservation, as well as the New Forest Embroidery, a 7.5 metre long piece of embroidered art which depicts 900 years of history since the New Forest’s founding. The centre also often features temporary exhibitions and regular events, which can provide unique insight into the local history.
Lepe Country Park
This country park preserves significant D-Day embarkation remnants and serves as a highly important place in the planning of D-Day. Historically, the area was also a prime spot for smuggling. Now, you can learn about the rich history of the country park while you also enjoy swimming, birdwatching, and walking in its wildflower meadows and along its scenic walking paths.
Attribution: (5a) A tour of the WWII Ashley Walk Bombing Range – Tallboy bomb crater by Mike Searle
Ashley Walk
This former bombing range is one of the more remote areas of open heathland in the New Forest. Ashley Walk is known for the role it played in the Second World War, as an important bombing range for the RAF.
Now, however, the walk is extremely peaceful, and you are more likely to see some beautiful views and free-roaming animals than bomb tests, though it is interesting to bear in mind the use that this area once had!
There are plenty of activities for those interested in learning about the unique history of the New Forest. While much of the area’s history is focused on the Second World War, the sites now make for great family-friendly outings, where you can reflect on the area’s past while enjoying the scenery.