Our regular series highlights top attractions to help you make the most of a two-day visit
Words: Paul Critcher
KNOWN AS THE capital of the New Forest, Lyndhurst is the largest of the many pretty Hampshire villages sprinkled throughout the national park.
The village dates back to the time of the Domesday Book, when it formed part of the New Forest lands established by William the Conqueror.
Today, it’s a magnet for the many visitors who come to enjoy the region’s arts and culture, as well as the natural beauty of the forest.
With trains from London taking only 90 minutes to nearby Brockenhurst, it’s an extremely popular holiday destination, particularly at half-term, when large numbers of visitors from across the country head there to enjoy a family break.
And why not? Wild ponies, gorgeous scenery and many outdoor activities make this a great place to get away from it all. Lyndhurst itself lies in the heart of the forest, with plenty to enjoy in the immediate area and easy access to surrounding villages and attractions.
DAY 1 9am Fuel stop
Fortify yourself with a delicious New Forest breakfast at Peggy May’s Café, where you can also enjoy excellent cream teas. peggymayscafe.com
10am Read all about it
It’s a short walk to the New Forest Heritage Centre, a free museum where you can find out all about the New Forest in exhibitions and the library. newforestheritage.org.uk
11am Pedal power
Enjoy all things cycling at this bike hire shop and café. Bikes are available for daily hire from £22 (ebikes from £45). The staff can also advise on local trails.
Try the five-mile forest route to Bolderwood, where there is also a deer sanctuary, or longer trails such as the one to Burley, a pretty little village of thatched cottages and interesting shops.
thewoodscyclery.co.uk
1.30pm Pub grub
If you reach Burley, stop off at the Queen’s Head, a fine old pub dating back to 1685 and offering a great selection of traditional pub fare.
If your cycle trip takes you back to Lyndhurst, The Oak Inn has a great menu, from pub faves to excellent sandwiches.
chefandbrewer.com/pubs/hampshire/queens-head oakinnlyndhurst.co.uk
Native ponies
New Forest ponies are synonymous with the national park and have lived in the area for some 2000 years. There is also evidence of them roaming here thousands of years before that. Today, some 5000 native ponies run free in the New Forest National Park, where they are often seen on open moorland, a quintessential New Forest sight.
3pm Scale up
For something a little different, discover the work of the New Forest Reptile Centre, which helps to conserve and protect rare snakes and l
