Lyndhurst
The “capital” of the New Forest, with a heritage centre, the Queen’s House where the verderers’ court sits, and many tea rooms and pubs; the most convenient base.
Lyndhurst is the administrative centre and traditional “capital” of the New Forest, with tea rooms, antique shops and pubs lining its high street. The New Forest Heritage Centre (free admission) doubles as a visitor centre, introducing the history of the royal hunting grounds and the free-roaming ponies, cattle and pigs, and offering walking and cycling maps. Inside the Queen’s House, the verderers’ court, which still deals with forest grazing matters, continues to sit. Open heathland surrounds the town, and ponies often wander the streets. You can drive in, or take a bus from Brockenhurst station, a journey of about 10 minutes.
Opening hours
All day; heritage center 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- St Michael and All Angels Church, Lyndhurst
- Minstead & Furzey Gardens
- Knightwood Oak
- Brockenhurst
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive & Tall Trees Trail
- Rufus Stone
- New Forest Wildlife Park
- Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World)