Why visit Brockenhurst?
Gateway to the New Forest
Brockenhurst is the biggest village in the New Forest National Park, so it’s a fine choice for a break that’s got easy access to both countryside and convenient amenities like shops and places to eat. You can get straight out onto walking or bike trails from the village, or wait for the wildlife to come to you – the famous wild ponies often turn up to have a drink at the Watersplash ford at the bottom of the main street.
Easy, eco-friendly travel
If you’re looking for an easy escape from London or other places around south-east England, Brockenhurst makes a great pick. It’s only a short way from the end of the M27 via A roads, so you can get that fix of rural life without lots of narrow lanes. The village also has a railway station on the main line for fast trains to London Waterloo – and you can hire bikes when you arrive to continue exploring in an eco-friendly way.
Family fun
Those in search of peaceful rural rambles and country pubs will do well around here – but so will families in search of a whole heap of things to keep the kids busy. Whether they’re of an age to be wowed by Paulton’s Park, home of Peppa Pig World, or they’d rather leap about at the New Forest Water Park or Lymington’s seawater swimming pool, a stay in Brockenhurst puts you within easy reach of plenty of great family attractions.
Essential things to do in and around Brockenhurst
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Walk along the 1.4-mile Tall Trees Trail, passing a couple of huge redwood trees and some conifers that are more than 150 years old
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Spend the day in nearby Beaulieu, visiting the Palace House and National Motor Museum
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Hire bikes and set off on New Forest cycling trails to spot wild ponies and deer
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Head to Buckler’s Hard to immerse yourselves in maritime history and take a river cruise
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Come face to face with bison, otters and owls at the nearby New Forest Wildlife Park
Less-explored Brockenhurst
Foodie walk
You won’t need to pack a picnic when you head out for a walk or cycle ride on the South Taste Trail, which runs through the forest from Brockenhurst. This seven-mile route has several treats in store along the way, including pubs, tea rooms, a farm shop, a cider farm and a fudge shop.
Go out on a mission
The Brockenhurst Spy Mission Treasure Trail, which you can download online, is a great way to get children interested in some of the local landmarks. Along the way they’ll have to solve clues to seek out particular spots where they’ll learn about former local residents and pick up a bit of history as they go.
More motors
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu may gather much of the glory around here, but if you’re into your motors it’s well worth also including a stop at Sammy Miller’s Motorcycle Museum about 15 minutes’ drive from Brockenhurst. Here you can admire a constantly growing collection of more than 450 motorbikes, most of which are in working order – Sammy himself frequently turns up to demonstrate them.
Here’s how
Can’t get enough of those New Forest views? Camping near Brockenhurst puts you within easy reach of lots of attractions and gives you a chance to soak up the scenery from morning through to bedtime – and perhaps with some great stargazing to finish the day.
Our range of campsites and other outdoor accommodation includes everything from budget-friendly simple tent pitches to holiday parks with lots of leisure facilities on site – and some rather smart Brockenhurst glamping sites too. See all the sites that will suit you by using the tick-box filters to choose the amenities and style that appeal the most – or click on the links below to see some of our most popular selections.
If Brockenhurst isn’t quite right for you, expand your search to the whole of Hampshire, or look over the border to explore campsites in Dorset and Wiltshire.
