When customers begin planning their motorhome holiday we are often asked for advice on where to go. With the UK offering so much choice it's understandable how this part of the adventure can seem a little daunting. We have therefore begun putting together some helpful touring guides covering the UK. Lets kick off with one of our favourite destinations...The New Forest
The New Forests Majestic surroundings makes it an ideal destination to head to with your Capricorn Campers motorhome. The 219 square miles of ancient woodlands, open moors, heathland and cliff top walks will have you feeling like you have been transported to another world. There are also 40 miles of coastline in the New Forest National Park making the whole area an exciting playground to explore.
Here's just a few ideas that you could include in your Motorhome holiday itinerary:
To discover and learn about the History and heritage of the New Forest the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst is the perfect place to start your journey of discovery admission is free although donations are appreciated. For Motorhome parking in Lyndhurst we would recommend the public parking facilities at SO43 7DA, Lyndhurst, United Kingdom.
For frill seekers how about a trip to VisitEnglands gold award winning theme park; Paultons Park. Not only the home of Peppa Pig World but is also home to a multitude of attractions for all ages including exhilarating rollercoasters, a water kingdom and there's plenty of animals and birds to seek out including daily penguin feeding with keeper talks. Open all year and with no minimum nights stay Green Pastures Campsite is just a few minutes from the park and would provide an ideal overnight stopover.
Award winning Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is another highly recommended day out which all the family can enjoy. Set in 200 acres there is just so much nature and wildlife for visitors to discover. Test out your balance on the log trail, feed giant koi carp and set any little ones with the challenge of completing a range of free activity sheets. Dogs are welcome too even on the train! Don't forget dogs go free with our pet friendly motorhome hire.
With over 140 miles of tracks and footpaths and over 40 walking routes to explore the whole area really is a walkers paradise. One of the things that make walking in the New Forest unique is that you can spot thousands of free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, deer and during the autumn even pigs! There's also plenty to keep cyclists happy too. You can hire bikes from various locations but if you are planning on taking your own don't forget to request a cycle rack when making your motorhome hire booking.
Top 5 cycling routes in the New Forest
With so many to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to some of the most popular New Forest cycle routes for you to follow :
The Old Railway (9 miles) An easy/medium ride, great for taking in the various landscapes and wildlife of the New Forest. The route follows the 'Castleman's Corkscrew' from Brockenhurst to Burley and we recommend allowing 2-3 hours depending on your cycling ability.
Hawkhill Trail (9.1 miles) Ideal for families as the whole route is off road. You can even incorporate a little history lesson as you pass lots of WWII history along with the airfield at RAF Beaulieu.
Looping Lepe and Exbury (9.3 miles) A circular coastline route starting from Lepe Country Park. You will travel down bridleways along forest trails and will also pass though some quaint villages of the New Forest.
Ashurst to Lyndhurst Loop (14 miles) If you are looking for a longer ride this looped route in the heart of the New Forest will take some beating.
Northern Forest Circular (17.8 miles) This longer route travels through the beautiful North of the New Forest where you will be able to take in stunning views across rolling hills. You will also pass some lovely country pubs and cafes should you wish to stop for lunch along the way.
Please always follow the New Forest Code when walking and cycling in the New Forest.
If getting out on the water is more your thing then there is a wealth of watersports and water-based activities for you to enjoy including windsurfing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. If you are a beginner then look out for water sport lessons or if you are already experienced then you can hire equipment to take to the water yourselves for a fantastic way to view the New Forest’s countryside and coastline. If you are wanting to take your own equipment then due to the size of the garages we would suggest hiring a Galaxy 6 Bunk or Galaxy 3 Island.
This is just a snippet of what you can do in the New Forest for further inspiration we recommend taking a look at the New Forest tourist guide.
When it comes to finding places to stay you really are spoilt for choice. We can personally recommend Long Meadow Campsite or for a more "wild camping" experience Denny Wood will not disappoint. Please note that throughout The New Forest it is illegal to camp without the land owners permission and so you will need to stay overnight at a campsite or at a designated motorhome parking facility identified through a travel App such as park4night.com.
