Explore the New Forest from Marsham Court Hotel
January 20, 2023IN BLOG POSTS BY MARSHAM COURT HOTEL
Although you can enjoy a great holiday in Bournemouth without leaving the town, there’s also plenty of glorious countrysides within easy reach — and none more than the New Forest National Park. If you want to explore this iconic area but still have all the benefits of a major resort when you return, Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth makes the perfect base.
The New Forest
Despite its name, there’s nothing new about the New Forest. It was proclaimed a Royal Forest by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, taking in many areas that were ancient woodland even then.
The New Forest comprises woodland, grassland and heathland, and has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1971 and a National Park since 2005. The Forest is home to a wide range of wildlife, some of it rare, including many unusual species of plants, insects and birds.
The most iconic wildlife in the New Forest are the herds of deer (including fallow, roe and red deer) and of course the famous New Forest ponies. The deer, in particular, are shy, but the patient walker might catch glimpses of them.
Walking and Cycling in the New Forest
The New Forest offers over 140 miles of footpaths and over 100 miles of cycle routes, taking in many locations of scenic and scientific interest. Many of these are arranged into well-signed routes that take in iconic locations in woodland, heathland and the villages embedded in the Forest
Walking routes range from easy strolls, such as the Bolderwood: Radnor Trail, around 2 miles that take in woodland, potential views of the fallow deer and a great picnic spot, to the 34 mile Avon Valley Route that includes multiple landscapes and a wide range of wildlife.
The cycle routes are similarly varied, including trails suitable for types of bike ranging from mountain bikes to road bikes, not to mention electric bikes. If you haven’t brought your own, there are several bike hire services on offer.
Places of Interest in the New Forest
The New Forest has been inhabited for thousands of years, and man-made sites from throughout that period complement its natural beauty. The Forest contains around 150 scheduled monuments, from prehistoric burial mounds to the Rufus Stone, marking the place where King William Rufus met his mysterious death in the year 1100.
Coming more up to date, you can visit the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu or the Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park. There are also several delightful villages within the Forest, many of which have vibrant markets, while other attractions range from canoeing to horse-drawn carriage rides.
Enjoying the New Forest from Marsham Court Hotel
You can access the New Forest from Bournemouth, either by driving for around 20 minutes or by train to Ashurst, taking around 40 minutes, and return in the evening to take full advantage of the eating, drinking and other entertainment Bournemouth offers. Marsham Court Hotel, besides being on the seafront, is within a short walk of the town centre.
Walking in the New Forest is a perfect activity to share with your dog. Fortunately, Marsham Court is a dog-friendly hotel. We have rooms you can share with a well-behaved dog, while your canine friend can even enjoy specially prepared meals in the same location in the hotel where you’re dining.
Get in touch with us to find out more about how you can enjoy the New Forest from Marsham Court Hotel.
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