Little Forest Lodge Guidebook
Walking, Cycling, Picnics
Hire a bicycle, ride the Woodland Trails and expect a great chance of seeing Deer and other forest wildlife, whilst exploring and enjoying the New Forest National Park.
https://www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk
https://www.cyclex.co.uk
https://www.thewoodscyclery.co.uk
Pedall new forest inclusive cycling
Hire a bicycle, ride the Woodland Trails and expect a great chance of seeing Deer and other forest wildlife, whilst exploring and enjoying the New Forest National Park.
https://www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk
https://www.cyclex.co.uk
https://www.thewoodscyclery.co.uk
Family Fun
A healthy dollop of breath-taking scenery; blend with a smattering of tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and wind-in-your-face zip wires; and finish off with a liberal dose of people in search of their inner Tarzan.
www.moors-valley.co.uk
262 Einheimische empfehlen
Moors Valley Country Park und Wald
Horton RoadA healthy dollop of breath-taking scenery; blend with a smattering of tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and wind-in-your-face zip wires; and finish off with a liberal dose of people in search of their inner Tarzan.
www.moors-valley.co.uk
Home of Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park is a family theme park located in the New Forest, Hampshire. Paultons features rides and attractions which include a rollercoaster, a log flume, a water park, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, birds and animals, beautiful landscapes and gardens and much more!
www.paultonspark.co.uk
360 Einheimische empfehlen
Paultons Park - Heimat von Peppa Pig World
Home of Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park is a family theme park located in the New Forest, Hampshire. Paultons features rides and attractions which include a rollercoaster, a log flume, a water park, adventure golf, a 4D cinema, birds and animals, beautiful landscapes and gardens and much more!
www.paultonspark.co.uk
Beaulieu, one of South of England's top family days out including National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.
155 Einheimische empfehlen
Beaulieu
Beaulieu, one of South of England's top family days out including National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear.
The Lymington Open Air Sea Water Baths is a lifeguarded open air lido in Lymington, Hampshire, England. Built in 1833, it is the oldest lido in the United Kingdom, and at 110 metres long by 50 metres wide it is also one of the largest in area
59 Einheimische empfehlen
Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths
Bath RoadThe Lymington Open Air Sea Water Baths is a lifeguarded open air lido in Lymington, Hampshire, England. Built in 1833, it is the oldest lido in the United Kingdom, and at 110 metres long by 50 metres wide it is also one of the largest in area
The New Forest Water Park offers a range of family friendly activities that include wakeboarding, inflatable aqua park, kayaking, SUPing & camping.
151 Einheimische empfehlen
New Forest Water Park
Ringwood RoadThe New Forest Water Park offers a range of family friendly activities that include wakeboarding, inflatable aqua park, kayaking, SUPing & camping.
Wolves, otters and bison are some of the animals to spot at the New Forest Wildlife Park. Learn more about the animals living at Hampshire Wildlife Park. CPRE and Landscape. A World of Wonder Awaits. Defending The Countryside. Support Our Green Belt.
98 Einheimische empfehlen
Wildpark New Forest
Deerleap LaneWolves, otters and bison are some of the animals to spot at the New Forest Wildlife Park. Learn more about the animals living at Hampshire Wildlife Park. CPRE and Landscape. A World of Wonder Awaits. Defending The Countryside. Support Our Green Belt.
There’s farmyard fun for the whole family at Longdown Activity Farm. Join in with a daily schedule of hands-on activities that include bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, the Animal Encounter Experience, and duck feeding (social distancing rules will apply). There are lots of friendly animals to meet including donkeys, alpacas, cute chicks, Pygmy goats, Kunekune pigs, cows, and many more.
77 Einheimische empfehlen
Longdown Aktivitätsbauernhof
Deerleap LaneThere’s farmyard fun for the whole family at Longdown Activity Farm. Join in with a daily schedule of hands-on activities that include bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, the Animal Encounter Experience, and duck feeding (social distancing rules will apply). There are lots of friendly animals to meet including donkeys, alpacas, cute chicks, Pygmy goats, Kunekune pigs, cows, and many more.
Beach
The village of Mudeford has an intriguing history of smuggling over the centuries and the picturesque quay is still the focal point of the local fishing industry.
Its spectaular location with Christchurch Harbour on one side and the open sea on the other makes it a very popular destination for sailing and windsurfing.
Enjoy walking along the promenade of Mudeford Quay and perhaps stop for something to eat or drink. If you have children with you, they will love crab fishing from the quayside. You can buy nets, bait and buckets from the shop if you don't have any with you.
A short walk from Mudeford Quay are the family-friendly, sandy beaches of Gundimore, Avon Beach and Friars Cliff. There are beachside cafes, toilets and beach huts for hire.
If you carry on walking along the coastal path from Friars Cliff, you will reach Steamer Point Nature Reserve, Highcliffe Castle and the village of Highcliffe-On-Sea.
Mudeford has a good range of accommodation and places to eat and drink. There are quayside and beachside cafes, restaurants and pubs and also bistros and traditional pubs specialising in seafood and local produce.
From Mudeford Quay you can catch a ferry for foot passengers and cyclists over to the Sandbank on the other side of the mouth of Christchurch Harbour. The glorious golden sandy beach here feels like you are on the continent and the exclusive colourful beach huts allow visitors to stay overnight right on the waters edge. The Blackhouse on the edge of the sandbank offers self-catering accommodation for between 2 and 6 people and is the only accommodation on the sandbank with water, electricity and bathrooms. From the sandbank, you can catch another ferry for foot passengers to Christchurch Quay, Wick and Tuckton, or alternatively walk or get the land train to Hengistbury Head.
95 Einheimische empfehlen
Mudeford Quay
Mudeford QuayThe village of Mudeford has an intriguing history of smuggling over the centuries and the picturesque quay is still the focal point of the local fishing industry.
Its spectaular location with Christchurch Harbour on one side and the open sea on the other makes it a very popular destination for sailing and windsurfing.
Enjoy walking along the promenade of Mudeford Quay and perhaps stop for something to eat or drink. If you have children with you, they will love crab fishing from the quayside. You can buy nets, bait and buckets from the shop if you don't have any with you.
A short walk from Mudeford Quay are the family-friendly, sandy beaches of Gundimore, Avon Beach and Friars Cliff. There are beachside cafes, toilets and beach huts for hire.
If you carry on walking along the coastal path from Friars Cliff, you will reach Steamer Point Nature Reserve, Highcliffe Castle and the village of Highcliffe-On-Sea.
Mudeford has a good range of accommodation and places to eat and drink. There are quayside and beachside cafes, restaurants and pubs and also bistros and traditional pubs specialising in seafood and local produce.
From Mudeford Quay you can catch a ferry for foot passengers and cyclists over to the Sandbank on the other side of the mouth of Christchurch Harbour. The glorious golden sandy beach here feels like you are on the continent and the exclusive colourful beach huts allow visitors to stay overnight right on the waters edge. The Blackhouse on the edge of the sandbank offers self-catering accommodation for between 2 and 6 people and is the only accommodation on the sandbank with water, electricity and bathrooms. From the sandbank, you can catch another ferry for foot passengers to Christchurch Quay, Wick and Tuckton, or alternatively walk or get the land train to Hengistbury Head.
It goes without saying we love our beaches, and we all have a responsibility to respect our town, our award-winning seafront, gardens and open spaces - so whilst you’re here please respect, protect and enjoy the resort.
If you do visit the beach and it’s too busy, then why not find another quieter area of beach – there’s plenty of seafront to choose from!
#RespectProtectEnjoy
Branksome Chine offers great sandy beaches and stunning views across the coastline. Its Blue Flag status attracts both locals and visitors. It offers a range of facilities, including a beach shop, a car park situated next to the beach and a popular cafe and bar.
Facilities
We have the following facilities available:
- public toilets, including disabled
- drinking water
- cafe and bar
- beach shop
- lifeguarded area from May to September
- volleyball net hire during the summer
- seasonal beach office
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on Branksome Chine during the summer season from 1 May to 30 September. Dogs are allowed on all Poole beaches during the winter, from 1 October to 30 April. Always keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
29 Einheimische empfehlen
Branksome Chine Car Park
Pinecliff RoadIt goes without saying we love our beaches, and we all have a responsibility to respect our town, our award-winning seafront, gardens and open spaces - so whilst you’re here please respect, protect and enjoy the resort.
If you do visit the beach and it’s too busy, then why not find another quieter area of beach – there’s plenty of seafront to choose from!
#RespectProtectEnjoy
Branksome Chine offers great sandy beaches and stunning views across the coastline. Its Blue Flag status attracts both locals and visitors. It offers a range of facilities, including a beach shop, a car park situated next to the beach and a popular cafe and bar.
Facilities
We have the following facilities available:
- public toilets, including disabled
- drinking water
- cafe and bar
- beach shop
- lifeguarded area from May to September
- volleyball net hire during the summer
- seasonal beach office
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on Branksome Chine during the summer season from 1 May to 30 September. Dogs are allowed on all Poole beaches during the winter, from 1 October to 30 April. Always keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Great for families with small children and people with disabilities as it has its own beach level car park.
A designated bathing beach apart from the area in front of the car park which is allocated for watersports.
Beach level entrance to promenade and beach via Avon Beach car park or via Gundimore Promenade from Mudeford Quay.
Café, restaurant and beach shop. Beach huts for hire.
Dogs to be kept on leads whilst on the promenades from 1 May until 30 September inclusive. Sorry, no dogs on beach from 1 May until 30 September inclusive.
Nearest car park is Avon Beach adjacent to the beach. Additional parking at Avon Run Road car park.
Lifeguard service during July and August
Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm.
*Beach and Car Park is managed by BCP Council. Facilities and Cafe managed by Avon Beach Ltd.
www.facebook.com/beachesandharbour
64 Einheimische empfehlen
Avon Beach
Great for families with small children and people with disabilities as it has its own beach level car park.
A designated bathing beach apart from the area in front of the car park which is allocated for watersports.
Beach level entrance to promenade and beach via Avon Beach car park or via Gundimore Promenade from Mudeford Quay.
Café, restaurant and beach shop. Beach huts for hire.
Dogs to be kept on leads whilst on the promenades from 1 May until 30 September inclusive. Sorry, no dogs on beach from 1 May until 30 September inclusive.
Nearest car park is Avon Beach adjacent to the beach. Additional parking at Avon Run Road car park.
Lifeguard service during July and August
Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm.
*Beach and Car Park is managed by BCP Council. Facilities and Cafe managed by Avon Beach Ltd.
www.facebook.com/beachesandharbour
Winner of the Blue Flag award for over 30 years and with its soft golden sands and breathtaking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of Britain's best beaches.
Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour. Sandbanks Beach is of the highest quality with fine golden sand and sparkling clean waters, perfect for a family day out at the seaside. The soft sand is ideal for playing in and kids (young and old!) will be able to build sandcastles galore!
Sandbanks boasts some great facilities with a large and challenging crazy-golf course situated behind the beach as well as mini golf course. There's also a childrens play area with climbing, swings, sand diggers and sensory play area.
If you're feeling a bit sporty then there's watersports and equipment hire available as well as volleyball nets, slackline and table tennis. If you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the view then Sandbanks Beach is perfect for that too - why not hire a deckchair and parasol?? A number of beach huts are also available for short term hire and annual hire.
The promenade offers cafes and shops and there's also a mini road train that gives rides along the seafront.
Sandbanks beach is naturally beautiful all year round and offers spectacular views towards Studland and Old Harry Rocks and on a clear day you'll be able to spot the Isle of Wight. This is a fantastic place to take a stroll, particularly during the colder months.
Dogs: Designated dog beach area at the western end of Sandbanks Beach to Haven Point (by the chain ferry). Dogs are only allowed on the main beach from 1 October to 31 April.. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Cycling on the prom: Restrictions apply during July and August.
Barbecues: western end of Sandbanks beach. Please read the beach barbecue and parties guide.
121 Einheimische empfehlen
Sandbanks Beach
Banks RoadWinner of the Blue Flag award for over 30 years and with its soft golden sands and breathtaking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of Britain's best beaches.
Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour. Sandbanks Beach is of the highest quality with fine golden sand and sparkling clean waters, perfect for a family day out at the seaside. The soft sand is ideal for playing in and kids (young and old!) will be able to build sandcastles galore!
Sandbanks boasts some great facilities with a large and challenging crazy-golf course situated behind the beach as well as mini golf course. There's also a childrens play area with climbing, swings, sand diggers and sensory play area.
If you're feeling a bit sporty then there's watersports and equipment hire available as well as volleyball nets, slackline and table tennis. If you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the view then Sandbanks Beach is perfect for that too - why not hire a deckchair and parasol?? A number of beach huts are also available for short term hire and annual hire.
The promenade offers cafes and shops and there's also a mini road train that gives rides along the seafront.
Sandbanks beach is naturally beautiful all year round and offers spectacular views towards Studland and Old Harry Rocks and on a clear day you'll be able to spot the Isle of Wight. This is a fantastic place to take a stroll, particularly during the colder months.
Dogs: Designated dog beach area at the western end of Sandbanks Beach to Haven Point (by the chain ferry). Dogs are only allowed on the main beach from 1 October to 31 April.. Keep dogs on a lead on the promenade.
Cycling on the prom: Restrictions apply during July and August.
Barbecues: western end of Sandbanks beach. Please read the beach barbecue and parties guide.
Walking, swimming, birdwatching, wild flower meadows and historic remains from the D-Day landings.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Lepe Country Park
Walking, swimming, birdwatching, wild flower meadows and historic remains from the D-Day landings.
Sightseeing
Ringwood Brewery is a small brewery established in 1978 and situated on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, England near the Dorset border. It produces mainly cask ales and some bottled beers. The emblem for the brewery is a boar.
13 Einheimische empfehlen
Ringwood Brewery
138 Christchurch RdRingwood Brewery is a small brewery established in 1978 and situated on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, England near the Dorset border. It produces mainly cask ales and some bottled beers. The emblem for the brewery is a boar.
Brownsea Island is a very special place. It is one of the few places left in the UK where you can catch a glimpse of a red squirrel. 250 of these iconic creatures live on the island and are often seen scampering up and down the trees gathering and devouring nuts. If you have adopted one of these beautiful and playful creatures from DWT, you can get the chance to see them – a wonderfully comical sight in autumn when they busily start caching food for the winter ahead, searching out just the right spot to hide them in- a process that can take some time! Read more about our exciting #WildBrownsea project here - we have big plans to make the island better for wildlife and people.
And it’s not just the red squirrels that the nature detectives in the family will be able to spot – the lagoon plays a vital role in providing a safe haven for overwintering birds including avocets, black-tailed godwits and large numbers of wildfowl. In winter it’s also possible see huge groups of spoonbills. These tall white birds can be seen swishing their spoon-shaped bills through the water as they feed.
In the summer, the lagoon’s hides are a great place to watch common terns, sandwich terns and gulls from. The reedbeds and alder carr are home to water voles, sika deer, kingfishers and water rails.
We are very fortunate to have such a fascinating reserve on this beautiful island – which we share with the National Trust, the Scouts and John Lewis Partnership. Brownsea Island was saved for wildlife and people to enjoy in 1962 when the National Trust took ownership and leased the northern part to Dorset Wildlife Trust. Since then we have worked to protect the habitats of rare and threatened wildlife, which find sanctuary in its woods, reedbeds and lagoon. (Take a walk through the woods following the footpaths to see glorious views across Poole Harbour.)
Our Villa is situated in the middle of the reserve. Why not bring a picnic and sit on the benches in the sun, watching birds and squirrels nibbling seeds from the nearby feeders?
204 Einheimische empfehlen
Brownsea Island
Brownsea Island is a very special place. It is one of the few places left in the UK where you can catch a glimpse of a red squirrel. 250 of these iconic creatures live on the island and are often seen scampering up and down the trees gathering and devouring nuts. If you have adopted one of these beautiful and playful creatures from DWT, you can get the chance to see them – a wonderfully comical sight in autumn when they busily start caching food for the winter ahead, searching out just the right spot to hide them in- a process that can take some time! Read more about our exciting #WildBrownsea project here - we have big plans to make the island better for wildlife and people.
And it’s not just the red squirrels that the nature detectives in the family will be able to spot – the lagoon plays a vital role in providing a safe haven for overwintering birds including avocets, black-tailed godwits and large numbers of wildfowl. In winter it’s also possible see huge groups of spoonbills. These tall white birds can be seen swishing their spoon-shaped bills through the water as they feed.
In the summer, the lagoon’s hides are a great place to watch common terns, sandwich terns and gulls from. The reedbeds and alder carr are home to water voles, sika deer, kingfishers and water rails.
We are very fortunate to have such a fascinating reserve on this beautiful island – which we share with the National Trust, the Scouts and John Lewis Partnership. Brownsea Island was saved for wildlife and people to enjoy in 1962 when the National Trust took ownership and leased the northern part to Dorset Wildlife Trust. Since then we have worked to protect the habitats of rare and threatened wildlife, which find sanctuary in its woods, reedbeds and lagoon. (Take a walk through the woods following the footpaths to see glorious views across Poole Harbour.)
Our Villa is situated in the middle of the reserve. Why not bring a picnic and sit on the benches in the sun, watching birds and squirrels nibbling seeds from the nearby feeders?
Furzey Gardens is a tranquil woodland garden in the New Forest and a perfect family day out.
Relax and escape during lockdown with a wander along our winding and meandering paths, with thatched tea rooms, vibrant autumn colour and fairy doors to discover.
Every visit helps us continue our work to provide support and work experience for people with learning disabilities.
41 Einheimische empfehlen
Furzey-Gärten
School LaneFurzey Gardens is a tranquil woodland garden in the New Forest and a perfect family day out.
Relax and escape during lockdown with a wander along our winding and meandering paths, with thatched tea rooms, vibrant autumn colour and fairy doors to discover.
Every visit helps us continue our work to provide support and work experience for people with learning disabilities.
Food scene
Highly recommended by Tom and Imogen for a fun evening of food, drink and good company.
6 Einheimische empfehlen
The Cellar Ringwood
5/7 Christchurch RdHighly recommended by Tom and Imogen for a fun evening of food, drink and good company.
Family-friendly rural inn with lake views, a heated terrace and a menu of modern English classics.
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Alice Lisle Inn
Family-friendly rural inn with lake views, a heated terrace and a menu of modern English classics.
Belinda's Bakery
18-20 High StFresh, homemade take away pizza on a Friday and Saturday night.
We are a family-run, award winning restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all year round. The Noisy Lobster first swung open its doors in 2012. As we continue to grow so too does our customer base and it’s a real pleasure to call many customers our friends. The idyllic views of Mudeford Bay and the Isle of Wight provide a wonderful setting for all day dining or a stop for a refreshing beverage.
In June 2020 we added our new first floor terrace providing a stunning setting to enjoy your meal or a couple of cocktails.
At the Noisy Lobster we pride ourselves in keeping it local. This means embracing where we live and building a reputation for fresh, seasonal produce 365 days a year. We specialise in locally-sourced seafood, much of which is caught by the hard working fishermen from Mudeford and Lymington. If you are not already a fan of seafood, we will be happy to share our knowledge to entice you to the wonderful array of flavours on offer. However, fear not, we have a wide range of dishes for you meat lovers and vegetarians.
67 Einheimische empfehlen
The Noisy Lobster
We are a family-run, award winning restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all year round. The Noisy Lobster first swung open its doors in 2012. As we continue to grow so too does our customer base and it’s a real pleasure to call many customers our friends. The idyllic views of Mudeford Bay and the Isle of Wight provide a wonderful setting for all day dining or a stop for a refreshing beverage.
In June 2020 we added our new first floor terrace providing a stunning setting to enjoy your meal or a couple of cocktails.
At the Noisy Lobster we pride ourselves in keeping it local. This means embracing where we live and building a reputation for fresh, seasonal produce 365 days a year. We specialise in locally-sourced seafood, much of which is caught by the hard working fishermen from Mudeford and Lymington. If you are not already a fan of seafood, we will be happy to share our knowledge to entice you to the wonderful array of flavours on offer. However, fear not, we have a wide range of dishes for you meat lovers and vegetarians.
Prezzo Italian Restaurant Ringwood
27-29 Market PlGreat for family dining
The Pig
B3055Special occasion dining
Indian Tree
14 Market PlGreat Takeaway
Keskins
17 Market PlaceKebabs, burgers and Pizza