7 unusual things to do in the New Forest

The New Forest is a popular holiday destination with a fantastic choice of attractions and activities. If you are looking to get off the beaten track, however, or maybe you have been here before and want to find something new, then you have come to the right place. These 7 unusual things to do in the New Forest will help you to discover this beautiful region in new ways and highlight interesting attractions that might usually be overlooked.

Burley Wagon Rides

Want a truly memorable means of exploring the New Forest? Forget about travelling on foot and instead opt for wheels – wagon wheels, that is. Burley Wagon Rides offers a choice of laidback sightseeing tours following the lanes around the pretty village of Burley via a horse-drawn wagon, with the chance to see local cattle, ponies and fallow deer as well as beautiful woodland.

The Rufus Stone

The Rufus Stone marks the alleged spot where King William II received a fatal arrow wound during a hunting trip in 1100 AD. The king was shot by Sir Walter Tyrrell. It is not certain whether the incident was accidental or on purpose, as the king was not a popular monarch and many people wanted to see him removed from power. A visit to this interesting historical monument does not take a long time but nearby attractions such as the Sir Walter Tyrrell pub and woodland walks make the visit worthwhile.

Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre

Liberty's Owl Raptor and Reptile Centre is named after Liberty, an Alaskan Bald Eagle that you can visit here along with many other fantastic birds of prey. You can see these majestic birds flying in both indoor and outdoor displays. However, not willing to let the feathered residents hog all the limelight, a number of reptiles get in on the action too with shows that allow you to see these intriguing creatures up close.

Knightwood Oak Tree

Visitors to the New Forest who are keen to see a beautiful piece of living history should pay a visit to the Knightwood Oak tree, also known as the Queen of the Forest. With a girth of 7.4 metres the Knightwood Oak is the biggest oak tree in the New Forest. The age of the tree is estimated to be between 450 and 600 years old. A car park is around a three-minute walk away for easy access.

Ringwood Brewery

Exploring can be thirsty business so how about a refreshing pint? Ringwood Brewery can do better than just a pint, offering tours of the brewery that include a complimentary drink so you can discover the brewing process before enjoying the results for yourself.

The Angel & Blue Pig

Reputedly one of the most haunted inns in the UK, The Angel & Blue Pig (formerly The Angel) has had more than its fair share of spooky sightings. Recurring ghost sightings include those of a coach man, an individual wearing a naval uniform and a blonde girl and there have also been strange sounds such as someone playing a piano. Brave visitors may choose to stay the night but if they’re short on time (or of a nervous disposition) a meal or a refreshing drink is a good alternative.

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway

Strolling through the stunningly beautiful Exbury Gardens is a fantastic day out that promises awe-inspiring colours and landscapes at every turn. However, a more unique way to explore the gardens is via the Exbury Gardens Railway which provides a delightful 20-minute tour of the gardens on a steam train.

A new way to view the New Forest

If you want to experience the New Forest from a different viewpoint, these unusual things to do will help you to tailor a holiday that’s a little different from the usual tourist trappings. You’ll be able to get a feel for the diverse characteristics of the region, some charming, some quirky and some downright spooky, so you’ll never view the New Forest in quite the same way again.