2 days in the New Forest: a weekend itinerary
Wild ponies, forest tracks and a motor museum, easy by train from London.
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
- Affiliate links clearly labelled
- Updated October 2026
The New Forest is a national park of ancient woodland and heath in Hampshire, where ponies, donkeys and cattle graze freely. This plan uses Brockenhurst as a base, which is on the main railway line, so you can do it without a car.
Cycling is the best way to see it, with miles of forest tracks and hire shops in the village.
Day 1: Cycling from Brockenhurst
- Morning: Hire bikes in Brockenhurst and ride the forest tracks, such as the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive with its giant redwoods.
- Lunch: Eat at a pub in the forest, such as in Burley or Lyndhurst.
- Afternoon: See the Knightwood Oak, an ancient tree, and the ponies on the open heath.
- Evening: Have dinner in Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst.
Day 2: Beaulieu and Lymington
- Morning: Visit Beaulieu, with its abbey, palace house and National Motor Museum.
- Lunch: Eat in Beaulieu or at Buckler's Hard, a historic shipbuilding hamlet.
- Afternoon: Drive or take a train to Lymington to see the harbour and the High Street, or watch ferries to the Isle of Wight.
- Heading home: Return to Brockenhurst for trains to London.
Where to stay
Brockenhurst is the best base without a car, Lyndhurst is central, and Lymington has a harbour feel.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From London: About 1.5 hours by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst.
- From Winchester: About 45 minutes by car.
- From Bath: About 2 hours by car.
Trains serve Brockenhurst, and bikes are the best way around. A car helps for Beaulieu and Lymington, though a bus runs too.
If it rains
If it rains, spend longer at Beaulieu's museum and the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst, and enjoy a pub lunch.
Packing list for New Forest
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More kit guides: Walking gear Cycling gear Wet-weather gear
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the New Forest without a car?
Yes. Brockenhurst has a railway station, bike hire and walks from the village.
Can I touch the ponies?
No. They are wild, and can bite and kick, so keep your distance and never feed them.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring to autumn, with autumn colours and the pannage season, when pigs roam free, especially lovely.
Keep planning
Ancient woodland and heath with free-roaming ponies
New Forest ponies walkLyndhurst and Brockenhurst, HampshireThe New Forest is one of the few places in England where ponies, cattle, pigs and deer roam freely on open heath and ancient woodland, under a system of rights known as commoning.
Stonehenge visitNear Salisbury, WiltshireStonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle on Salisbury Plain, completed around 4,500 years ago, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seven Sisters cliff walkSeven Sisters Country Park, East SussexThe Seven Sisters are a row of white chalk cliffs on the Sussex coast, between Seaford and Eastbourne.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.