New Forest

The New Forest National Park border is only 7 miles south of Downton on the B3080. The New Forest is one of the largest remaining tracts of pasture land, heathland and forest in Southern England, covering 218 square miles of southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire. It was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror, featuring in the Domesday Book. It was made a National Park in 2005. It’s known for its heathland, forest trails and native ponies. In the southeast, the National Motor Museum houses F1 race cars and vintage motorbikes. Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is home to exotic trees, plus colourful rhododendrons and azaleas. More information from: newforestnpa.gov.uk