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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainEnglandNew Forest
File:New Forest ponies at lepe.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

New Forest Road Trip

Salisbury - Fordingbridge - Lyndhurst - Brockenhurst - Lymington

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Landscape Landscape
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
New Forest Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km54 h/stage0.3

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a New Forest Road Trip in England?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 359EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 449EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 144EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 319EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 620EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 764EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 252EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 451EUR eat & more 384EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 848EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,100EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 315EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 765EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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New Forest Itinerary

The New Forest Road Trip is the perfect way to explore the beautiful English countryside and its unique culture. This road trip takes you from Salisbury to Lymington, a journey of 34 miles that is best enjoyed over two days. Along the way, you will pass through Fordingbridge, Lyndhurst, and Brockenhurst, offering a range of attractions to explore. The best time of the year to take this trip is during the summer months, when the roads are in good condition and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Be aware that some of the roads along the route are narrow, so take extra care when driving. Despite this, the New Forest Road Trip provides a great experience and plenty of memories, and is suitable for any driver. It can also be managed on a moderate budget, making it the ideal choice for a road trip.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 54 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Salisbury

Distance 54 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: slow 12.5 kWh Airports BOH , SOU
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Salisbury is a beautiful city in the south of England and it is the ideal starting point for the “New Forest Road Trip”. The city is well known for its magnificent medieval cathedral, which was built between 1220 and 1258, and is home to the best-preserved Magna Carta in the world. A visit here will also take you to the Old Sarum Iron Age Hill Fort, the Salisbury Museum, and the Salisbury Cathedral Close. Nature lovers will also enjoy a visit to the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, with its rolling hills and picturesque villages. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bournemouth Airport (BOH), which is located just a few miles away. Here, you can find car rental services, so you can start your “New Forest Road Trip” right away. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, why not take a hot air balloon ride, or see the sites from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage? No matter how you choose to explore Salisbury, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience. So why not start your “New Forest Road Trip” here and explore all the amazing sights and attractions that Salisbury has to offer?

1 Salisbury - Fordingbridge

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: modest 4.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Salisbury to Fordingbridge? This 11mi journey should take you less than an hour. As you embark on this journey, be sure to keep your eyes open for historical sites and other attractions. Along the way, you may want to stop in Salisbury to explore the Cathedral and Old Sarum. In Fordingbridge, you may want to take a stroll along the River Avon or visit the historic town hall. No matter where you choose to explore, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of the English countryside. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” for this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!

2 Fordingbridge - Lyndhurst

Distance 23 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 5.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road accommodation options
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for a great adventure and join us in a thrilling road trip from Fordingbridge, England to Lyndhurst. This 14mi journey will take you less than one hour, so make sure to enjoy the scenic road, narrow in some sections, and appreciate the beauty of the English countryside. You can start your trip at the Fordingbridge Museum and Gallery, then head to the River Avon and enjoy a stroll along the banks. You can also visit the St. Mary's Church and admire its unique architecture. As you drive through the New Forest National Park, take a break and explore the many trails and wildlife. When you reach Lyndhurst, make sure to visit the Lyndhurst Church and the New Forest Museum, both of which provide a great insight into the history of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

3 Lyndhurst - Brockenhurst

Distance 6 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: modest 1.7 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road
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Welcome, road-trippers! Are you ready for a beautiful journey from Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst? This 4-mile drive will take you less than an hour and you will be able to enjoy some of the most stunning views in England. Start your tour in Lyndhurst, a charming village in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Here you can admire the beautiful architecture of the old buildings and take a relaxed stroll through the old streets. Make sure to visit the New Forest Museum and the St. Michael and All Angels Church. Continue your journey to Brockenhurst, a picturesque village located in the western part of the New Forest. Here you can explore the ruins of Netley Abbey and the Old Burley Inn. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the scenic roads of this stage of your journey. Keep in mind that more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your ride!

4 Brockenhurst - Lymington

Distance 8 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: modest 2.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road accommodation options
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Are you ready for a unique road trip experience? Let's start in Brockenhurst, England, and end up in Lymington, just 5 miles away. You'll be able to enjoy the drive in less than an hour, so make sure to take in the scenic views of the countryside. Along the way, you'll get to see the beautiful New Forest National Park, with its rolling hills and heathland. You'll also get to visit the charming village of Beaulieu and the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey. In Lymington, you can explore the old Georgian town and take a stroll along the waterfront. Don't forget to check out the bustling Saturday market and the many pubs and restaurants. With so much to see and do, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

  Lymington

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Lymington, a picturesque market town in the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England, is the perfect ending point for the “New Forest Road Trip”. The town is home to a variety of attractions from boat trips, to walking tours, and shopping. At Lymington Pier, take a boat trip to explore the nearby islands and enjoy a unique perspective of the town. The Lymington Sunday Market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and local produce, and the independent shops and boutiques in the old town are ideal for browsing. For a relaxing day, take a stroll along the Lymington River and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The New Forest Wildlife Park is a great day out for all ages. Here, you can get up close to a variety of animals, including wolves, lynx, and red squirrels. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Southampton Airport (SOU), located just 15 miles away. From Lymington, you can also easily explore the rest of the New Forest. Take a drive through the picturesque villages, and stop off to sample some of the local produce. With its beautiful scenery and variety of attractions, Lymington is the perfect place to end the “New Forest Road Trip”.

New Forest at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the English countryside with the New Forest Road Trip, a scenic adventure stretching over 34 miles from the historic city of Salisbury to the charming coastal town of Lymington. Ideally enjoyed over two leisurely days, this route offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes of Southern England.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Salisbury: Begin your adventure at Salisbury Cathedral, an architectural marvel that boasts the tallest church spire in the UK and houses an original copy of the Magna Carta.
  • Fordingbridge: Admire the idyllic scenery and the medieval Great Bridge with its seven graceful arches that span the River Avon.
  • Lyndhurst: Dive into the essence of the New Forest at its unofficial capital, Lyndhurst, and visit the New Forest Heritage Centre to learn about the region's history and wildlife.
  • Brockenhurst: Wander around this quintessential village, known for free-roaming ponies and ancient woodlands, offering a perfect setting for nature walks and cycling.
  • Lymington: Conclude your Road Trip at the Georgian market town of Lymington, which provides access to yachting facilities and ferries to the Isle of Wight, a beautiful island known for its stunning coastline and outdoor activities.

Best Time to Go:

The summer months are the most favorable for embarking on the New Forest Road Trip. This period promises optimal Road conditions, lush greenery, and a lively atmosphere with local events.

Potential Risks:

  • Narrow and winding country lanes are characteristic of the area; cautious driving is advised.
  • Increased tourist activity during the summer might lead to busy attractions and accommodations; early booking is recommended.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • The New Forest is one of England’s newest National Parks, designated in 2005, and it is a former royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror.
  • The route is dotted with traditional country pubs and inns that offer local New Forest cuisine, including dishes made with locally sourced game and produce.
  • Along the way, you can spot a variety of wildlife, including the famous New Forest ponies, deer, and rare birds, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

A good choice for:

Experience the allure of the English countryside with the New Forest Road Trip, a journey that blends cultural landmarks, such as the Salisbury Cathedral, with the natural splendor of ancient forests and coastal landscapes. This accessible and budget-friendly excursion is a testament to the diverse beauty of Southern England and an unforgettable adventure for Roadtrippers.

Facts for safer driving in England

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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