Beyond the cottage
The New Forest
Ancient woodland, open heath, free-roaming animals, historic villages and a coastline waiting to be explored. All from a peaceful base in Bramshaw.
Discover the Forest
More than a place to visit
The New Forest is a living, working landscape. Ancient trees sit beside open heathland, ponies and cattle graze freely, and villages feel woven into the countryside rather than separated from it.
Staying in Bramshaw gives you an easy starting point for slow mornings, long walks, cycle rides, village lunches and days spent exploring a part of southern England that still feels wonderfully unhurried.
A landscape shared with animals
New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys are part of everyday life here. They are owned by local commoners and graze the Open Forest, helping shape the landscape visitors come to enjoy.
A little history
A Forest shaped over centuries
The story of the New Forest stretches back long before it became a National Park. In the late 11th century, William the Conqueror set the area aside as a royal hunting forest. Forest Law protected the king’s hunting grounds and helped create the distinctive pattern of open land that survives today.
Alongside this grew the tradition of commoning. Local people held rights linked to their land, including grazing animals on the Open Forest. Those rights are still exercised today, which is why ponies, cattle and other livestock remain such a visible part of the New Forest.
The New Forest was designated a National Park in 2005, protecting an extraordinary mixture of woodland, heath, grassland, wetlands, villages and coastline for future generations.
Make the most of your stay
Things to do in the New Forest
Whether you want an active day outside or somewhere quiet to wander, the Forest gives you plenty of ways to spend your time.
Walking
Follow forest tracks through ancient woodland, open heath and riverside landscapes. There are routes for gentle strolls as well as longer days out.
Cycling
Explore more of the Forest on two wheels using the extensive network of waymarked cycle tracks and quieter linking roads.
Wildlife spotting
Look out for ponies, cattle, donkeys, deer and birdlife, while remembering that the animals are free-roaming livestock and should be given plenty of space.
Dog-friendly exploring
There are countless opportunities for countryside walks with your dog. Keep to tracks where requested, respect livestock and follow the New Forest Code.
Pubs, cafés & local food
Build a day around a village pub, independent café, farm shop or local market. Eating locally is one of the easiest ways to experience the character of the area.
Family days out
Mix forest adventures with heritage attractions, gardens, museums and family favourites in and around the National Park.
Ideas for a day out
Places to visit
A few of the best-known New Forest places to add to your stay, each offering a different side of the area.
Lyndhurst
Often called the capital of the New Forest, with shops, cafés, the New Forest Heritage Centre and easy access to forest walks around Bolton’s Bench.
Brockenhurst
A classic Forest village surrounded by open countryside. It is a popular starting point for walking and cycling, with ponies and cattle often seen around the village.
Beaulieu & Buckler’s Hard
Combine the National Motor Museum, Palace House and Beaulieu Abbey with the historic shipbuilding hamlet of Buckler’s Hard beside the Beaulieu River.
Burley
A characterful village with forest walks, cycling routes, local shops and a long association with New Forest folklore and smuggling stories.
Lymington
A historic coastal market town with independent shops, a lively quay and marina, making it a good choice when you want to combine the Forest with the coast.
Bolderwood & Rhinefield
Head deeper into the woodland for tall trees, forest drives and walking trails. Bolderwood is also known for its deer-viewing area.
Beyond the Forest
Easy day trips
If you are happy to travel a little further, Bramshaw is also a useful base for some of the south of England’s best-known attractions. Check opening times and pre-book where required before setting out.
Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World
A major family day out on the edge of the New Forest, with more than 70 rides and attractions and the UK’s only Peppa Pig World.
Stonehenge
One of Britain’s most recognisable historic sites, with the stone circle, visitor centre, exhibition and reconstructed Neolithic houses.
Salisbury Cathedral
Explore the medieval cathedral, its famous spire and the Chapter House, home to one of the best-preserved surviving copies of Magna Carta.
Winchester Cathedral
Discover more than a thousand years of history in one of Europe’s great medieval cathedrals, in the heart of historic Winchester.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
A full-day maritime attraction with HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose Museum and several Royal Navy museums and galleries.
Marwell Zoo
A spacious Hampshire zoo with hundreds of animals, including giraffes, penguins, big cats and rhinos, plus adventure play areas for families.
Enjoy the Forest responsibly
Keep your distance from free-roaming animals, never feed or pet them, follow the waymarked cycle routes and take extra care around livestock and wildlife. A little consideration helps keep the New Forest special for everyone.
Plan your stay
Make Bramshaw your New Forest base
Explore by day, then return to the quiet of The Thatched Cottage. We will add the owner’s personal recommendations for favourite pubs, walks and local stops before launch.