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Whenever I have visitors to stay, I enjoy taking on the role of
my destination expert colleagues and running an impromptu
excursion in this beautiful landscape. For now, let me take you
on a short tour with some of my personal highlights.
THE BIG 5
Ok, so this isn’t an African safari, but the forest is home to an
astonishing amount of wildlife and is famous for its ponies
who roam free, often blocking traffic as they loiter in the
center of its picturesque villages. Donkeys & highland cattle
plod their way along the road and between September and
November, pigs forage for fallen acorns and beechnuts. Take
a walk across one of the ancient deer rutting grounds and
you will undoubtedly cross paths with the magnificent yet
reticent Red Deer. Seeing the majestic stags appear from
nowhere on a quiet stroll always takes my breath away.
In those few seconds when you stare eye to eye, you are
transported back to the ancient magic of the forest. You
must take care in the autumn months however when the
ferocious rutting season begins. A stunning and rare sight to
see firsthand, males engage with guttural barks and grunts
before they interlock and battle. I have been lucky enough to
witness it on one occasion, an experience which will stay with
me for a lifetime.
BEAULIEU (MEANING ‘BEAUTIFUL PLACE’)
This stunning village is a must see on any visit, sitting on the
southern bank of the Beaulieu river, it is home to The National
Motor Museum and the Beaulieu Abbey which was founded
by Cistercian monks in 1204. The friendly donkeys here like
to mix in with visitors making a great photo opportunity! The
mill pond creates a view to remember and on the opposite
side you will see Palace House, present home of Lord & Lady
Montagu. The house is open to the public and named one of
the ‘Treasure Houses of England.’
There are countless walks and trails in the forest but one
of my favorites is from Beaulieu to Bucklers Hard following
a decadent lunch at The Montagu Arms, an elegant 17th
century country hotel with an award winning restaurant.
BUCKLERS HARD
Charming 18th and 19th century cottages line either
side of the wide central street in this historic hamlet and
shipbuilding yard where they built the ships for Nelson’s
navy. Visit the Maritime Museum where you can take a step
inside a historic shipwright’s cottage, stop and enjoy the
view at The Master Builders Hotel or catch a river cruise
between April and October.
NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE
THE MONTAGU ARMS
BEAULIEU, HAMPSHIRE
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