GUIDEBOOK
Here in the New Forest, we are blessed with magnificent forest and beautiful coastlines which provide the perfect location for a range of exciting experiences. We’ve put together a range of the best bits for you to see and do...
WOODLAND, COASTAL & RIVER WALKS:
SETTHORNS
Just 3 miles away is Setthorns woodland, a great trail to collect chestnuts in the autumn to roast on your fire on your return to The Salt Hut.
ROYDON WOODS
Our favourite unspoilt woodland in the area. Great for wildlife watching. Fantastic spectacle of Bluebells in spring. You can even cycle through here to get to The Pig in Brockenhurst.
THE SEA WALL
From Lymington to Keyhaven, a walk along the Lymington’s salt marshes. An important site for many bird species. The Haven is a great place for a coffee to begin with and then you can end up in The Gunn Inn in Keyhaven for lunch.
BLACKWATER
8 miles away is the stunning Blackwater Arboretum. It offers various trails through giant redwoods and historic Douglas firs. You will often see herds of deer in this location too. ​
BEAULIEU TO BUCKLER'S HARD
This 2 mile route starts close to the main street in the quintessential Beaulieu village and follows the river course of the Solent Way to Buckler’s Hard. At the end of your walk you can enjoy a drink at The Master Builder’s.
LYMINGTON TOWN
An hour and a half into Lymington high street. You can always hop on the X2 bus to get back to The Wild Life after a day exploring the High Street. Just ask to hop off at Light Foot’s Farm.
WILVERLEY
Only 3 miles away is Wilverley Enclosure, a great location for walks and a gentle cycle route. Also a great location for mushroom spotting.
TANNERS LANE TO LYMINGTON
Walk the coastal tide line as far as you can toward Lymington. This rustic coastline is an idyllic spot, great for wildlife spotting and peaceful wanderings.
THE FILLY INN
This 2-2.5 hour walk will take you across stunning forest with an end goal of the beautiful Filly Inn.
JUST AROUND THE CORNER...
There are a few great walks you can do, straight from The Salt Hut and Onion Loft. Maps are provided separately for these.
But, if you just fancy a quick country stroll, you can head down the road to the picturesque Old Mill Pub which has stunning al fresco seating overlooking the riverside gardens.
​​​​
TO THE SEASIDE!
Head to Milford on Sea in approximately 1-1.5 hours. This walk will take you along our rugged coastline, with epic views of the Isle of Wight. You'll have earnt a well deserved drink or bite to eat in the lively Lighthouse restaurant on the seafront!
EATERIES:
The Tinker’s Grandaughter, Lymington - Our favourite passionate plant-based chef Bobs can be found at various locations around the Forest in her vintage food truck or at her prep kitchen in Sway every Friday. Check out her website and Instagram to find out where she will be! Click here
The Pig, Brockenhurst- If you’re looking for something a bit special The Pig delivers with its location and food. A great location for a birthday or special occasion. Click here
The Gunn Inn, Keyhaven- Located in the costal village of Keyhaven, with spectacular views of the coast and great walks along the sea wall. The Gunn Inn offers a delicious menu from local produce. Click here
The East End Arms, East End Lymington- A cosy traditional pub, with a great atmosphere. Just down the road from the wonderfully wild Tanner’s beach.
The Old Mill Pub - A perfectly located gastro pub, situated 200m down the road. You can take a 20 minute country walk to get to this friendly pub. This is one of the places we like to go for a drink after a local walk from The Salt Hut.
Paddle on the Green, Milford on Sea - A trendy spot for brunch and coffees in the lovely village of Milford on Sea.
The Lighthouse- Milford on Sea. Positioned on the beach front, the modern and friendly eatery has a brilliant vibe and serves great cocktails and food.
Stanwell House, Lymington High Street - Great for seafood and cocktails. A boutique hotel on the highstreet. Has a cosy lounge bar and a super outdoor area.
The Brew Forest- A vibrant local brewery, with it’s own tap room. Hosts various food trucks each week. A great atmosphere.
The Noisy Lobster, Avon beach, Christchurch- A great place for seafood with sea views
ACTIVITIES:
Cycling - The New Forest is the perfect place for a cycling adventure. If you have not brought your bike with you, no worries, you can hire and even have them delivered to The Salt Hut by https://newforestbikes.co.uk/
​
Paddle Boards - You can hire two 10ft inflatable paddle boards from us. Please visit our online shop to reserve them for the day. It’s £20 per day, per board.
​
Wine Tours - The New Forest is home to some great local vineyards. You are able to visit and get to try their local produce with guided tours. Visit their websites to book.
​
Setley Ridge: https://setleyridge.co.uk/vineyard-tours/
​
Wharie Vineyard- https://www.wharie.co.uk/
​
Lymington Market - Every Saturday Lymington hosts it’s bustling market.
​
The Wild New Forest - two local experts who host an array of wildlife tours and historical trips. Check out their calendar to see their schedule and to book onto a trip.
https://www.wildnewforest.co.uk/
​
The Isle of Wight - How about a day trip to the Isle of Wight? Lymington is lucky enough to have a ferry that takes you across to Yarmouth, why not spend the day exploring the island. Top tip- it is an awful lot cheaper to go on by foot, the ferry is very expensive to take a car.
​
Head to the sea- There are many boat charter companies who provide fishing trips from Lymington Harbour. Check out https://www.charterboats-uk.co.uk/port/lymington/ for their schedules.
​
Horse Riding - Famous for its horses, why not try horse riding during your stay. There are a few local stables who provide hacks out into the forest. Contact them via their website.
​
https://www.coombeequestrian.com/
​
OUT OF THE ORDINARY:
Here are a few quirkier activities you can enjoy in the New Forest!
​
Social Tree Climbers- An amazing experience of adult tree climbing, just outside the lovely village of Minstead. Experience an incredible vista up in ancient trees or forest-bathe in the canopy in a Sky Pod with the team at Social Tree Climbers
Enjoy a wild swim and would like the opportunity to explore the local coastlines? The local Iconic Swim Company offer tailored adventure sea swim trips and deep water swimming coaching off of the New Forest coast and the Isle of Wight.
https://www.iconicswims.com/our-swims
​
Chocolate making with Miss Witt...located right next door to us is Miss Witt’s chocolate studio! Here you can learn how to make your own chocolate on her bespoke courses.
Naked Jam’s Jen is also located in her kitchen next door. Maybe enjoy a culinary master class with this local chef to create your very own jams and chutneys. Visit her website to find out more
LOCAL BEACHES:
Avon Beach - a great sandy beach based in Christchurch.
Tanner’s Lane- the local secret wild beach. Beautifully rugged.
​
Milford on Sea - take in the wonderful views of Hurst Castle, the Needles and the Solent from this small seaside town. Various locations along the sea front.
​
Barton on Sea - located in the seaside village of Barton on Sea. It has great views across the Solent and Isle of Wight.
​
Lepe Beach - is located at a popular coastal country park located near Exbury. It has over a mile of beach with stunning views across the Solent. It’s also home to historic D-Day remains.
​​
​
Why don't you visit our online store and order a picnic hamper to take with you?!