Travel information for getting to and around the New Forest

By Road
Road links are excellent with the M3 and M27 providing access from London and the South East. If you are travelling from the Midlands you have the benefit of the M40 and A34.

By Rail
You can get to the New Forest from all over the country by train. There are over 130 stopping trains a day at Brockenhurst, which is on the mainline from London Waterloo (1 1/2 hours away).Go to Railtrack , South West Trains or Virgin Trains for further information including timetables.

By Sea
Wightlink Ferries operate frequent services to the Isle of Wight from Lymington. P&O European Ferries operate services to Le Havre, Cherbourg and Bilbao. Brittany Ferries run services to Caen, St Malo and Santander. Wightlink Ferries provide car and passenger services to Fishbourne and Ryde on the Isle of Wight. Hovertravel operate a passenger service to Ryde. For those travelling to and from Southampton White Horse ferries run a ferry service from Southampton to Hythe.

By Air
The major London airports Gatwick and Heathrow, are less than 100 miles away, Southampton and Bournemouth International Airports are just outside The New Forest via good rail and coach connections.

Naturally... 'Car Free'
Cars are not naturally part of the forest and more and more visitors are wanting to use far more enjoyable ways of getting around the destination. Our 'car free' visitor project links trains, ferries, buses, bikes and walking networks.

Walking
The New Forest is a genuine walkers' paradise with many circular and linear routes. There are picnic and toilet facilities, all are carefully sited to allow visitors safe and easy access to a variety of forest landscapes.

Wagon Rides
A restful way to see the forest can be enjoyed from a Wagon Ride either from Brockenhurst or Burley, using quiet tracks and lanes through peaceful forest inclosures and picturesque villages.

Bus & Coach Services
Wilts & Dorset, Solent Blue Line and National Express all operate in the area. Contact the Visitor Information Centres for further information.

Cycling
The 40mph speed limit on unfenced roads has made the New Forest a safer place to cycle. To help protect this unique environment and improve visitor enjoyment, an off-road and road based cycle network has been created linking the main villages and railway station at Brockenhurst by the safest and most attractive routes. If arriving by train, bikes are available for hire nearby to Brockenhurst Train Station.