The New Forest attractions include Exbury Gardens, Beaulieu Motor Museum and Paultons Park

The New Forest

The New Forest is one of England's last remaining ancient woodland areas which has been in existence since William the Conqueror named his 'new hunting forest' in 1079. Today the forest is a primeval parkland comprising 93,000 acres of woodland and open heathland teaming with wildlife and adventure.

People still graze their ponies, cattle, donkeys and pigs across the entire forest area including all the roads and villages, exercising commoner rights granted to them nearly 1000 years ago. Step back into time and experience a unique landscape and very olde way of life.

The New Forest

The Crown Hotel occupies a prominent position at the top of the high street in Lyndhurst opposite the church of Saint Michael and All Angels. Lyndhurst has always been the capital of the New Forest from 1079 when William the Conqueror established the area as a royal hunting preserve. Kings and queens came regularly to stay at the Royal Manor. Next to the church and opposite the Crown Hotel is the Queens House, once a royal hunting lodge and now the headquarters of the Forestry Commission. It serves today as the verderer's court, which deals with matters concerning the forests ancient commoning system.

Attractions in the New Forest

Today Lyndhurst is a vibrant village full of character with a friendly atmosphere. In the high street you will find many interesting shops, restaurants and tea rooms.

There are so many things to do we could not begin to cover them here. You may try some useful web links, which will give a good indication of what is available. We recommend you surf these and see for yourself that the New Forest is not simply trees and parkland - it is an exciting, uplifting or if you wish, relaxing place to escape to.

We recommend the best way to experience the forest is by foot or cycle. We have facilities to store your equipment if necessary. We can also arrange for cycle hire should you require it.

At the Crown we have a unique library of information gathered by the hotel owners over the years which you can browse whilst relaxing in the comfortable confines of our splendid hotel - perhaps with some real ale or a robust red for company!

LIST OF LOCAL ATTRACTIONS!

EXBURY GARDENS (near Beaulieu)
Highly regarded as one of the places in Britain to see Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Click here for website

NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM (Beaulieu)
Visit the new James Bond exhibition, walk around the landscape gardens and the historic Palace home of Lord Montague. Click here for website

Deer in the New Forest

OWL AND OTTER CONSERVATION PARK (Ashurst, near Lyndhurst)
See otter, barn owls and many other animals in their natural habitat. Scenic walks through the forest make this an enjoyable attraction for young and old alike.

PAULTONS PARK (Ower, Near Romsey)
Fun for all the family with rides, animals, exotic brids and over 140 acres of beautiful gardens.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND FAMILY PARK (Hurn, near Christchurch)
A fun day out for the younger tourists: with rides, a splendid maze, a HUGE bouncy castle and all the characters from the novels of Lewis Carroll.

There are many more attractions to enjoy in the area, from sporting pursuits to retail therapy in nearby Southampton or Bournemouth.

Website links:

The New Forest	www.thenewforest.co.uk
New Forest District Council	www.nfdc.gov.uk
Beaulieu Motor Museum & House	www.beaulieu.co.uk
Forest Leisure Cycling	www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk
Exbury Gardens	www.exbury.co.uk