The fantastic open-top New Forest Tours only run in the summer – this year you can explore the New Forest from the open top deck every day between Saturday 5 July and Sunday 14 September 2025.
New Forest Tour: Green - The original tour of the New Forest - travelling through the most glorious scenery in Hampshire - and you get to experience that from the top deck of an open-top bus!
Lyndhurst ➤
Very popular!
Discover Lyndhurst: The New Forest's charming capital, perfect for a car-free British adventure amidst stunning natural beauty and fascinating history
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, Lyndhurst, often hailed as its ‘capital’, offers a delightful escape for those exploring Britain without a car. Wander through its bustling high street, brimming with independent shops and inviting cafés, before soaking in the village’s rich history.
A must-visit is the New Forest Heritage Centre, where you can delve into the captivating story of the National Park’s wildlife and conservation. Don’t miss the impressive St Michael and All Angels’ Church, home to beautiful Pre-Raphaelite windows and the grave of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. Just a short stroll away, Bolton’s Bench provides fantastic views across the landscape, often shared with the famous New Forest ponies.
With numerous walking and cycling routes starting right from the village centre, Lyndhurst is ideal for enjoying the tranquil forest trails. Hop on the seasonal New Forest Tour open-top bus for a picturesque ride through the park, connecting you to other charming villages and attractions like Furzey Gardens and Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, making car-free exploration wonderfully simple.
Brockenhurst ➤
Very popular!
Discover the heart of the New Forest National Park with ease: Brockenhurst offers a charming, car-free escape by rail
Nestled in the breathtaking New Forest National Park, Brockenhurst is a delightful village perfect for a relaxed, car-free getaway. Arriving by train brings you directly into the heart of this vibrant community, where the iconic New Forest ponies and donkeys often roam freely through the streets, offering an immediate sense of immersion in nature.
From the moment you step off the train, a network of picturesque walking and cycling routes beckons, leading you deeper into ancient woodlands and across expansive heathlands. The village itself boasts charming tea rooms, traditional pubs, and independent shops, ideal for a leisurely afternoon. Consider a stroll to the historic St. Nicholas Church, the oldest in the New Forest, or simply enjoy watching the world go by. Brockenhurst serves as a wonderful base for exploring the wider National Park, with easy connections to other charming spots, all accessible for those travelling by rail or on foot.
Ibsley ➤
Discover Ibsley, a charming New Forest village perfect for a car-free escape amidst nature and history
Tucked away within the New Forest, Ibsley in Hampshire offers a delightful escape for those exploring Britain without a car. This picturesque village, with its charming thatched cottages, invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in its tranquil surroundings.
A gentle stroll leads you to the stunning Blashford Lakes, a haven for wildlife and a perfect spot for peaceful walks and birdwatchingnull. History enthusiasts can seek out the poignant remnants of RAF Ibsley, including its derelict control tower overlooking the lakes – a unique glimpse into its wartime pastnull. Afterwards, enjoy a well-deserved refreshment at The Old Beams, a welcoming country pub in the heart of the villagenull. Navigating Ibsley and its beautiful commons on foot or by bicycle allows you to truly connect with the enchanting New Forest landscape.null
Lymington ➤
Very popular!
Discover Lymington: a charming Georgian port town nestled between the New Forest and the Solent, perfect for a relaxing, car-free escape
Tucked away on the edge of the New Forest and the shimmering Solent, Lymington is a delightful Georgian market town offering a refreshing getaway. Imagine stepping off your bus and immediately feeling the sea air, with the town’s charming cobbled streets and historic quay just a short stroll away.null
Spend your days exploring the bustling Saturday market, browsing independent shops, or simply watching the yachts bob in the marinas. The scenic Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve is easily accessible, providing wonderful opportunities for birdwatching and coastal walks without needing a car. You can even hop on a ferry for a day trip to the Isle of Wight, enjoying the sea breeze as you cross the Solent.null
With its blend of maritime heritage, quaint town life, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, Lymington invites you to slow down and embrace the beauty of the Hampshire coast at a relaxed pace.
New Forest Adventure Golf ➤
Embark on a charming car-free adventure through miniature Hampshire landscapes at New Forest Adventure Golf.
Discover the delightful New Forest Adventure Golf in Lymington, Hampshire, an 18-hole mini-golf course that cleverly mirrors the stunning local landscape. Traverse a miniature Isle of Wight ferry and navigate past representations of the Lymington and Beaulieu Rivers, complete with tiny towns and villages from the New Forest. It is an engaging challenge for all ages, perfect for a memorable family outing or a friendly game with friends.
Reaching this charming attraction without a car is wonderfully straightforward. The seasonal open-top New Forest Tour bus offers a convenient stop on its Green Route directly at New Forest Adventure Golfnull. Enjoy the panoramic views as you travel through the National Park, perhaps even planning a visit to nearby Lymington or a stroll along the scenic Solent Way. For a seasonal treat, visitors between May and August can pick their own delicious strawberries at Goodall’s farmland, where the course is nestlednull.
Hatchet Pond ➤
Hatchet Pond, Hampshire: where wild New Forest ponies roam freely and tranquil waters invite serene car-free adventures.
Discover Hatchet Pond, a sparkling gem nestled within the breathtaking New Forest, offering a truly tranquil escape. As the largest body of fresh water in the Crown Lands, this stunning heathland pond is a haven for wildlife and a delight for visitors seeking natural beauty.
Spend your day observing the iconic New Forest ponies grazing peacefully by the water’s edge, alongside donkeys, cattle, and a rich variety of birdlife. The pond is also home to some of the UK’s rarest wetland plants, making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Enjoy leisurely, flat walks around the pond and surrounding heathland, perfect for spotting dragonflies and other fascinating creatures. Don’t forget a picnic to savour the peaceful atmosphere.
Reaching this natural sanctuary is part of the charm; during summer, you can easily hop on the seasonal New Forest Tour bus, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the journey through this unspoilt landscape.
Beaulieu ➤
Very popular!
Discover Beaulieu, a captivating New Forest village where history, motor heritage, and natural beauty converge for a memorable, car-free escape.
Beaulieu, a truly beautiful place nestled on the edge of the New Forest, invites you to step into a world of timeless charm. Named for its French meaning, this idyllic village captivates with its honey-coloured stone buildings, quaint shops, and the gentle flow of the Beaulieu River. Wander through the village high street where New Forest ponies and donkeys often roam freely, adding to the picturesque scenery.
The renowned Beaulieu Estate is home to a wealth of attractions. Explore the National Motor Museum, a treasure trove of automotive history, before delving into the grandeur of Palace House, ancestral home of the Montagu family, and the serene ruins of Beaulieu Abbey. A leisurely stroll along the riverbank leads to stunning views and connects you to the preserved 18th-century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard, easily reached by foot for a delightful day out. Enjoy the refreshing New Forest air and discover why Beaulieu is a cherished gem.
Exbury Gardens ➤
Escape to the enchanting world of Exbury Gardens in Hampshire, a floral paradise brimming with breathtaking beauty.
Escape to the enchanting world of Exbury Gardens in Hampshire, a horticultural haven brimming with breathtaking beauty. Spanning 200 acres, this magnificent estate is renowned for its world-famous collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, which erupt in a spectacular display of colour, particularly vibrant in spring and early summernull.
Meander along tranquil woodland paths, discover hidden glades, or hop aboard the charming Exbury Steam Railway for a leisurely journey through parts of the gardens only accessible by trainnull. Getting here without a car is part of the adventure; during the warmer months, the New Forest Tour Bus (green route) offers a delightful open-top journey, stopping right at the gardens and providing picturesque views of the surrounding national parknull. For a truly serene day out, immerse yourself in nature’s artistry at this remarkable Hampshire gem.
Hythe ➤
Discover the charm of Hythe, Hampshire: a tranquil waterside retreat with historic pier, scenic ferry rides, and easy access to the New Forest
Nestled on the western shore of Southampton Water, Hythe in Hampshire offers a delightful escape with its serene atmosphere and captivating maritime heritage. A highlight is the historic Hythe Pier, home to the world’s oldest continually operating electric pier train, which gently transports you along its 640-metre length to the ferry terminalnull.
From here, embark on a scenic ferry journey across to Southampton, enjoying spectacular views of the bustling harbour and majestic cruise liners that frequent the portnull. It’s a truly memorable way to travel. Exploring Hythe itself is a joy, with its picturesque marina and Georgian High Street boasting charming local spotsnull. For nature lovers, the glorious New Forest National Park is within easy reach, offering ancient woodlands and heathlands perfect for car-free walks and cycle rides from nearby transport links. Hythe provides an ideal base for a relaxed, waterside adventure without the need for a car.
Beaulieu Road ➤
Discovering Beaulieu Road: A tranquil gateway to the New Forest's natural charm, perfectly explored by bus.
Nestled deep within the ancient embrace of the New Forest, Beaulieu Road offers a serene escape into Hampshire’s stunning natural landscape. This quiet corner is an ideal starting point for adventurers keen to experience the forest’s wild beauty without the need for a car.
Arriving at the charming, albeit tranquil, Beaulieu Road railway station provides a gentle introduction to your car-free adventurenull. From here, you can easily immerse yourself in the surrounding heathlands and woodlands, perfect for peaceful walks or invigorating cycles amidst the grazing New Forest ponies and donkeys. During the summer, the convenient New Forest Tour open-top bus stops nearby, offering a delightful way to explore further afield to the picturesque village of Beaulieu itself, home to the National Motor Museum and historic Beaulieu Abbeynull.
Embrace the freedom of exploring at your own pace, soaking in the crisp air and breathtaking views that unfold around every corner. Beaulieu Road truly embodies the essence of a peaceful British getaway, where the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
Lyndhurst ➤
Discover Lyndhurst: The New Forest's charming capital, perfect for a car-free British adventure amidst stunning natural beauty and fascinating history
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, Lyndhurst, often hailed as its ‘capital’, offers a delightful escape for those exploring Britain without a car. Wander through its bustling high street, brimming with independent shops and inviting cafés, before soaking in the village’s rich history.
A must-visit is the New Forest Heritage Centre, where you can delve into the captivating story of the National Park’s wildlife and conservation. Don’t miss the impressive St Michael and All Angels’ Church, home to beautiful Pre-Raphaelite windows and the grave of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. Just a short stroll away, Bolton’s Bench provides fantastic views across the landscape, often shared with the famous New Forest ponies.
With numerous walking and cycling routes starting right from the village centre, Lyndhurst is ideal for enjoying the tranquil forest trails. Hop on the seasonal New Forest Tour open-top bus for a picturesque ride through the park, connecting you to other charming villages and attractions like Furzey Gardens and Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, making car-free exploration wonderfully simple.
This listing was last updated on 6th August 2025
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