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The UK's smallest national park, featuring a 220-mile coastline and stunning natural beauty

Writer's picture: UK Hidden GemsUK Hidden Gems

Discover the New Forest, the UK's smallest national park, where stunning landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and rich history come together in a truly special setting.


The New Forest is one of the most unique and enchanting national parks in the UK, known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty, despite being the smallest of them all.


It became a national park in 2005 and covers 220 square miles of breathtaking scenery along the central south coast of England.


Image of The New Forest
Image credit: Photo © Mike Faherty (cc-by-sa/2.0)


Although it may be the UK’s smallest national park, it is packed with incredible wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and historic sites, making it the perfect escape for those seeking nature and adventure.


The New Forest is famous for its variety of habitats, from ancient woodlands and open heathlands to peaceful wetlands and grassy meadows.


Wild ponies, cattle, and deer roam freely throughout the park, creating a classic British countryside scene that feels like stepping back in time.


Seeing these animals grazing beneath the towering trees or wandering through the meadows adds to the magic of this unique place.


Image of The New Forest
Image credit: Photo © Derek Harper (cc-by-sa/2.0)

For birdwatchers, the New Forest is a fantastic destination, with over 100 bird species recorded here, including woodpeckers, nightjars, and kestrels.


The park’s wetlands provide an ideal resting spot for migratory birds, making it a top location for birdwatching, particularly in autumn and spring.


Beyond its natural beauty, the New Forest has a deep and fascinating history. It was first established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.


The park is filled with charming medieval villages, historic churches, and traditional thatched cottages, each offering a glimpse into the forest’s rich past.


Lyndhurst, often called the ‘capital’ of the New Forest, is home to the New Forest Museum, where visitors can explore the area’s heritage and culture.


Remember - LeaveNoTrace!


As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!


Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.


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