A gentle village with a forest heart
Brockenhurst is the kind of place where the forest simply carries on into the streets. Ponies amble across village greens as if they own the place, which in a way they do, and there’s a feeling that life has happily resisted too much change over the centuries.
Its name derives from an Old English word for “badger’s wood,” which suits it rather nicely. The village sits on an ancient settlement that stretches back to the Bronze Age, and by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086 it was a thriving agricultural community. Today, it’s more of a lively little hub for visitors to the New Forest, full of cafés, pubs, and welcoming B&Bs.
Wander along Brookley Road and you’ll come across all manner of independent shops and cosy spots to take tea. The pretty waters of Ober Water are close by, and paths fan out into some of the most glorious forest scenery you could hope for – perfect for a picnic or an unhurried ramble.
And there’s an extra charm to Brockenhurst that most people never quite put their finger on. Perhaps it’s the sight of deer slipping into the trees at dusk or the sleepy station where cyclists hop off trains with a grin, knowing they have miles of leafy trails ahead. However you choose to explore, you leave with a sense that you’ve been part of a very special corner of the forest.
Useful Information
Location
Central New Forest, Hampshire, a short drive from Lyndhurst and Lymington.
Getting There
Brockenhurst railway station is on the South Western Main Line. The village is easily accessible by car via the A337.
When to Visit
All year round – spring bluebells, summer forest adventures, autumn walks, winter pub lunches.
What to See and Do
• Wander forest trails straight from the village centre
• Hire a bike to explore the forest cycle routes
• Spot ponies and deer grazing on village greens
• Stop for tea at one of the village cafés or pubs
• Take a picnic to Ober Water or Balmer Lawn
More Information
New Forest National Park — Brockenhurst
