Page 99 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

HA MPSHIRE AND SALISBUR Y PLAIN  97

0 New Forest

The New Forest got its name when it was made a new royal
hunting preserve by William the Conqueror shortly after
he seized England in 1066. Now a national park, it retains
some ancient laws – especially the right for local inhabitants
to graze animals across the entire forest. These include the
famous New Forest ponies, which roam freely through the
villages. The gorgeous mix of heath and woodland scenery
is home to a range of birds and England’s largest deer herds.

7 Fordingbridge 8 Rufus Stone
A bridge was first This iron-clad stone marks
built over the River the spot where cruel King
Avon here in the early William II – known as Rufus 9 Minstead
13th century. because of his red face – is This little village of old thatched
said to have been killed. cottages was a favourite of
Key 0 km 2 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator
Tour route 0 miles 2 of Sherlock Holmes, who is
Other road buried in the churchyard.
1 Lyndhurst
The “Capital of the New
Cadnam
Fritham Forest” contains the Queen’s
House, site of the Verderer’s
Frogham Court, which administers
the traditional Forest laws.

Rockford
New Forest
National Park

6 Ringwood
A market has been held
here every Wednesday 2 Bolderwood
since 1226. The town has A narrow lane leads to
a long tradition of beer- the Bolderwood Deer
making, now kept up by Sanctuary, the best place
the Ringwood Brewery. to see deer in the forest.
5 Burley 3 Rhinefield Ornamental Drive
Tips for Drivers This village’s main street A road lined with rhododendrons,
has a timeless feel, with its azaleas and some of the only
Starting point: Lyndhurst. low-roofed cottages and American sequoias and redwoods
Length: 77 km (48 miles). freely roaming ponies. to be found in England.
Stopping-off points: Each town
and village has cafés and pubs
serving food. In Fordingbridge, 4 Brockenhurst
the George is located beside the Ponies, cattle and
River Avon and the historic bridge. donkeys are often seen
Information: New Forest Centre, drinking peacefully
Lyndhurst; 023 8028 3444; at the river ford in the
www.newforestcentre.org.uk centre of one of the
Transport: New Forest Tour prettiest New Forest
offers bus tours on three routes villages. It is a popular
(www.thenewforesttour.info). base for pony treks
into the countryside.
World-famous prehistoric monument Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

096-097_EW_ESC.indd 97 10/03/17 6:53 pm