Photo: David Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0Walks and outdoor days in Hampshire and the New Forest
For family walks in Hampshire and the New Forest, England, try the Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater Arboretum near Lyndhurst or the Deer Watch trail at Bolderwood. For a coastal walk, the level path at Keyhaven Marshes, with views to Hurst Castle, is hard to beat.
Hampshire has walks for every age, from the New Forest's forest trails around Lyndhurst to the chalk downs above Winchester. Most of the walks here are free, but Forestry England car parks in the New Forest charge by the hour, so check the rate before you park.
Trail lengths vary. The Deer Watch trail at Bolderwood is a 15-minute stroll to a viewpoint, while the Radnor trail to the deer viewing platform takes about 50 minutes. Sightings of wild deer are never guaranteed, because there is no longer a deer sanctuary or feeding station there.
Coastal walks need care. At Keyhaven, the marsh and mudflats are dangerous, so keep to the paths, and dogs must stay under close control on the sea wall. The Hook Lake and Solent shore walk should not be done at high tide, and parking on Solent Drive is limited, so arrive early.
Every place here is checked against its official website; the latest check was on .
New Forest walks and trails
Forest paths, lakes and arboretums that suit a short stroll or a longer loop.
Photo: David Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0Blackwater Arboretum and the Tall Trees Trail
A small arboretum of trees from around the world on Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, cared for by Forestry England. A short sensory loop with tactile sculptures winds through the arboretum, and the Tall Trees Trail crosses the road to walk beneath Douglas firs and giant redwoods planted in Victorian times.
Why it's here: The 1.5-mile Tall Trees Trail runs under Victorian Douglas firs, with giant redwoods, the biggest trees in the New Forest. The walk is free, and Forestry England parking is charged.
Photo: Stuart Logan, CC BY-SA 2.0Bolderwood
A Forestry England site on an old coaching route west of Lyndhurst, with some of the oldest Douglas fir trees in the New Forest, the earliest dating to about 1860. Three waymarked circular trails lead from the car park through ancient and ornamental woodland, and the longest passes a deer viewing platform where fallow deer are often seen.
Why it's here: Three waymarked circular trails, including the Deer Watch trail, a 15-minute stroll to a viewpoint, and the Radnor trail to a deer viewing platform, about 50 minutes.
Photo: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0Hatchet Pond
The largest body of fresh water in the New Forest, a small, shallow lake on open heath between Beaulieu and Brockenhurst. It is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation for its rare wetland plants and freshwater wildlife, and has been through a major restoration in recent years.
Why it's here: The largest body of fresh water in the New Forest, a shallow lake on open heath between Beaulieu and Brockenhurst. It is free to visit, with a short wander from the car park.
Photo: Paul Pollard, CC BY-SA 2.0Lepe Country Park
A Hampshire County Council country park on the Solent shore at the edge of the New Forest, looking across to the Isle of Wight. Beach and meadow walks lead past remains from the D-Day preparations of 1944 and a Cold War observation post, with a play area, cafe and kiosk near the shore.
Why it's here: Beach and meadow walks lead past D-Day remains and a Cold War observation post, with views across the Solent. Entry is free.
Coast and marshes
Sea walls and shingle with views across to the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle.
Photo: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0Keyhaven and Keyhaven Marshes
A level coastal walk from Keyhaven along the sea wall of the Solent Way, between Hampshire County Council's Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Local Nature Reserve and the Wildlife Trust's offshore saltmarsh and mudflats. There are views to Hurst Castle, the Isle of Wight and the Needles, and birdlife in every season.
Why it's here: A level walk along the Solent Way sea wall, with views to Hurst Castle and the Needles, and brent geese and wigeon in winter. Entry is free.
Photo: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0Milford on Sea beach and clifftop
The seafront at Milford on Sea, looked after by New Forest District Council, runs from Hordle Cliff and Paddy's Gap in the west to Hurst Road, where the shingle spit heads out towards Hurst Castle. Beach huts line the promenade, and the clifftop grassland at Hordle Cliff is managed for wild flowers and wildlife.
Why it's here: A walk of about 2 miles along the shingle spit to Hurst Castle, with beach huts along the front. The beach and clifftop are free.
Photo: Hugh Venables, CC BY-SA 2.0Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve
A 123 hectare coastal nature reserve on Portsmouth Harbour, known for wading birds and wildfowl. A rough path runs about 2.5 miles around the outer sea wall.
Why it's here: A rough path of about 2.5 miles runs around the outer sea wall of this nature reserve, which is known for wading birds. Entry is free, and dogs must be on a lead.
Downs, hill forts and long routes
Chalk hills and longer routes for walkers who want a bigger day.
Image: Forestry EnglandQueen Elizabeth Country Park
Over 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland with three waymarked walking trails, two permissive bike trails and a play area. The top of Butser Hill, the highest point on the South Downs, is nearby.
Why it's here: Over 2,000 acres of open access woodland and downland, with three waymarked walking trails. The South Downs Way passes through.
Photo: Hugh Chevallier, CC BY-SA 2.0St Catherine's Hill
A chalk downland nature reserve on the edge of Winchester, managed by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. Walks climb the hill for views over the city and across the chalk grassland.
Why it's here: A chalk downland nature reserve on the edge of Winchester, with walks up the hill for views over the city. Free to visit.
Image: Visit HampshireDanebury Ring
An Iron Age hill fort and Local Nature Reserve above the Test Valley, managed by Hampshire County Council. Its ramparts and the gateway can still be seen, and the site has walking routes with views over the valley.
Why it's here: An Iron Age hill fort above the Test Valley, with ramparts and walking routes. It is free, but dogs are restricted on the site.
Image: Visit HampshireThe Test Way
A 44-mile long-distance walking route from Inkpen Beacon to Eling, following the River Test. It passes through Stockbridge, Mottisfont and Romsey on the way.
Why it's here: A 44-mile long-distance route following the River Test from Inkpen Beacon to Eling. Shorter sections suit half-day walks, and the route is free.
Questions people ask
Which walks in the New Forest are best for families?
The Tall Trees Trail at Blackwater Arboretum near Lyndhurst passes giant redwoods and Victorian Douglas firs, and the Deer Watch and Jubilee trails at Bolderwood are shorter loops with viewpoints.
Are New Forest car parks free?
Not usually. The Forestry England car parks at Blackwater, Bolderwood and Hatchet Pond charge £1.50 for one hour, £3 for two hours, £5 for four hours or £8 for longer, by card or RingGo only. Forestry England national members park free.
Can families walk to a castle in Hampshire?
Yes. Hurst Castle is about a 2-mile walk along the shingle spit from Milford on Sea seafront, and the castle can also be reached by ferry from Keyhaven.