A pre-planned accessible holiday in the New Forest
A Week (or Two) in the New Forest
One of our guests challenged us to plan a week’s holiday in the New Forest. We honestly told them you need more than a week here, as there is so much to see and do, but we thought we would start by sharing some of our favourite locations and activities. We know everyone is different and not every idea will be accessible to everyone. If we were guiding you around the forest for a few days, these are the spots we think you should include.
Not every place has a postcode, so we share locations using
what3words.
You can download the app on Apple and Android and navigate to the points we’ve highlighted. It’s also useful in emergencies, as most emergency services can locate you with this app.
What can wheelchair users do on Day 1 in the New Forest?
If you arrive at the cottage early and we’re not quite ready for you, stop for a cup of tea at Shallowmead Nursery. It’s home to Mabel’s, a fantastic independent coffee shop. If the weather is kind, enjoy the landscaped courtyard garden. They also serve a great breakfast. Another option is Daisy Tea Garden with a neighbouring farm shop. Or pop into Lyndhurst for the New Forest Heritage Centre and a choice of coffee shops along the High Street.
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Mabel’s at Shallowmead Nursery: landscaped courtyard and great breakfasts.
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Daisy Tea Garden: independent tea garden with farm shop.
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Lyndhurst village: cafés, browsing, and a gentle start to your New Forest week.
Market Day in Lymington
Lymington Quay
Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve
Which accessible attractions are ideal for Day 2?
Beaulieu is home to the National Motor Museum and Palace House. Explore vintage cars, the historic house, gardens and the abbey. In the village, watch the ponies by the mill pond looking towards Palace House. Stroll the traditional High Street, try Beaulieu’s homemade chocolates, or stop at the coffee shop or garden centre.
Just outside the village, Buckler’s Hard is a historic maritime village. There’s a level riverside path between Beaulieu and Buckler’s Hard (about 2.5 miles each way).
Download the walk map,
or you can drive and park there.
Finish the day at Hatchet Pond. Park beside the water, enjoy a picnic and, with luck, a sunset. It’s a favourite with photographers.
Where can I find accessible riverside walks for Day 3
Christchurch is around 11 miles from the cottages. Enjoy riverside walks, the historic Priory and a lively quay with swans and events through the year. There are plenty of spots for coffee or lunch, and many families hire a small boat to explore the river.
Lepe Country Park
Walking at Lepe
Views from Hythe
What accessible walks or forest trails work for Day 4?
Exbury Gardens offers tarmac paths and trails, a steam railway and a café. The collections span woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower areas. It’s easy to enjoy whether you want quiet space, a ride on the railway or to hire a Tramper.
Lepe Country Park has parking beside the beach and sweeping views of Southampton Water. There’s a Changing Places facility and a beach wheelchair. Across the road you’ll find a sensory garden and boardwalk trail. The start is accessible, with some more challenging terrain further on. The café is ramped and has panoramic views.
On the way back, the Walhampton Arms is a supportive, accessible local restaurant.
Which attractions on the Forest Waterside are best for Day 5?
Continue around the Waterside and explore:
- Calshot Spit: beach parking and an activity centre with water and land-based options.
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- Ashlett Creek: a tiny harbour with a timeless feel.
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Hythe: independent shops, a waterfront promenade and the world’s oldest electric pier train to the ferry for Southampton.
Where can I find accessible beaches for Day 6
Avon Beach is our nearest sandy beach with seafront parking and a tarmac promenade. It’s often quieter than Bournemouth and Boscombe. Walk the seafront to Mudeford Quay for crabbing and water sports. There’s also a ferry to Hengistbury Head if you’d rather not walk.
Avon Beach and Mudeford: video 1
Avon Beach and Mudeford: video 2
Avon Beach and Mudeford: video 3
Can I enjoy an accessible day on the Dorset Coastline for day 7?
Hengistbury Head is a scenic, historic headland between Poole Harbour and Hurst Spit. A tarmac path runs from the car park and café to the beach huts. Another café sits near the end. Some routes are not wheelchair or pushchair friendly, so follow the accessible route and start at the visitor centre for advice.
“Your seven-day itineary was perfect — we did something accessible every single day.”
If I need a day relxing or just enjoying the cottage... this could be an option too
Sometimes you just want a day in. Time to enjoy birdsong in the garden, rest and recharge, and give the driver a break. Plan something special at the cottage:
Where can I find accessible beaches for 9? I still want to explore more
Milford on Sea is around six miles from the cottages. Park on the seafront and watch the waves, or take the tarmac promenade. There’s sloped access up to the roof of the beach huts. The Lighthouse restaurant often has live music. In the village car park you’ll find a Changing Places toilet.
Follow the cliff-top path for views to the Isle of Wight and The Needles. Drive on to Barton on Sea to watch paragliders, enjoy home-cooked food at the Beachcomber Café, or head down the sloped coastal path.
Heading off at Hengistbury Head
Exploring Exbury Gardens
River Stour walk at Christchurch
Is there an accessible castle near the New Forest>
Discover Highcliffe’s beach from the cliff top. The Cliffhanger Café hosts events and serves breakfast and lunch. There’s sloped access to the sea and several coastal paths. Head to the Zig-Zag Path to return to the cliff, and visit Highcliffe Castle, a Grade I listed house with a café in the grounds. It has been renovated and most of the building is accessible.
If you don’t want to walk from the cliff top, park at Highcliffe Castle (it can get busy). Afterwards, visit Steamer Point Nature Reserve for a step-free walk through quiet woodland with Solent views.
Can you suggest an accessible picnic spot for day 11 or a great accessible walk in the New Forest?
Sit back, watch the wildlife and enjoy the views along Longslade Bottom. Horseshoe Bottom View and other car parks offer open vistas. From Longslade you can join the old railway track for a level there-and-back walk.
Then head to Wilverley. Wilverley Plain is popular for picnics and watching ponies and cattle graze. In the enclosure there’s a circular walk on wide gravel paths. There are toilets and a BBQ area (check fire risk status).
Is there an accessible Museum? A place to learn about the New Forest history, and the Bench that inspired "Our Bench"?
Lyndhurst is often busy with traffic but full of character and surrounded by the National Park. Sample local produce, browse woodcraft, and learn about the forest at the New Forest Heritage Centre just off the main car park.
Bolton’s Bench is a local landmark. Walk up to the yew trees for views towards Lyndhurst church. It matters to us, as it’s where Roger proposed to Mary, the inspiration behind “Our Bench”.
In Ashurst, Longdown Activity Farm has a Changing Places toilet. The New Forest Wildlife Park is the one place you can see wild boar and wolves locally, as well as deer, otters, foxes and badgers.
Day thirteen: Burley, Ringwood and Liberty’s
Burley is a traditional New Forest village where tales of witches, smuggling and dragons add to the character. Park behind the Queen’s Head and look for red deer in the field beyond. Try the tea room, browse gift shops and visit New Forest Cider.
On Wednesdays, Ringwood hosts a market. The town reflects its agricultural heritage. Ringwood Brewery offers tours (not wheelchair friendly) and tastings in the courtyard. Wildlife fans will enjoy Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre with flying sessions and photography days (book ahead).
Day fourteen: Brockenhurst, Tall Trees Trail, Ober Water and the Deer Sanctuary
Pack a picnic and explore two nearby accessible trails, Ober Water and the Tall Trees Trail. Both are waymarked and different in feel. The Tall Trees Trail is close to the road and handy with children. We’ve chosen car parks that often have an ice cream van and toilets.
Driving the Ornamental Drive, continue to the deer sanctuary where wild deer are fed on summer afternoons.
Day fifteen: Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley offers signposted walks, a treetop trail, two play parks, a miniature railway, fishing lakes and paid activities like Go Ape, bike hire and Segway. You can easily spend a full day here and only pay for parking.
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Moors Valley Country Park:
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Parking fills quickly during holidays and weekends. Check their Facebook page for updates.
Day sixteen: Hurst Castle
One of our favourite castles, managed by English Heritage, sits at the end of a long shingle bank. Ferries run from Keyhaven for a lovely river trip to the castle, but you do need to step into the boat, so it won’t work for everyone. Many of our families love this day out because it often feels peaceful and open.
Once there, explore the rooms, enjoy Solent views and watch yachts passing. It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for somewhere a little different.
And still more wheelchair accessible places to explore
Head north in the New Forest, take a day trip to the Isle of Wight from Lymington to Yarmouth, head to Portsmouth with its Maritime History and stunning tower or visit the World Heritage Site at Stonehenge with Salisbury close by. Both are around an hour by car.
Colewell Bay
Stonehenge near Salisbury
Portsmouth
See more ideas on our
New Forest pages,
Lymington pages,
and day trips,
plus inspiration in our photo gallery.
Guests can also book a free photo shoot.
Check what’s on for seasonal events. We share lots on our
Facebook page.
Have you booked a long enough stay, or is it time to plan your next visit?
Last updated: March 2026