Accessible New Forest Itinerary: One or Two Weeks

We have planned one or two weeks of accessible day-out ideas to help inspire your New Forest holiday.

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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.

  • Mabel’s at Shallowmead Nursery: landscaped courtyard and great breakfasts. Open in what3words
  • Daisy Tea Garden: independent tea garden with farm shop. Open in what3words
  • Lyndhurst village: cafés, browsing, and a gentle start to your New Forest week.
Market stalls and shoppers on Lymington’s High Street on a sunny market day
Market Day in Lymington
Fishing boats and waterside cottages around Lymington Quay
Lymington Quay
Wide path beside the marshes at Lymington to Keyhaven Nature Reserve
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.

Boardwalk running parallel to the shore at Lepe Country Park
Lepe Country Park
Wide accessible path overlooking the Solent at Lepe
Walking at Lepe
View across Southampton Water from Hythe promenade
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:

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 Coast 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 itinerary was perfect — we did something accessible every single day.”

Day 8: Relax, recharge or enjoy a day at the cottage

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:

Day 9: Accessible seaside ideas at Milford on Sea and Barton

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.

Smooth path leading towards the beach huts at Hengistbury Head
Heading off at Hengistbury Head
Colourful borders and wide paths at Exbury Gardens
Exploring Exbury Gardens
Paved riverside path beside the River Stour in Christchurch
River Stour walk at Christchurch

Is there an accessible castle near the New Forest?  This could be an option for day 10.

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).

Day 12: New Forest history, Bolton's Bench and local attractions

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 13: 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 14: 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 15: Moors Valley Country Park

Moors Valley offers signposted walks, a treetop trail, two play parks, a miniature railway, fishing lakes and paid activities such as Go Ape, bike hire and Segways. There is also a Changing Places toilet, café, sound discovery walk and Tramper hire, so there is plenty to consider for a full day out.

  • Moors Valley Country Park: Open in what3words Parking fills quickly during holidays and weekends. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Day 16: Hurst Castle and Keyhaven

Hurst Castle sits at the end of a long shingle spit and is one of our favourite historic places to visit. Ferries run from Keyhaven, but boarding requires stepping into the boat and the castle itself is not wheelchair accessible, so this option will not work for everyone.

We still include it because some of our guests enjoy the open space, coastal views and quieter atmosphere around Keyhaven and Hurst. If the castle itself is not suitable for you, Keyhaven can still make a lovely place for crabbing, watching the boats or simply enjoying the coast.

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.

Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight
Colewell Bay
Stonehenge standing stones under a dramatic sky in August 2020
Stonehenge near Salisbury
Spinnaker Tower Portsmouth
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