Accessible photo gallery and inspiration for the New Forest

Photo Gallery: Accessible Things to Do in the New Forest

Explore the New Forest through our photo gallery of accessible places to visit, seasonal highlights, free activities, and memorable days out near Our Bench holiday cottages in Lymington.

If you are planning your stay, you might also like our week (or two) in the New Forest itinerary, our What’s On guide, and our wheelchair-friendly walks. For attractions, cafés and accessible day trips, head to our Explore pages.

Staying with us means you can enjoy the forest at your own pace. If you tell us what you love, quiet spots, wildlife, cafés, the sea, accessible cycling, or easy walks, we can suggest ideas that fit your energy and mobility needs. Contact us.

Discover the magic of the New Forest

From wide open heathland to quiet coastal paths, the New Forest is full of places that invite you to slow down and explore. This gallery shares locations and experiences our guests love, from gentle walks and wildlife spotting to local events and seasonal colour. If you enjoy planning by photos, you may also like our accessible holiday itinerary.

Lavender in bloom at New Forest Lavender — New Forest Lavender in summer.

Wide heathland view at Ashley Walk in the New Forest — Ashley Walk was a bombing range during the Second World War.

Goslings at Cadman’s Pool in the New Forest — Cadman’s Pool is a favourite spot for birdwatching.

Traction engines at a steam rally — New Forest and Hampshire Show, or Netley Marsh Steam Rally.

Sunrise over Hatchet Pond in the New Forest — Sunrise at Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu.

Cycling route near Ladycross Estate, Brockenhurst — Cycling near Ladycross Estate, Brockenhurst. Try our accessible cycling guide.

Reading a map while exploring the New Forest — We provide local suggestions to help you plan your days out.

Horse-drawn carriage ride through the New Forest — A carriage ride through the New Forest in winter.

Sailing and watersports near Hurst Castle — Watersports on the Keyhaven River near Hurst Castle.

Accessible experiences in every season

The New Forest changes beautifully throughout the year. Frosty winter mornings, spring foals, long summer evenings by the sea, and rich autumn colour all offer different ways to enjoy your holiday. For seasonal ideas and events, visit What’s On in the New Forest.

Frosty morning landscape at Hatchet Pond — Frosty morning at Hatchet Pond.

Fishing boats moored on Lymington Quay — Fishing boats on Lymington Quay.

Horse riding across open New Forest heath — Horse riding in the New Forest.

Cattle grazing on New Forest lawns — Cattle graze the forest lawns.

Thatched tea room and gardens at Furzey Gardens — Furzey Gardens, fairy doors and a thatched tea room.

Sea wall walk near Lymington Sea Water Baths — Walk the sea wall near Lymington’s Sea Water Baths.

New Forest pony with foal in spring — New Forest ponies with foals in spring.

Clifftop walk at Milford on Sea in winter sunshine.

Children’s play area at the New Forest Wildlife Park — Family fun at New Forest Wildlife Park.

Supercars lined up at Ferrari Day in Lymington — Ferrari Day in July, amazing supercars.

Inspiration for gentle days out

These are the places we return to for the views, the wildlife, and the sense of space that makes the New Forest so special. If you want ideas that are step free or easier with wheels, start here: wheelchair-friendly walks and our Explore pages.

Close encounter at the New Forest Wildlife Park — Close encounters at New Forest Wildlife Park.

Lymington Bandstand at Bath Road has a regular programme.

Sunset at Milford on Sea — Milford on Sea sunset.

Autumn forest walk from Standing Hat car park — Autumn walks from Standing Hat car park.

Picnic scene at Testwood Lakes — Summer picnics at Testwood Lakes.

Iron Age house at Testwood Lake Nature Reserve.

Views across the Solent at Lepe — Lepe beach, views of the Solent.

Open spaces, forest paths and sea views

Staying near Lymington makes it easy to mix forest, coast and countryside in a single day. This section includes accessible cycling with Pedall, gentle viewpoints, and places to pause for fresh air. For more ideas, visit Explore and accessible cycling.

Romsey Show in September, New Forest Show in July.

New Forest ponies near Beachern Wood — Ponies near Beachern Wood car park.

Accessible cycling with Pedall New Forest — Pedall New Forest, accessible bike rides.

Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre — Close encounters at Liberty’s.

Forest walk near the Knightwood Oak — Forest walk near Knightwood Oak.

Birdwatching on the Lymington to Keyhaven coastal path.

Artist painting near Castle Hill — Artist at work near Castle Hill.

Coastal path walk between Keyhaven and Lymington — Walk Keyhaven back to Lymington along the reserve.

Foal photographed near Beaulieu — Local foal photographed at Beaulieu.

Young visitor enjoying sunshine at Keyhaven — Young guest enjoying spring sunshine at Keyhaven.

Coastal path near the cottages with views towards the Solent — A lovely coastal walk near the cottages, around 8km from the door.

Something different every time you visit

No two visits are the same. Wildlife changes with the seasons and familiar paths reveal something new. If you love gentle exploring, combine this page with our wheelchair-friendly walk ideas and seasonal events.

Deer near Ober Corner in the New Forest — Walk near Ober Corner and spot fallow deer.

Café stop in Milford on Sea — Milford on Sea has a lovely café scene.

Sandy Avon Beach with promenade — Avon Beach, sandy shore and promenade.

Wide gravel paths at Wilverley Enclosure — Wilverley Enclosure, wide routes that are popular with dog walkers.

Free activities and memorable attractions

The New Forest offers plenty to enjoy for free, from forest and coast to wildlife and viewpoints. There are also excellent paid attractions nearby, ideal for mixed weather days and family groups. If you are building a plan, start with our accessible itinerary and Explore.

Coffee stop at Hengistbury Head — Coffee at Hengistbury Head and some arrive by air.

Dragonflies at Hatchet Moor — Watch dragonflies at Hatchet Moor.

Evening dog walk at dusk in the New Forest — Evening walks with dogs at dusk.

Family play trail at Moors Valley — Family fun at Moors Valley play trail.

Meeting animals at Longdown Activity Farm.

Capturing holiday memories

Holidays pass quickly, but the memories stay. Many guests choose to capture their time here through photographs, whether casual moments on a forest walk or a relaxed, professional holiday photoshoot with Helen.

If you would like help choosing accessible places to visit, planning a quieter day out, or arranging a photoshoot during your stay, we are always happy to help. Contact us.

Last updated: March 2026