2025 - Steam & Cruise In The New Forest

Itinerary

Fabulous New Forest Getaway

DAY 1 - After you join your holiday coach, you head south with a stop in Salisbury, a Cathedral city of ageless beauty and captivating history, which has been welcoming travellers since 1227. Gathered around the Cathedral is a modern medieval city, packed with architecture from another age. Meander the historic streets and alleyways with their charming half-timbered buildings and then continue into the New Forest to check in at the 3* Beaulieu Inn for the next four nights. DBB

DAY 2 - 4 At leisure in the New Forest with three included excursions

Step back in time and discover the charm and natural beauty of the unique destination that is the New Forest which became a national park in 2005. Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, it covers an area of 566 square kilometres and is made up of vast tracts of unspoilt woodland, heathland and river valleys. Today deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland as well as through the quaint traditional villages. 

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
EXBURY GARDENS
More than 100 years in the making, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. The gardens were created by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919 and are still lovingly managed and cared for today. Exbury is set apart from other gardens by its world-famous collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and a host of exotic plants benefitting from the unique micro-climate. Expect spectacular displays, beautiful colours, woodland walks, art and sculpture exhibitions and expert planting at any time of year! Enjoy a 90-minute guided tour explaining the history of the gardens and take a journey on the miniature steam railway that departs form a replica Victorian station and follows a scenic route through a tunnel, a bridge, round the new Dragonfly Pond and through parts of the gardens, only accessible by train. There is an onsite restaurant and seasonal outdoor cafe for refreshments.

NEW FOREST SCENIC DRIVE & BEAULIEU
A scenic drive takes you through the heart of the New Forest with its remarkable biodiversity and changing landscapes form beech and rowan trees to the open spaces where the free-roaming animals graze - fingers crossed for a pony-sighting!  Head northwards to Lyndhurst often referred to as the 'capital' of the New Forest. The Court of Verderers has been held here since medieval times - making it the longest-running court in the country - controlling the number of ponies which can graze in the Forest. The New Forest Visitor Centre (free entry) - with museum, gallery, information centre, and shop is well worth a visit. Time here for a look around before re-joining the coach which takes you to Beaulieu - a vintage car museum, a stately home, abbey ruins and attractive grounds, all centred around a 13th-century Cistercian monastery. Lord Montague's National Motor Museum presents a splendid collection that spans early classics, F1 cars and jet-powered land-speed record-breakers including Bluebird, which broke the 403mph (649km/h) limit in 1964. Beaulieu's grand but homely palace began life as a 14th-century Gothic abbey gatehouse, and received a 19th-century Scottish baronial makeover from Baron Montague in the 1860s. The abbey is supposedly one of England's most haunted buildings. Entrance is included to al Beaulieu's attractions.

BUCKLER'S HARD & LYMINGTON
On the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest, you will visit the historic riverside village and waterfront of Buckler’s Hard which remains untouched by the passage of time. Once a thriving shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built, now Buckler’s Hard is a peaceful haven, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life. Admission is included to the museum to discover  the development of this fascinating village, the story of its ships, and the residents who lived and worked here. Enjoy a tranquil 30 minute cruise as it wends its way along the Beaulieu River, accompanied by commentary which reveals the history and wildlife that inhabits its picturesque banks. Then off to the historic market town of Lymington, with its charming cobbled streets and old buildings, a great place for a spot of shopping. Its location at the mouth of the Lymington River has resulted in a colourful history of smuggling, shipbuilding, and sailing. Watch fishing boats and yachts coming and going from the Quay. 

DAY 5 - After breakfast, head back homewards with a stop en-route in historic Winchester, one of the gems of Southern England. This charming and ancient city was the medieval capital of Britain and is home to Europe's largest medieval cathedral with tis beautiful stained-glass windows Continue back to the local joining points via the fast motorway network arriving back mid/late evening.

New Forest Highlights

• Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner
• Tea/coffee after dinner
• Porterage & welcome tea/coffee on arrival 
• All single rooms are double / twin for sole use
• Included excursions as stated
• Entrance, guided tour & steam train ride of Exbury Gardens
• Admission to Beaulieu & all attractions (National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey etc)
• Buckler's Hard with museum entrance & river cruise
• Visits to Lyndhurst & Lymington
• En-route stops in Salisbury & Winchester (time permitting)

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Accommodation

Staying in the Heart of the New Forest

Beaulieu Inn, New Forest
Formerly a coaching inn, the 3* Beaulieu Inn is located in the stunning New Forest National Park not far from the small village of Beaulieu. It is surrounded by beautiful open heathland and New Forest wildlife. You can expect a warm welcome at this small and homely hotel. There are just 39 comfortable guestrooms (with all mod cons and tea / coffee makiing facilities) mostly located in the main hotel building with lift access and there are also several rooms located within the adjacent annexe (some ground floor rooms). Singles are double / twin for sole use. The cosy 'Drift' pub / restaurant next door to the hotel is where all meals are served and it offers a relaxed atmosphere as does the welcoming bar. There is a small indoor heated pool. Back to top