Fabulous self-catering holidays in the New Forest

Taking a cottage break in the New Forest can be wonderful for those who enjoy walking, cycling and horse riding.

If you are looking to discover this beautiful area, find:

• Self-catering cottage holidays in the New Forest in Hampshire, southern England

Created by William the Conqueror in 1079 as a royal playground, the 145 square miles of the New Forest with its woods, heaths and marshes are now enjoyed by all.   William the 1st protected the royal deer for the hunt - although commoners could be executed for killing a deer.  There are still several species of deer in the forest, but it is probably better known for the free roaming forest ponies that graze at will. Commoners retain some of their medieval rights - they can graze their domestic animals like cows, pigs, horses and donkeys if they wish.  So, if you have your own donkey or pony, and you're a Commoner - feel free to take it on holiday to the New Forest. Also, when visiting, remember that these animals have right of way on the roads.

Book a holiday home in the New Forest that has a garden

Part of the charm of staying in the heart of the New Forest is seeing the wild ponies foraging where they want to at will. It can be fun for children to meet them in the villages. These are the cheeky ones who have got used to visitors and are not afraid. You may even encounter ponies in your cottage garden if you forget to close the gate!

• View New Forest holiday cottages that have a garden
• New Forest holiday homes that have a bbq

The New Forest is about half conifer and half deciduous trees, mainly beech and oak. There are 15 well-known walks, over 100 miles of off-road tracks suitable for cycling.  Cycle hire is available in nearby towns. It is common to see lots of couples cycling and walking together in the new Forest, especially at weekends.

• Find a holiday cottage to rent in the New Forest that sleeps two people

Self-catering accommodation in and around the New Forest

Self-catering accommodation suits people who plan to be out enjoying themselves and just need a comfortable holiday home where they can have a good breakfast before the set out in the morning and a place they can relax in and sleep after they return.

All of the holiday rentals on the Country Cottages Online website are of a reputable good standard, They range from budget up to luxury accommodation but each offers a genuinely good place to stay.

Points of interest for a holiday in the New Forest:

• Adders are common in the New Forest 
• Commoners are those who own land with certain rights in and around the New Forest.   
• The Court of the Verderers still makes decisions about the forest.

Tourist attractions and places to visit for a day out in the New Forest Area

• Beaulieu Palace House, Gardens. Motor Museum and Abbey in the Heart of the New Forest>
• New Forest Otter and Owl Conservation Park at Longdown, near Ashurst
• Never far from seaside resorts like Bournemouth or the ferry for the Isle of Wight
• Salisbury
• Stonehenge
• Lymington and Ringwood Market Towns
• Lyndhurst Visitor Information Centre
• Broadlands at Romsey, and Romsey Marshes
• Paulton's Park
• Alice in Wonderland Family Park
• Sammy Miller's Motorcycle Museum
• Long Down Dairy Farm for a family day out on the farm
• Burley Villa School of Riding in the New Forest for the whole family
• New Forest Riding and Watersports Centre