Anderwood Picnic Area

You'll find Anderwood Picnic Area tucked away in the heart of the New Forest, just outside Lyndhurst - a proper spot for spreading out a blanket and letting the kids run about without worrying about traffic. It's a simple affair: tables, benches, and woodland all around you. The sort of place where you can hear yourself think, which in the New Forest is saying something given how many visitors pile through in summer.

The real appeal here is that it's genuinely quiet compared to the honey-pot spots closer to Lyndhurst town centre. You get space to breathe, shade from the trees, and easy access to walking routes if you fancy stretching your legs after eating. Families with young children will appreciate the low-key vibe - no crowds jostling for tables, no queue for the loo.

There's no cafe on site, so bring provisions with you. Allow an hour or two depending on whether you're just stopping for lunch or planning a proper outdoor meal and a mooch about the forest. Free admission, naturally - it's a picnic area, not a theme park.

If you're staying at any of the nearby campsites - Long Meadow, Setthorns, or Ocknell are all within four miles - this makes a solid base for a midweek lunch break away from the site. The New Forest National Park is so close you'll barely notice the drive. Worth it mainly for the peace and quiet rather than any standout feature, but that's often exactly what a forest picnic needs.