New Forest Wildlife Park

The New Forest Wildlife Park sits just outside Ashurst and gives you a decent close-up look at animals you'd otherwise only spot if you're very lucky wandering the woodland. It's the kind of place where you can see deer, wild boar, and various other creatures that actually live in the New Forest - though in a managed setting rather than roaming free across the heathland.

For families with younger kids, it works well as a half-day stop. You're not talking about an all-day affair here, but if your children are into animals and you're already camping nearby - say at Ashurst Campsite or Matley Wood - it breaks up the holiday nicely without requiring a major expedition. Walkers might find it less compelling unless they're keen on combining it with exploring the wider New Forest trails that start literally minutes away.

The park gives you a proper sense of what inhabits the forest without the frustration of hoping you'll actually see anything during a hike. It's honest and straightforward in what it does. Worth noting that opening hours and admission prices aren't widely advertised online, so you'll want to ring ahead or check locally once you arrive in the area.

If you're staying at one of the campgrounds clustered around here - Roundhill, Long Meadow, or Hollands Wood are all within five miles - you could easily slot this in on a quieter afternoon. The New Forest National Park itself is close by if you want bigger walks and more wilderness feel.