North East Entrance

Ancient oaks tower overhead as you step through what locals simply call the North East Entrance - one of several gateway points into the New Forest proper. This isn't a formal attraction with gates or visitor centres, just where the heathland truly begins and civilization drops away behind you.

Walkers and cyclists will find themselves spoilt for choice here. The network of gravel tracks spreads out like arteries, leading deeper into bracken-covered commons where ponies graze freely and deer slip between the trees. It's properly wild country - no manicured paths or interpretation boards, just miles of ancient woodland and open heath.

Families staying at nearby Hoburne Bashley or Shorefield Country Park often use this as their starting point for forest adventures. The terrain suits pushchairs on the main tracks, though little legs might flag after an hour or so. Dog walkers absolutely love it - endless sniffing opportunities and space to roam.

From Lymington, it's barely ten minutes by car to reach this threshold into one of Britain's last great wildernesses. Come early morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the canopy and you'll understand why artists have been drawn here for centuries. Just mind the cattle grids and watch for ponies on the roads - they've got right of way and they know it.