The New Forest is enjoyed by millions of people every year, the majority of visits (13.5 million) are by day trip visitors (including those who live within the forest).  Almost 1 million visits include an overnight stay (3 million nights) and the majority of those are by UK residents.  Tourism creates over 8000 jobs in the forest and generates nearly £400 million in tourism expenditure.  The quality of life in the forest is the primary reason for visits and people come to enjoy the culture, clean air, recreation and tranquillity.

New Forest District Council works with a wide range of local interests to develop tourism an a more responsible way. The V.I.C.E. Model (Visitor, Industry, Community, Environment) aims to balance the needs of the vistor and industry with the needs of the host communities and environment.  The Council include the Visitor, Industry, Community and Environmental stakeholders in all tourism activities and strategies.  It has been identified that all these elements must be present for any tourism initiative to be successful.  The V.I.C.E. model reduces the 'footprint' on the forest and can bring about positive and beneficial outcomes for the destination. 

Please click on the hyperlink below to view the Official New Forest Tourism Website.

                                                                    
Accommodation Guide

The main publication produced by The New Forest District Council is the Where to Stay Guide (order your copy online).   In it the reader will find accommodation and information on the towns and villages, highlights of the area, getting active, getting around, local produce and caring for the forest.

Visitor Information Centres

There are three Visitor Information Centres in the New Forest.  These are located in Lyndhurst, Lymington and Ringwood and service the requirements of visitors.  Advice on walking the forest can be given along with information on accommodation, events and attractions.  Please contact the New Forest Visitor Information Centres

What's On:  Events in the New Forest

In addition to this, The New Forest What to See and Do in the New Forest hosts information on what the New Forest has to offer the visitor and local alike.  Live event listing, visitor attractions, eating and drinking, local produce, leisure activities, shopping, information for students, and special offers can all be found on the New Forest Official Visitor Site


If you would like to request a copy of the Where to Stay Guide, email information@nfdc.gov.uk