New Forest Travel Guide
Macdonald Elmers Court Holiday Resort is the perfect country break destination. Take in the wonders of the nearby New Forest and explore picturesque Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst. The Isle of Wight is just a short sail away and historic Southampton is well within driving distance. Take a day trip to Marwell Zoo or spend time exploring the Solent Coast.
CANOEING & KAYAKING IN THE NEW FOREST
Spend a day on the quiet River Beaulieu in the New Forest. Hire a canoe or a kayak and book a guided tour. Suitable for all ages.
Distance from the Resort – 2.2 miles (approx. 8 mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm daily
Further information:- www.newforestactivities.co.uk
Tel: 01590 612377
Southern Sailing School
Perfect for beginners and pros alike, this renowned school offers both group and one-to-one tuition on the Solent.
Distance from the Resort -19.8 miles (approx. 41 mins)
Further information:- www.southern.co.uk
Tel: 01489 575511
HORSE RIDING
Saddle-up and experience the best way to explore the New Forest and the Solent Coast. Trek along beautiful woodland paths and across forest heaths, and meet the famously sure-footed New Forest ponies.
Forest Pines Riding
Visit this riding school in St. Leonards on the outskirts of the New Forest, offering riding and trekking through the Hurn Forest.
Distance from the Resort – 20.3 miles (approx. 39 mins)
Further information:- www.forestpinesriding.com
Tel: 01202 871828
Burley Villa School of Riding
Taking in trails all over the New Forest, offering tuition for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Distance from Resort – 9.2 miles (approx. 20 mins)
Further information:- www.burleyvilla.co.uk
Tel: 01425 610278
MUSEUMS & ART GALLERIES
Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum
Visit the birthplace of Britain’s most famous author, now preserved as a museum, furnished in the style of 1809 when Dickens’ parents first moved in.
Distance from the Resort – 43 miles (approx. 56 mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-5.30pm daily
Further information:- www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk
Tel: 02392 827261
Museum of Archaeology
Southampton’s archaeology collections tell the story of the city from the Stone Age to the present day. Egyptian collections are also on display.
Distance from the Resort – 19.1 miles (approx. 38 mins)
Opening hours:- Tuesday to Sunday-10am-4pm (closed Monday)
Further information:- http://sccwww1.southampton.gov.uk/archaeology
Tel: 02380 635904
Beaulieu Motor Museum
Managed by the National Museum Trust, Beaulieu offers a unique and unmatched collection of over 250 vehicles.
Distance from the Resort – 6.7 miles (approx. 14 mins)
Opening hours:- October to May- 10am-5pm daily, May to September-10am-6pm daily.
Further information:- www.beaulieu.co.uk
Tel: 01590 612345
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Portchester Castle
Originally built in the 3rd century and once a Roman stonghold, the ruins of Portchester Castle houses an exhibition charting its history.
Distance from the Resort – 40.1 miles (approx. 58 mins)
Opening hours:- March to September, 10am-6pm, October to March-10am-4pm
Further information:- www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 02392 378291
Winchester Cathedral
One of the best-known cathedrals in Britain, Winchester Cathedral has its origins in the 7th century, when a Christian Church was first built on the site.
Distance from the Resort – 31.7 miles (approx. 47 mins)
Opening hours:- Please visit www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk for details of tours available .
Further information:- www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Tel: 01962 857275
Medieval Merchant House
Building began on this merchant’s house in 1290 and today it has been lovingly restored to its mid 14th-century glory.
Distance from the Resort – 19 miles (approx. 39 mins)
Opening hours:- 12pm-5pm daily
Further information:- www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 02380 221503
Portsmouth’s Historic Docks
Steeped in centuries of naval history, the docks at Portsmouth are now home to the Royal Navy. Visit the Mary Rose, the only surviving 16th century warship in the world.
Distance from the Resort – 44 miles (approx. 1 hour)
Opening hours:- 10am-6pm daily
Further information:- www.historicdockyard.co.uk
Tel: 02392 839766
ADVENTURE & ANIMAL PARKS
Paultons Family Theme Park
Family-friendly theme park offers guests 50 different attractions and rides, museums and animated shows.
Distance from the Resort – 16.2 miles (approx. 31 mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-5pm daily
Further information:- www.paultonspark.co.uk
Tel: 02380 814455
Adventure Wonderland
Alice in Wonderland themed park featuring exciting rides, cuddly animals and a giant maze!
Distance from the Resort – 19.1 miles (approx. 39 mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-6.30pm daily
Further information:- www.adventurewonderland.co.uk
Tel: 01202 483444
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Extensive country park with Adventure Play Area for older children, a special Castle and Sand Area for toddlers and a steam railway.
Distance from the Resort – 19.8 miles (approx. 38 mins)
Opening hours:- 8am-8pm (latest) daily
Further information:- www.moors-valley.co.uk
Tel: 01425 470721
Marwell Zoo
From leggy giraffes and cuddly wallabies to poisonous frogs and stripy zebras, Marwell Zoo has a whole world of wildlife to explore.
Distance from the Resort – 30.2 miles (approx. 49 mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-6pm daily
Further information:- www.marwell.org.uk
Tel: 01962 777407
Oceanarium – The Bournemouth Aquarium
Visit the giant sea turtles of the Great Barrier Reef, venture into the depths of The Abyss to meet the fish who live without light and get up close to a great white shark!
Distance from the Resort – 18.7 miles (approx. 46mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-6pm daily
Further information:- www.oceanarium.co.uk
Tel: 01202 311990
The New Forest Otter & Owl Wildlife Park
Conservation park set in 25 acres of ancient woodland with wild cats, lynx, ferrets, foxes, owls, deer and wild boar.
Distance from the Resort – 12.1 miles (approx. 22mins)
Opening hours:- 10am-5.30pm daily
Further information:- www.ottersandowls.co.uk
Tel: 02380 292408
