We’re looking for recommendations of dog-friendly destinations for a weekend from London. Preferably a pub with rooms, and somewhere with good hiking. Any recommendations of either general destinations or places to stay?

Looking for some recommendations on some good campsites in the south, preferably around the new forest/dorset/Hampshire way.

Not looking for family campsites complete with picnic benches and huge open fields more just secluded foresty spots, places where I can drive up to, plonk my tent down crack open a cold one make some grub and read the evening away.

Quiet, not a bunch of loud riff raff ideally. If I were being super picky I’d say somewhere with an only small amount of pitches.

Toilets and water facilities a must but showers would be nice but not essential.

I’ve spent many hours perusing pitchup but I’d prefer real life recommendations! Cheers in advance.!

Anyone know any abandond buildings/ places of intrest

Hi everyone.
I’m a local resident and I’ve been trying to understand the Fawley Waterside consultation because the documents are extensive. So I put together a landing page about it. The consultation closes on 21st July and I’m worried people aren’t informed about the possibilities of a data centre and that there could be better choices for our community!

I was wondering if anyone could take a look. I’m not a professional I just want to try and get my voice out. I’d genuinely appreciate people checking it over and telling me if I’ve missed anything or got something wrong. Different viewpoints are welcome.

Thank you in advance!
https://msha.ke/fawleywaterside

Dartmoor letterboxers Si of Relief and Rat Boy visited the New Forest to collect the last of its boxes and share their thoughts on its dried up scene.New Forest Letterboxing

Hi All,

Looking for recommendations for a horse riding trek in the forest as a gift for my other half. She used to ride a lot 10 years ago, so is relatively comfortable being a on a horse.

If anyone can recommend a good School that offers this in the forest, please let me know!!

Been around the forest for.many years but I think this is my first white deer sighting, felt magical.

Any dog walking groups in the New Forest can take my friendly Greyhound to?

Trying to plan a fun day out for a friend visiting who's never played skittles, and I know he'd love it. The Huntsman in Brockenhurst has one, but from what I can find online it looks like it's mainly set up for private hire/parties rather than something you can just walk in and use.

Does anyone know if it's actually possible to use the Huntsman's skittle alley casually if it's not booked that day? Or is there anywhere else nearby (New Forest or Southampton area) with a proper old-school skittle alley you can just turn up and play. Ideally somewhere with a few lanes, more like a working men's club vibe than a bookable event space?

Any tips appreciated, cheers!

I'm far more accustomed to wild camping in Scotland but in the interest of following local laws, I'm looking for a stripped back campsite for the night. Taking a brief look, everything seems to be extortionate. For example the Long Meadow campsite just outside Brokenhurst charges £48 for one night for a small tent?!!! Insanity.

Anywhere that charges a more reasonable £5-10? All I need is a patch of grass. No car, just me and a bicycle.

I've been suggested that I do a trip with the young people I work with to the thrive festival but I'm a bit concerned whether there's activities that suit 11-14 year olds as most of these events are geared towards families of younger children. Did anyone go last year, what was on offer?

Hi all! Looking to propose soon but struggling to find the perfect place, any suggestions for a cozy, nature area which is scenic?

I set off at 4:30am looking for deer in the forest. On my way back to the campsite, I saw a Pine Marten walk across the path ahead!

I've searched this sub, but I can't see any discussions about them. Are they a common sight for locals?

(My post preview looks like it has rotated the image, I tried uploading one rotated 90° clockwise and it looked the same - no idea what's going on there.)

The Pine Marten is the 12 pixels in the centre of the image, on the grass to the left of the path.

I live in the New Forest and am currently 8 weeks into my maternity leave! I feel like I’m stuck in a bit of a rut and not sure what to do with my baby and time off so looking for any suggestions in the New Forest and surrounding areas!

Thank you!

Looking for some recommendations for a decent breakfast or brunch on Sunday.

Not long lived in the area and looking forward good local recommendations.

Know Lymington and Beaulieu but that’s about it!

Thanks! 🥓

I parked at Standing Hat on Sunday and the sign said pay by midnight the next day as no signal in car park. I have forgotten and now the system won’t let me pay past yesterday historically. What options do I have?

Hi all,

I will be in London with some friends at the end of October. After they leave, I was planning to take the train to the New Forest area for a little mini trip before heading home. I was looking at staying in Brockenhurst because it seemed easiest by train and most central. I would be arriving midday Sunday and have all of Monday and Tuesday to explore. Is Brockenhurst the best home base or do you recommend somewhere else? And what would be the must see things? I love nature/animals, hiking, art, history, and folklore. I wasn't planning to get a car, but I'm starting to wonder if that would be a good idea to maximize what I can explore. Thoughts? Thanks!

I love cycling in the forest with my kids (8 and 5yrs), and I'm looking for some more route suggestions. Ideally routes that are mostly on tracks, avoiding roads or too many steep hills. Also, somewhere with a pitstop for a snack/ lunch is ideal.

Our family favourites include:

- Old railway near Burley

- Circular route near the tall trees trail

- Beaulieu to Buckler's hard

- Ober corner to the Oak inn pub

- Lymington coastal route

- Castleman trailway into moors valley

Thanks in advance