New Forest Staycation

RIDE ROUTE: New Forest 3-Day Staycation

With so many of us planning a UK staycation this summer, we thought you'd enjoy our 3-day getaway to the New Forest! We've done all the hard work for you... daily ride routes and everything you need to see and do!

PLUS, why not make this a real trip to remember, on one of our Harley-Davidson® rentals!! 

Scroll down to find out more about our rentals AND our new bike rentals OFFER!!

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3

DAY 1:

DAY 1

Starting from our Maidstone Harley-Davidson® store, simply take Forstal Road eastbound and join the M20, following this road for the M26 and then the M25. 

For a scenic detour, leave the M25 at junction 8 and follow Reigate Hill to join the A25. (See our Ride Route Map for turn-by-turn detail). This will take you through the heart of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with stunning views of the infamous Box Hill and Ranmore Common.

Continue and follow signs for the A31 then M3 towards Southampton, before taking the M27 towards Romsey.

You’ll quickly notice how the hustle and bustle of busier motorways turn into green landscapes and much quieter B-roads. Following Roger Penny Way, you’ll be greeted by sweeping views of the New Forest as you climb gradually upwards towards Deadman’s Hill. This might be the perfect place to stop for a light picnic or to stretch your legs and take in the country air.

Continue on, meandering through the small villages of Frogham, North Gorley, South Gorley & Mockbeggar, where there are plenty of opportunities for a pub lunch or tea room. 

From the T-Junction at Rockford Ford, take the road left towards Linwood. This long road takes you through the heart of the forest at Linwood and eventually across the wild open heathlands. The Red Shoot micro-pub and brewery can be found off Toms Lane for a quick refreshment. Alternatively, there are a few carparks where you can stop to enjoy the landscape.

Continuing through Linwood you’ll ride through the tall trees of the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive. The large carpark on the left is one of the best places to see deer in the New Forest, with a viewing deck and even a pedestrian route to the Deer Hide. (There are also toilets located here if needed!)

This road continues through the heart of the forest, lined with Douglas Firs, Redwoods and even the two tallest trees in the New Forest. 

You’ll eventually pass the Rhinefield House Hotel on your right, heading into the town of Brockenhurst. A traditional country village and home to classic shops and tea rooms, Brockenhurst is officially “Britain’s most beautiful place to live”. Keep an eye out for the ponies, deer, donkeys and cows which are known to walk the streets freely! 

There are lots of options for accommodation nearby, whether you’ve packed all of your gear for a night camping at the Roundhill or Hollands Wood camping sites, or if you’re ready for a night of comfort at the award-winning Forest Park Country Hotel.

DAY 2:

DAY 2

Heading out of Brockenhurst, take Beaulieu Road towards Hatchet Pond - the largest body of water within the Crown Lands. Man-made in the 18th century to power an iron mill, it is now home to a range of wildlife species and is certainly worth a brief stop. Follow Hatchet Lane towards Lymington, where The Mayflower Pub offers a luxurious award-winning breakfast as a treat! If you’re looking to extend your trip or add an extra excursion, you can take the ferry to the Isle of Wight from Lymington Pier.

As you pass the ferry terminal, Goodall’s Strawberry Farm to your left offers a pick-your-own experience in the summer months! Continue along South Baddelsey Road through the village, and continue in a northern loop to the picturesque village of East Boldre – home to the New Forests largest contingent of donkeys, and site of the famous WW1 flying school. Hatchet Pond will reappear on your left as you approach Beaulieu Road.

A short detour to the picturesque hamlet of Bucklers Hard makes for a great photo opportunity, and will feel like stepping back in time! Otherwise, continue on towards Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum. Home to over 285 vehicles and one of the worlds finest collections of motor memorabilia, this is an incredible place to experience the rich heritage of motorcycles, cars and racing! Make sure you allow enough time to explore every inch of this impressive collection.

Beaulieu has lots on offer to see and do, with countless pubs, restaurants and shops. For those that enjoy a historical site or a guided tour, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House are a must! If you’re looking for a little luxury during your trip, the Epicurean Club offer a ‘Beaulieu Adventure’ package, with your ticket for the National Motor Museum, an overnight stay, plus award-winning dinner and breakfast included!

Or if you wanted to add some coastal scenery into your road-trip, adding a loop via Lepe Country Park and along towards Calshot Beach guarantees stunning sea views and an unbeatable sun-set. Head back along the B3056 towards Lyndhurst, where there are numerous accommodation options. For camping, you could head to Denny Wood Campsite, or check into the Rufus House for a comfy bed & breakfast.

DAY 3:

DAY 3

Lyndhurst, “the capital of the New Forest”, is a busy village, and home to the New Forest Heritage Centre. It is also the centre of some of the iconic New Forest cycling routes, if you fancied swapping your Harley® and leather jacket for a bicycle and helmet!

Heading out of Lyndhurst, take the A35 towards Burley. If you’d prefer to take a scenic detour, head west out of Lyndhurst follow the road towards Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary (refer to our Ride Route Map), and then turn left down the Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive, back towards the A35 and Lyndhurst Road into Burley

Burley is the home to the free-roaming New Forest ponies, and also boasts traditional village pubs, shops, tea rooms and even wagon rides! If you like walking, the Burley Hill Fort Loop of 9.5 miles, starting from the Queens Head Pub, is the perfect route to explore this part of the New Forest’s legacy in detail – from folklore myths to the legend of smuggling. 

Take the Ringwood Road, A31 and A338 northbound over the Blashford Lakes. The Alice Lisle Inn is a great place to stop for lunch, with a large outdoor garden and stunning views overlooking Rockford Lake. Or take a detour to Hockey’s Farm Shop, where all of the food served in their café is directly sourced from their own farm!

Continue north, turning right at Hern Lane, and following until you can join the B3078, and over Deadman’s Hill (which may look familiar from day 1). For a final stop off, the detour to Fritham will give you another chance to stretch your legs before hitting the road to ride home. The walk from Eyeworth Pond gives great views over the Island Thorns & Amberwood Enclosures, and you might even spot some wild deer!

You could experience the ultimate riding adventure with a Harley-Davidson® authorised rental!

This is a great way to experience a Harley-Davidson® if you've never ridden one, or alternatively it offers existing Harley® riders the chance to experience a new model on an extended test ride!! Our rentals vouchers also make for the perfect gift for the bike lover in your life...

Whatever it is... enjoy your staycation in style on a Harley-Davidson® rental!!

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