So far we have managed to wizz through the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall & Devon (to be found on English Counties - Whistle Stop Tour) and Dorset (Engish Counties - Dorset - A Whistle Stop Tour) and now we are moving into HAMPSHIRE, probably best known for the New Forest area within the county.

It seems that people do not holiday much in the northern parts of Hampshire around the New Forest because there are many little towns and villages and attractions that have no pictures, and in some cases no description either.

This is very sad and it would be fantastic if anyone living around there or travelling through on their way to Dorset/Devon/Cornwall would allow a little time to stop off in the beautiful areas surrounding the New Forest.

Just check the Hampshire Towns and Attractions to see whats missing and see if you can fill the gaps!!

We finished our tour of Dorset at Christchurch so tomorrow morning I will be getting on to the A338 and heading towards Ringwood.  This is a personal pilgrimage as my grandparents lived for many years just outside Ringwood on the B3081 in a very isolated cottage about half way between Ringwood and Verwood.  My grandfather was the head forester for the Somerley Estate owned by Lord Normanton, who lives in the ancestral home known as Somerley House.  I have very fond memories of wandering through the woods, watching the deer and helping my grandfather plant out trees.  This is the house they lived in (although altered of course by now) called Belt Cottage and I remember it was often to be found on maps of the area as a landmark!  There is apparently a memorial within the Estate to my grandfather, erected after his death.

When I had to walk into Ringwood and back (there was on a bus on Wednesday which was market day) I remember this house, at the time it was my dream house


And these trees lined the roadway just passed by grandparents house

Near Ringwood are the Avon Heath County Park and Moors Valley Country Park, but I haven't found any photos!
I've had my little bit of nostalgia and am heading into the New Forest area itself on the A31.
The New Forest has the most magnificent range of wildlife as you will see from the New Forest photos and wonderful walks through the woods, and of course the New Forest ponies all around.

And of course a pony

 

 

I am wending my way through the New Forest to Lyndhurst, but I can't find pics of the little towns on the way, sorry.  Lyndhurst has very nice pics but no description so the pictures will have to tell the story.

(I need some help here POElanders with pics and information please).

LYNDHURST

Isn't that a gorgeous looking place (and the pony too, lol)

 

If I am correct I can visit Furzy Gardens at Minstead on my way to Brockenhurst






Did you notice the connection with Minstead and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? The gardens look stunning.  And so on to Brockenhurst

BROCKENHURST
I am really looking forward to visiting Ober Water, and this is one of my all time favourite pics as well!



Heading from Brockenhurst towards Lymington takes us close to Setley where apparently there are vineyards and wine.  Again I'm sorry but there are no pics.

Before we reach Lymington we pass through Boldre where we can visit the Spinners Gardens, and it looks lovely






Next stop Lymington

LYMINGTON

That looks like a really good choice of a place to stop and eat before we head on the B3054 to Beaulieu

There is a ferry link between Lymington and Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight which takes about 30 minutes.

Edited by: cathyml at:20th August 2010 06:46

There seems to be lots to see and do around the town of BEAULIEU - Beaulieu Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, Beaulieu National Motor Museum and not to far away Exbury Gardens

BEAULIEU Village

(Thanks Ruth for those very lovely photos)

 

BEAULIEU PALACE HOUSE

BEAULIEU ABBEY

BEAULIEU NATIONAL MOTOR MUSEUM