New Forest Camping

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Worthing, West Sussex
Can someone help! Want a campsite (for camping:p ) in or near the new forest for easter holidays, one night. Preferably near at least one pub,not too expensive and the nearer the new forest the better!


Thanks :)
 
We've stayed in Hollands Wood a few times and its lovely. The pitches are scattered around tiny clearings within the woods, so you have nice separation between you and other campers.

As probably with many, the ponies wonder freely through the site, so make sure your tent is secured well if left unattended or at night. We woke up one early morning to find a pony had broken into our tent and was determined to get our bread. Trying to hoof a pony out of a tent, who doesn't want to leave is not easy, particularly when only in ones boxers!
 
We've stayed in Hollands Wood a few times and its lovely. The pitches are scattered around tiny clearings within the woods, so you have nice separation between you and other campers.

As probably with many, the ponies wonder freely through the site, so make sure your tent is secured well if left unattended or at night. We woke up one early morning to find a pony had broken into our tent and was determined to get our bread. Trying to hoof a pony out of a tent, who doesn't want to leave is not easy, particularly when only in ones boxers!

However one of the most expensive campsites around and it will be RAMMED over Easter, it may already be fully booked.
 
You sir, need some local knowledge. Well you are in luck. I grew up in the new forest and know a few spots...

Here's one of the best. Its a 5 minute walk from a forest car park. Its in a old shingle quarry - a very small one mind - about 6 meters in diameter shingle bowl so you can light a fire there in perfect safety without worrying about burning the area down, and pitch your tent on the perimeter.

It's on the top of a beautiful valley facing west - the sun set is amazing and when you wake up in the morning the valley will be full of mist and horses.

Its not a camp site, its just a great location. And its free. Oh and there's a pub on the roundabout on the approach - about 15 minutes walk from the pub door to the site. Its not technically legal, but I have stayed there many times and even had a few encounters with the forestry commission guys in the morning, who in general terms have been pretty cool about it as long as you are sensible.

Heres a map to the roundabout with the pub. The pub is called The Heath Hotel: http://www.tabletable.co.uk/content/tabletable/our-pubs/southampton/heath-hotel.html

Map to the general vicinity:


Heres a map to the spot in question. Its about a 5 minute walk from the car park shown. Its easy enough to find, just follow the path and take this map with you. It'll appear out of the trees on the left. Look over the ridge and enjoy!
 
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You sir, need some local knowledge. Well you are in luck. I grew up in the new forest and know a few spots...

Here's one of the best. Its a 5 minute walk from a forest car park. Its in a old shingle quarry - a very small one mind - about 6 meters in diameter shingle bowl so you can light a fire there in perfect safety without worrying about burning the area down, and pitch your tent on the perimeter.

It's on the top of a beautiful valley facing west - the sun set is amazing and when you wake up in the morning the valley will be full of mist and horses.

Its not a camp site, its just a great location. And its free. Oh and there's a pub on the roundabout on the approach - about 15 minutes walk from the pub door to the site. Its not technically legal, but I have stayed there many times and even had a few encounters with the forestry commission guys in the morning, who in general terms have been pretty cool about it as long as you are sensible.

Heres a map to the roundabout with the pub. The pub is called The Heath Hotel: http://www.tabletable.co.uk/content/tabletable/our-pubs/southampton/heath-hotel.html

Map to the general vicinity:


Heres a map to the spot in question. Its about a 5 minute walk from the car park shown. Its easy enough to find, just follow the path and take this map with you. It'll appear out of the trees on the left. Look over the ridge and enjoy!

The Heath is horrendous.
 
We stay at Holmsley which is another Holidays in the Forest site. This one is fenced so you don't get raided by ponies and has semi decent toilet and shower facilities.
 
The Heath is horrendous.

Yes, yes it is :) Not many left in Hythe now though is there? The Glen is full of teenagers now, about the only one left is the Nelson innit - oh and the deadfull seagull? To be fair I have not spent much time there in the best part of 15 years.

If you know the spot I refer to, then it is a cracking camping spot for fires and views, despite the pub.
 
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