New Forest Tours – Blue Route

This fabulous tour starts at the yachting mecca of Lymington, then cruises through Brockenhurst where donkeys and New Forest ponies can be spotted before traversing Burley and New Milton with their rustic charm, combined with culture, coffee shops, restaurants and galleries. The delights continue as the bus arrives at the coast at Barton-on-Sea with views of of the Solent, with its famous fossil-rich cliffs, safe beaches and cliff-top walks – perfect places to take in the fresh salty air. Fossil hunters can discover ancient plants, shells and sharks’ teeth. After a bracing ride along the coast, the Tour calls at Shorefield Country Park. The tour reaches new heights of beauty as it concludes in Milford-on-Sea has a bustling high street, traditional village green and dramatic sandstone cliffs with views of the Needles. There are shingle beaches for swimming as well as seafront cafes and coastal walks.

Gateway to the Blue Route

By train to Lymington www.nationalrail.co.uk

Alternatively, by Megabus from London Heathrow and Gatwick Airport and Southampton to Bournemouth then by train to Lymington.

After boarding the bus in Lymington or Brockenhurst, a first pit-stop at a tea-room in Burley and maybe a visit to the cider farm, or pint in The Queen’s Head pub (notorious for smugglers and highwaymen in the past!) is highly recommended.

For the more adventurous, there are some great Forest cycle trails from here and bikes can be hired from Forest Leisure.

It's back on-board to New Milton, where Forest Arts run a varied programme of theatre, film, exhibitions, music and workshops. Just before the town (Bashley Cross Road stop) a short walk will bring you to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum.

Fossil hunting can be enjoyed at Barton-on-Sea or you could stay on board to Milford-on-Sea and hire an e-bike and discover more gems and scenery in the New Forest or just check out the many shops and restaurants on offer, to cap off a wonderfully memorable journey!