New Forest Tours – Red Route

The New Forest open top tours provide the very best views of the National Park and make it easy for folk to leave their cars at home when visiting this idyllic location. As well as outstanding views, they are the easiest way to learn more about the Forest and how to care for it. Customers can sit back and enjoy an audio commentary about the area’s culture and history, as well as discounts at local attractions.

The red route starts at Lyndhurst, which is renowned as the ‘capital’ of the New Forest. The bus then makes its way through incredible lush, dense forest to Burley with its rolling heath, thick copses and copious wildlife, as well as traditional tea rooms. Ringwood soon follows with its resplendent charm and history and market every Wednesday. The bus continues and has grandstand views at Sandy Balls, showcasing dramatic heathland before the New Forest Wildlife Park where customers can meet experienced keepers at their regular ‘keeper talks’. It's great to hear about the fascinating animals and watch them being fed!

Gateway to the Red Route – by train to Lyndhurst www.nationalrail.co.uk

Alternatively, by Megabus from London Heathrow and Gatwick Airport and Southampton to Bournemouth

Before boarding the bus, a visit to the New Forest Centre is well worthwhile, with its fascinating museum, gallery, shop and information centre which provides an insight into the history and sights to follow on this fab journey. It's free too!

On-board the bus and stop off at Fordingbridge for a coffee or bite to eat will enable a walk round this delightful market town and view of the famous seven-arched medieval bridge which gives it its name. Once a centre of smuggling, it is now a tranquil place to pass time by the river or browse its independent shops and eateries.

Back on-board and after Sandy Balls, a hop off at any of the delightful villages, Brook, Cadnam and Bartley, provides the gateway to short circular walks and nature trails to lesser visited parts of the New Forest and some great traditional walks.

Then, it's back on the bus and the and a return to the fab New Forest Centre.