The famous Watersplash fordLocated in the heart of the New Forest is Brockenhurst, a picturesque village which retains a period charm. Ponies, deer, donkeys and cows graze on the surrounding heathland and forest land, and can often be seen freely roaming through the village; there are few places like this anywhere in the UK.
The North and South Weirs join in Brockenhurst, while across Brookley Road, a stream forms during the warmer months, known by locals as ‘The Watersplash’. Slightly beyond the village, the Weirs merge with other rivers to become the Lymington river, where you can even have a paddle.
Pony roaming through Brockenhurst
Brockenhurst is the perfect base to explore the New Forest from, with vast expanses of heathland found to the west and the grasslands of Balmer Lawn to the east. You can also enjoy some wonderful strolls at the nearby Blackwater Arboretum and on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, where you’ll find exotic flowers and some of the tallest trees in the New Forest. Travel by horse and carriage on the scenic forest route to nearby Lyndhurst and you have a fantastic day out packed with traditional charm.
The nearby showground is home to one of the most popular events in the region: the New Forest and Hampshire County Show. This event offers something for everyone with trade stalls and thrilling displays which include show jumping, craft demonstrations, a sheep show and more.
Brockenhurst’s centre remains largely unspoilt, with a small selection of independent shops found within the traditional buildings. These include a butcher, baker and greengrocer as well as the lesser-spotted ironmonger. In the churchyard stands a thousand-year-old yew tree, believed to be one of the oldest in all the New Forest. The village is a lively one thanks not only to its choice of shops but also its large number of pubs, including The Snakecatcher, named after the local character Harry “Brusher” Mills, who caught around 30,000 snakes during his lifetime. Pub classics are served on the menu as well as beers made at the local brewery in Ringwood.
“Ponies, deer, donkeys and cows graze on the surrounding heathland and forest land, and can often be seen freely roaming through the village…”
Plenty of restaurants can be found in Brockenhurst, including The Pig, set in a huge conservatory, and Albero, an Italian restaurant serving authentic wood-fired pizzas.
A Visitor Information Point can also be found in Brockenhurst, detailing a variety of things to do as well as events across the New Forest.
Browse our selection of cottages in Brockenhurst to kick-start planning your holiday in the New Forest.