16 March 2026
Heritage and arts
A landscape shaped by history, tradition, and creativity
As well as iconic ponies and wildlife, the New Forest is home to fascinating historic sites, houses, gardens, museums, and art galleries that tell the story of the National Park’s landscapes and communities. They capture centuries of important traditions, help educate on key moments, and inspire the area’s rich tapestry of creative arts.
Discover a selection of the National Park’s highlights below. Visit the New Forest’s tourism board for further details and attractions in the area.
Museums and galleries
- Spend an action-packed day at Beaulieu featuring the National Motor Museum, abbey ruins, and Palace House – home of the Montagu family.
- Discover the secrets of the National Park at the New Forest Heritage Centre.
- Step into Buckler’s Hard and learn what it was like to live and work in an 18th century shipbuilding village.
- Immerse yourself in local history and art at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery.
- Witness showcases of Hampshire’s rich cultural heritage at Forest Arts Centre with shows, workshops, musical performances, films, and more.
- Visit the sites of Second World War airfields and learn about aviation history and stories thanks to Friends of the New Forest Airfields and The Heritage Centre.
Houses, castles, parks, and gardens
Numerous stately homes, castles, parks, and gardens can be found in the New Forest and its surrounding areas. Some that can be visited include:
Community arts centres
Beyond the museums and galleries, stately homes and gardens, the New Forest is home to a thriving community and arts scene with hubs offering workshops and shows to inspire and empower. This includes:
A landscape shaped by commoning heritage
Protecting wildlife and livestock
Ponies, cattle, donkeys, and pigs out for Pannage in the New Forest are owned by Commoners, but everybody who visits, lives in, and enjoys time in the National Park can help look after the animals, habitats, and landscapes that make it so special.
Simply by following the New Forest code we can all minimise the impact we have. Find out more about and the difference you can make by not feeding or petting animals, taking your litter home with you, driving carefully and looking out for animals on the road, and keeping dogs under control so they don’t approach or chase animals.
Discover events taking place across the New Forest
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