Guidebook for Thorney Hill & Bransgore
Getting Around
Walk, cycle or drive your way around the New Forest.
On foot... literally at the end of our road, you will be in open forest with the famous New Forest ponies, cattle & if you're lucky, deer.
Cycling is popular in this area. There are open roads with stunning views as well as dedicated cycle paths which run along the disused railway lines. Please do stick to the designated paths, particularly during the nesting season as a lot of rare birds nest on the ground.
Driving is easy - but be prepared to slow down for the wild animals that roam freely. Most of this area operates a 30 or 40 mph limit. New Forest car parks are free to use and there are plenty of them; the nearest being Homesley Airfield/campsite and Burbush (situated on the edge of Burley).
Need to go further afield? We are just over half an hours' drive from Southampton with both an airport and shipping port.
Bournemouth town centre is approximately 25 minutes' drive too with neighbouring towns of Ringwood & Christchurch just 15 minutes' drive.
The 125 bus to/from Christchurch stops at the end of School Road (turn left our of The Dairy) and walk to the stop on Burley Road (near the post box). They are infrequent and we recommend you search the timetable before setting out.
In the Summer, The New Forest Bus Tour operates. You can catch it from Forest Road (by the crossroads with Burley Road) or just along from Holmsley Campsite.
The New Forest Tour returns for the summer season, starting on the 1st July to 17th September 2023, where you can enjoy outstanding views of the New Forest National Park – wandering ponies, pretty villages and magical landscapes. There are three great bus routes for you to enjoy - find out what each route has to offer below:
Hop on and off wherever you like and catch the next Tour bus, or switch between routes, all on the same ticket! Hear the stories of the people, places and animals of the New Forest on our audio commentary – with characters, sounds and music, bringing the view to life. To find out more, download the MoreBus App or search the More Bus website for The New Forest Tour.
From Brockenhurst (20 minutes' drive via open forest) you can catch the train to London Waterloo (just under 2 hours). Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Winchester and Weymouth are easily accessible too.
Brockenhurst village itself is well worth a visit.
8 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Brockenhurst Station Taxis Ltd.
Lymington RoadFrom Brockenhurst (20 minutes' drive via open forest) you can catch the train to London Waterloo (just under 2 hours). Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Winchester and Weymouth are easily accessible too.
Brockenhurst village itself is well worth a visit.
Food scene
A lovely thatched pub serving great food. Friendly staff will welcome you. Try the local cider or local beers! Food is freshly prepared and the chef uses local & seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Fresh fish and specials change regularly.
Lots of parking or from The Diary, its a gently 30 minute stroll - beware - it's uphill all the way back and you will need a torch if coming back in the dark! The chef has recently left the business (early 2023) - we've not yet been so beware it may have changed since we updated this guide.
THE CROWN is a standard Vintage Inn and offers the usual pub grub (pies, steak, fish & chips etc). It's not fine dining but staff are always friendly and service is good. Food is fair-good.
THE WHITE BUCK AT BURLEY usually offers a decent meal and is very popular with both locals and tourists. Advance booking is recommended.
25 現地メンバーのおすすめ
The Three Tuns
Ringwood RoadA lovely thatched pub serving great food. Friendly staff will welcome you. Try the local cider or local beers! Food is freshly prepared and the chef uses local & seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Fresh fish and specials change regularly.
Lots of parking or from The Diary, its a gently 30 minute stroll - beware - it's uphill all the way back and you will need a torch if coming back in the dark! The chef has recently left the business (early 2023) - we've not yet been so beware it may have changed since we updated this guide.
THE CROWN is a standard Vintage Inn and offers the usual pub grub (pies, steak, fish & chips etc). It's not fine dining but staff are always friendly and service is good. Food is fair-good.
THE WHITE BUCK AT BURLEY usually offers a decent meal and is very popular with both locals and tourists. Advance booking is recommended.
Sightseeing
The nearest beach is a short drive away. Parking is readily available (fees may apply - make sure you have the RingGo App for easy payment). Plenty of sand & promenade to explore with ample cafes and restaurants. Note: parts of the beach are a little stoney - if you're looking for golden sands, we recommend hopping across on the ferry to Mudeford or driving a little further into Bournemouth & exploring the many beaches.
Mudeford Quay is popular - be sure to arrive early in peak season. It's very popular with families for crabbing. A beautiful setting also offering watersports such as paddle boarding & kayaking (you can hire).
KEYHAVEN, MILFORD-ON-SEA is a favourite of ours. You can follow the pathway and see across to the Isle of Wight and Lymington on a clear day. Visited by migrating birds throughout the year, it's a delightful walk. A ferry operates from the just beyond the boat club to Hurst Castle and is well worth a visit (check its open before you go...Hurst Castle was undergoing repairs in 2022).
15 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Avon Beach
MudefordThe nearest beach is a short drive away. Parking is readily available (fees may apply - make sure you have the RingGo App for easy payment). Plenty of sand & promenade to explore with ample cafes and restaurants. Note: parts of the beach are a little stoney - if you're looking for golden sands, we recommend hopping across on the ferry to Mudeford or driving a little further into Bournemouth & exploring the many beaches.
Mudeford Quay is popular - be sure to arrive early in peak season. It's very popular with families for crabbing. A beautiful setting also offering watersports such as paddle boarding & kayaking (you can hire).
KEYHAVEN, MILFORD-ON-SEA is a favourite of ours. You can follow the pathway and see across to the Isle of Wight and Lymington on a clear day. Visited by migrating birds throughout the year, it's a delightful walk. A ferry operates from the just beyond the boat club to Hurst Castle and is well worth a visit (check its open before you go...Hurst Castle was undergoing repairs in 2022).
Neighbourhoods
Thorney Hill is a tiny community on the edge of Bransgore & Burley. It was once a thriving community producing bricks (hence the name Brick Lane). Opposite The Dairy is the Forge which would have once been used as a blacksmiths. Our property was once the local shop & stores and close by is the old school house. Many of the local community recall being born in the area and attending the school, visiting the shop etc.
It is now a tranquil haven of peace & nature.
The local church, All Saints, is worth a visit - there is a unique painting worth viewing. A listed building built in 1905/6, it also hosts a World War One Memorial. The church was built by Lord & Lady Manners as a memorial to their daughter, Mary, who died of cholera n 1904 during a visit to India.
Thorney Hill
Thorney Hill is a tiny community on the edge of Bransgore & Burley. It was once a thriving community producing bricks (hence the name Brick Lane). Opposite The Dairy is the Forge which would have once been used as a blacksmiths. Our property was once the local shop & stores and close by is the old school house. Many of the local community recall being born in the area and attending the school, visiting the shop etc.
It is now a tranquil haven of peace & nature.
The local church, All Saints, is worth a visit - there is a unique painting worth viewing. A listed building built in 1905/6, it also hosts a World War One Memorial. The church was built by Lord & Lady Manners as a memorial to their daughter, Mary, who died of cholera n 1904 during a visit to India.
Favourite beach
OFTEN KNOWN AS THE "LOCAL'S" BEACH - this lovely stretch of golden sand is our favourite beach! It's just a twenty minute drive from us. We prefer to arrive with our breakfast (lots of free parking along Southbourne Beach Road) or park in Warren Edge Carpark for around £8.50 for four hours. You'll need the RingGo app for all of the Bournemouth & Christchurch area.
There's a selection of cafes and bars - just be careful you pitch up on a "no dogs" part of the beach! We usually go down the slope from Warren Edge carpark and turn left at the bottom and go a little further along as it tends to be quieter.
Swimming is safe and the water clear. There's an area in front of the main amenities with lifeguards but they do patrol the area regularly.
60 現地メンバーのおすすめ
Southbourne Beachfront
OFTEN KNOWN AS THE "LOCAL'S" BEACH - this lovely stretch of golden sand is our favourite beach! It's just a twenty minute drive from us. We prefer to arrive with our breakfast (lots of free parking along Southbourne Beach Road) or park in Warren Edge Carpark for around £8.50 for four hours. You'll need the RingGo app for all of the Bournemouth & Christchurch area.
There's a selection of cafes and bars - just be careful you pitch up on a "no dogs" part of the beach! We usually go down the slope from Warren Edge carpark and turn left at the bottom and go a little further along as it tends to be quieter.
Swimming is safe and the water clear. There's an area in front of the main amenities with lifeguards but they do patrol the area regularly.
旅行者へのアドバイス
風習と文化
DON'T FEED OR PET THE PONIES OR ANIMALS.
The ponies and other animals that roam are effectively wild animals. Whilst used to humans, it is against the local Bylaws to approach them to offer food or stroke them. In fact, many may bite or kick out if you get too close. They are best viewed from a slight distance - especially if they have young with them.
風習と文化
NO FIRES OR BBBQ's
The lighting of fires or bbq's in the New Forest (except in designated areas) is also against Local Bylaws and could result in a hefty fine.
風習と文化
BEWARE OF TICKS
The New Forest area is a haven for ticks. Annoying little creatures that, given the chance, can climb onto clothing and eventually cling onto your skin. They can be so tiny (a minuscule brown dot) that you may not even notice - until they start to itch! NEVER try to pull them off with your fingers. In The Dairy, you will find a tick remover - this is by far the safest and best way to remove ALL of the tick to ensure that nothing is left. Rinse the area after (and the tick remover) and apply some alcohol gel or antiseptic immediately after.