The New Forest Museum
The New Forest Museum is packed full of displays and activities about the New Forest National Park. The Impressions of the New Forest National Park film show welcomes you to the New Forest Museum and sets the scene for your visit.
Do the Pony Challenge and discover why ponies are kept on the Forest and why we shouldn’t feed them!
See the Beaulieu Road pony sales yard display and soak up the atmosphere of the sales yard by listening to the sounds of a typical trading day.
Shaping the Landscape
So how has the geology of the New Forest influenced its history?
The different types of rocks lying just below the surface of the New Forest influence the shape of the land, the soil and its vegetation. They also provide useful building materials.
Most of the geological layers underlying the New Forest consist of clay, gravel and sand. The Romans used clay for making pottery 2000 years ago and in more recent times it was used for bricks and tiles. Gravel was quarried for surfacing roads and tracks. Sand, which usually produces poor soils and is found under most of the heathland, was used in building foundations and for making concrete.
New Forest Embroidery
A Unique Work of Art
The New Forest Embroidery was commissioned by the New Forest Association in 1979 to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the creation of the New Forest.
It was designed by Belinda, Lady Montagu, and created by her with a team of more than 50 helpers. It is 25 foot long (7.6 metres) and just over 2 feet deep. It shows the most important historical events in the Forest, set against a background of Forest flora and fauna.
Attractions in The New Forest:
New Forest visitor attractions offer fantastic days out for all to enjoy. With wildlife and nature places to explore plus historic houses and museums to take you back in time to discover the history of the New Forest. Or just take a stroll through a garden and take in the sights and fragrances. During the summer months The New Forest Tour Bus is the perfect way to see the forest from a whole new perspective it mustn't be missed!
New Forest attractions are the perfect way to see more of this beautiful area whether you are here for the day or looking to stay for longer.... we look forward to seeing you soon!
VISITORS IFORMATION:
Opening Times
Our NEW Family Fun Tree is now open!
The New Forest Centre and Gift Shop is open
7 days a week from 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Last entry to the New Forest Museum is 4.00pm daily.
FREE entry To:
The Shop
The Visitor Information Centre
The New Forest Gallery
The Reference Library
Please note that we only close for STOCKTAKE (31 January from 12.00 and 1 February) and for CHRISTMAS (24 December from 12.30pm, 25 December and 26 December)
The Christopher Tower New Forest Reference Library is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10.00am until 4.30pm. Please call in or contact us in advance of your visit to ensure that the Librarian is available. Use of the Library is FREE.
New Forest Museum Admission Prices
Standard Ticket £3.00
Concessions Ticket £2.50 (seniors, students etc.)
Accompanied under 16s FREE
Friends Membership £20.00 allows 12 months unlimited admission for you and a friend
You can also download our current leaflet
If you are planning to bring a group of 10 people or more please see our Group Booking Form or contact us.
You can also follow the link for our education packages.
Please allow around 1 hour for your visit.
Food and drink in The New Forest:
You'll be spoilt for choice with The New Forest's food and drink available. Venison, beef, pork, sausages, honey, mushroom, cheese, fresh crabs and sole. These are just some of the fantastic fresh food produced or caught locally that can be found on the menus of many New Forest restaurants and inns.