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Roundhill Campsite

Hampshire, Hampshire, England
1 acre hosted by Abi ?.
Forest camping with added animals

In a land of rules, regulations, road-markings and traffic lights, the New Forest in Hampshire offers, both literally and metaphorically, a breath of fresh air. Meandering roads follow the lie of the land with their edges gently disappearing into the forest, and not a yellow line or a curbstone in sight. Horses wander freely around this wooded landscape, grazing on the roads if they so choose. They have right of way here; traffic just has to live with it. There’s something quite liberating about this arrangement. It’s as if in a very small way, we’re acknowledging that nature is the greater force. We’re merely humans, visiting for a time, borrowing these natural resources. In the New Forest, instead of dominating nature, we’re living alongside it. And it all works very well. If you can dodge the horses as far as Brockenhurst, you’ll find one of Camping in the Forests' most outstanding sites, Roundhill.

Once an airfield, it’s now a large expanse of open heathland right in the middle of the forest, with trees and shrubs breaking up this huge area to create smaller, sheltered pockets of land. There are no designated pitches; just drive around, find an agreeable spot and as long as you’re at least six metres away from the nearest tent, it’s all yours.

As with everywhere else in the New Forest, animals have grazing rights here, so expect to see horses, donkeys, cows and even pigs wandering freely around the campsite. For the most part, they keep to themselves. If they get wind of your food, however, it’s a different story. The donkeys are highly skilled at unzipping tents with their mouths and helping themselves to whatever they can find. Rumour has it they can even open ring-pulls on cans! The trick is never to encourage them by feeding them and always keep food locked in the car rather than in the tent.

Other than the obvious attractions of exploring the New Forest by car, on foot or on horseback (maps and information available at reception), Roundhill is perfectly located for the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. This fantastic collection of historic vehicles includes the World Record Breakers Bluebird and Golden Arrow. Other exhibits include the James Bond Experience, where you can see a number of Q’s inventions, including the road-boat from The World Is Not Enough. Look out for various events here, including a regular farmer’s market, where you can buy fresh New Forest produce. In an area where cars come second to nature and horses rule the road, it’s entirely appropriate to see cars relegated to the status of artefacts at a motor museum. The balance of nature has been restored.

Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
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Location
Hampshire, Hampshire, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Abi ?.Joined in March 2015
From the host
Please be aware that our Camping in the Forest sites are closed until further notice. Please refer to the Camping in the Forest website for more details.
Nearby attractions

The National Motor Museum (01590 612345) at Beaulieu is open every day, whilst if you're camping with kids, take them to Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park (023 8081 4442.)

Food and drink
Check out Simply Poussin (01590 623063) in Brockenhurst. This brasserie is sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Le Poussin at the Whitley Ridge Hotel but will make a smaller dent in your wallet. The Filly Inn (01590 623449), back on the main A337 Leamington Road at Setley is 10 minutes in the car. It’s an appealing old-style pub with low oak beams, plenty of tankards and brass paraphernalia on the walls plus traditional pub-grub.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/embed/61J967ym9I4

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