The New Forest has many strings to its bucolic bow. Some, like summertime midges are best forgotten. However, some like wandering wild ponies and the weaving web of walking and cycling trails, make unforgettable holiday memories. But we think nothing epitomises this captivating landscape quite like a relaxed, back-to-basics campsite, which allows visitors to connect with Mother Nature. Set in 22 hectares of untouched oak woodlands, bordered by an exquisite heathland, Hollands Wood is all the above, and much, much more…
Described by David Bellamy as a “paradise park”, Hollands Wood is the proud holder of the environmental campaigner's ‘Conservation Award’, for its ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing the local environment. At a site where nature is valued more highly than commercialism, pitches are of a decent size, with many broken up by trees, ensuring a sense of privacy and seclusion for campers. Ablution facilities are clean and relatively modern, with three large blocks, each containing showers, toilets, a baby changing area, washbasins and electric shaving sockets. There’s even a shower for your four-legged friend!
Apart from all the obvious New Forest attractions (exploring the region by foot, bike or horseback), Hollands Wood is ideally located for a pit-stop visit to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu (8 miles). This excellent collection of historic vehicles includes Campbell’s famous Bluebird, to film favourites such as the magical flying car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Other exhibits include 'The James Bond Experience', where you can see a number of Q’s quirky inventions, including the road-boat from The World Is Not Enough.
Despite having space for 600 campers, it’s not uncommon for pitches at Hollands Wood to sell out. Extremely popular with families, couples and groups alike, we therefore advise you book in advance, especially during the summer months. And with that untouched woodland, with its countless walks and miles of traffic-free cycling right on your doorstep, it’s not hard to see why campers keep coming back.
Paultons Family Theme Park (02380 814442) is only a 20 minute drive away and has over 60 family rides and attractions. The little ones will love Peppa Pig World, the first dedicated Peppa Pig Theme Park in the world. Another fun family day out can be found at Longdown Activity Farm (02380 292837.) Visitors can bottle-feed the calves and goats, feed the ducks, meet the pigs and cuddle the baby rabbits. After meeting the animals, the kids can explore the farmyard buildings and enjoy plenty of indoor and outdoor play areas including trampolines, a ball pool and the straw bale barn. Liberty’s Owl Raptor & Reptile Centre (01425 476487) can be found 18 miles from site. Visitors to the centre can enjoy daily flying displays, see a wide range of birds of prey and visit the reptile house with snakes, lizards and more.
The Foresters Arms (01590 623397) offers an extensive menu of drinks and home cooked food. The pub welcomes children and well-trained pets, and with a fantastic beer garden to relax in on sunny evenings, it is the perfect place to stop for a well earned meal after a long day exploring. Blaireau’s Bistro (01590 623032), situated in the grounds of Careys Manor Hotel and Spa, this bistro offers high quality and authentic French cuisine. Open to residents and non-residents daily for lunch and dinner, this is a great place for a special night out. Dynasty Indian Cuisine (01590 624088) offers authentic Indian food combined with great service. After a busy day out in the forest, give yourself the night off from cooking and treat yourself to a bag of good quality fish and chips at Rainbow Fish Bar (01590 622747.) Particularly recommended are the mushy pea fritters!
