Grassy ride through woodland at Bolderwood in the New Forest, Hampshire

Where to go · Hampshire

Forest bathing at Bolderwood

Tall Douglas firs, veteran oaks and ancient woodland on an old coaching route in the heart of the New Forest.

Bolderwood sits on the Ornamental Drive west of Lyndhurst, in the middle of the New Forest. Its Douglas firs are among the oldest in the Forest, some planted around 1860, and the arboretum also has old oaks and sweet chestnuts. South of the car park is a large area of ancient and ornamental woodland with many veteran trees, where the commoners' animals graze. There was a royal hunting lodge here from at least 1325.

Three short waymarked trails start from the car park, including the Jubilee Grove Trail on gravel paths with gentle slopes. The longer Radnor Trail drops down a steep slope into the older woodland, and that is where you will find most quiet. The arboretum lost many trees in the storms of 1987 and 1991 and has been replanted, so expect a mix of open glades and young trees alongside the giants. There are no public transport links; you will need to drive.

Practical

Managed by
Forestry England
Parking
Pay car park (RingGo only, no cash); Forestry England members free
Terrain
Gravel trails with gentle slopes near the car park; steeper natural paths into the older woodland
Nearest station
Brockenhurst, about 20 minutes by car
Facilities
Toilets and picnic area at the car park
Opening and entry
Open access, free
Official page
forestryengland.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Two guides within 15 miles of Bolderwood

More woodlands in Hampshire

All venues in Hampshire
Forest track running between trees in Alice Holt Forest, HampshireAlice Holt ForestFormer royal forest with old naval oak, pine and an easy access trailPath winding through trees in Blackwater Arboretum, New Forest, HampshireBlackwater Arboretum and Tall Trees TrailGiant redwoods, old Douglas firs and level gravel paths off the Rhinefield Ornamental DriveForest track through woodland in Queen Elizabeth Country Park, HampshireQueen Elizabeth Country Park1930s beech woods and open downland beside Butser Hill on the South Downs

Photos: Alice Holt Forest, Colin Smith (CC BY-SA 2.0); Blackwater Arboretum and Tall Trees Trail, Pebble (CC BY-SA 2.0); Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Chris Gunns (CC BY-SA 2.0).