Path winding through trees in Blackwater Arboretum, New Forest, Hampshire

Where to go · Hampshire

Forest bathing at Blackwater Arboretum and Tall Trees Trail

Victorian conifers, giant redwoods and a small arboretum on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, with level gravel paths.

Blackwater is a Forestry England car park on the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, south of Lyndhurst. Around it is a small but nationally important arboretum of trees from around the world, and along the drive stand tall conifers planted in the 1850s, including some of the oldest Douglas firs in Britain and two huge redwoods. It is one of the easiest places in the New Forest to spend time among very big trees without a long walk.

The waymarked Blackwater trails are about 1.4 miles in total, on a fairly smooth, level gravel surface with frequent places to rest and no gates, so they suit wheelchairs and pushchairs. Start in the arboretum, then cross the drive to the Tall Trees Trail. Quieter moments come early in the day or away from the redwoods, which draw most visitors. There are no public transport links.

Practical

Managed by
Forestry England
Parking
Pay car park, about 50 spaces (RingGo only, no cash)
Terrain
Level, fairly smooth gravel paths with frequent resting places
Nearest station
Brockenhurst, about 10 minutes by car
Facilities
Toilets including accessible toilet at the car park; easy access trail
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 Spotted something out of date?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

Three guides within 15 miles of Blackwater Arboretum and Tall Trees Trail

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 trailGrassy ride through woodland at Bolderwood in the New Forest, HampshireBolderwoodOld Douglas firs, veteran trees and ancient woodland in the middle of the New ForestForest 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); Bolderwood, Stuart Logan (CC BY-SA 2.0); Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Chris Gunns (CC BY-SA 2.0).