A Solo Getaway to the New Forest
In 2017, I set myself the challenge to visit 12 countries in 12 months. In 2018, I wanted to take 12 trips but visit more long-distance destinations, which resulted in exploring Bali and Mexico for the first time. This year, I want to explore more of the country I live in so it's time for a new challenge: 12 Counties 12 Months. Inspired by Visit England's #MyMicrogap campaign, which aims to encourage millennials to experience elements of a gap year with a short break in England, I want to show how beautiful the UK is. So forget 12 countries (although of course, I'm still planning some trips abroad), this year I'm setting myself the goal to explore 12 counties instead! Bring on #12Counties12Months
Hampshire was my second county to visit, after my trip to Norfolk with Woodlakes Park, and it was a gorgeous one. The New Forest has always been on my bucket list and thanks to Jaye Rockett and Kelly Prince Writes' recent photos here, I knew I had to visit. I was in the unusual position of having three days spare annual leave to take, so I decided to book myself a solo trip to the New Forest to see the ponies and explore the countryside.
The New Forest is simply one of the most stunning places I've ever visited. I bagged myself a tiny AirBnb, The Garden House, a cosy outbuilding in the garden of my host in the village of Bashley. I always choose to stay in a private AirBnb and although this listing shared a driveway and garden with my host, it was secluded and felt completely private. It was well equipped with a kitchen, sofa and bathroom and I'd definitely stay again for another trip to the Forest.
Of course, the New Forest is famous for one thing - the ponies. These wild animals were the main reason I chose to visit the New Forest and they did not disappoint. I was fully prepared to have to search for the ponies, but they are simply everywhere. You can walk for five minutes in the forest and be pretty much guaranteed to see the local wildlife. I was amazed with how calm and friendly the ponies were; there are signs all over the New Forest reminding visitors that the ponies are wild and shouldn't be fed or petted. but they are naturally inquisitive and quite happy to stand peacefully as you admire them. As with all horses, they can be unpredictable and all animals react differently to people, but I was truly amazed with how chilled they were with me and the effect of their relaxing presence. Simply magical!
I enjoyed being able to walk out into the forest from my doorstep but my AirBnb in Bashford was also an ideal location to explore the wider New Forest. Although you can travel around the forest by public transport or bike, a car makes life so much easier and I enjoyed zipping around the country roads throughout the forest. Driving meant that I could visit many different spots across the New Forest and pull over when I spotted something interesting or wanted to admire the ponies grazing by the side of the road. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary was one of my favourite spots I visited; the part of the forest you are most likely to see deer thanks to the viewing platform and daily feeding from the rangers. There are easy yet enjoyable circular routes (1/2 mile, 1 mile or 2 miles) around the sanctuary and I was very lucky to spot almost 100 deer during my time exploring the area. For the best experience, walk to the Deer Sanctuary down Ornamental Drive; an impressive path lined with some of the largest trees in the forest.
This solo trip was on a strict budget so I prepared my meals for my stay at home and then reheated them at my AirBnb. It's a trick I've never tried before but meant that my meals were no more expensive than my usual spend on groceries - as much as I love eating out whilst I travel, it can be expensive! However, I did get the chance to visit The Pig Hotel for a bite to eat with Jaye Rockett . Both the hotel and grounds are beautiful, and I loved exploring the vegetable patches and greenhouses, packed full of home-grown produce. This produce forms the basis of the menu, even down to the mint tea which is freshly picked from the garden. We enjoyed a delicious platter of meats alongside some local chipolatas, recommended by Jaye. It was simple, fresh and delicious and a real treat to spend an afternoon relaxing after spending most of my trip walking all day. If I return for a more luxurious trip, an overnight stay at the Pig Hotel will be top of my list!
If you're looking for a UK break to relax and recharge, then the New Forest is the perfect place. It's a truly beautiful part of England and an incredible location to focus on your wellbeing, surrounded by nature and ponies.
Have you visited the New Forest? Where do you think I should visit next for my #12Counties12Months challenge?
