Why Choose the New Forest?
When searching for a holiday lodge for sale in the New Forest, it’s easy to see why this corner of southern England is so popular. The New Forest National Park covers 140,000 acres of ancient woodland, heathland, rivers, and coastline. It’s a place where wild ponies roam free, pretty villages offer cosy pubs and shops, and families and couples alike can escape the stresses of everyday life.
Owning a holiday lodge in the New Forest means having this incredible landscape on your doorstep from spring through autumn, with the freedom to enjoy it whenever you choose. At Deer’s Leap Holiday Park, we offer beautifully designed lodges in a secure, gated community right next to the forest, an unbeatable base for adventure, relaxation, and making memories.
Where Is the New Forest and How Easy Is It to Reach?
The New Forest sits between Southampton and Bournemouth on the south coast of England.
- By car: Around 90 minutes from London, 30 minutes from Southampton, and 45 minutes from Bournemouth.
- By train: Direct services run into Brockenhurst (the park’s main station), with connections from London Waterloo in just 1 hour 40 minutes.
- By air: Southampton Airport is nearby, and Bournemouth Airport is within easy reach.
- By ferry: Portsmouth and Southampton offer ferries to the Isle of Wight and France.
For those considering a holiday lodge in the New Forest, this accessibility means you can escape the city on a Friday evening and be in your lodge before dinner.
What to Do in the New Forest
The New Forest truly comes into its own during the spring, summer, and autumn months, the ideal time for holidaying here.
- Walking: Explore endless trails, from gentle riverside paths to scenic forest routes.
- Cycling: Gravel routes designed for cyclists, perfect for days out with friends and family.
- Horse riding: Local stables offer treks across heathland and woodland.
- Wildlife spotting: Deer, rare birds, and of course, the famous New Forest ponies.
Whether you’re looking for peaceful walks or active adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Beaches on Your Doorstep: Nearest Beaches to the New Forest
The New Forest is one of the few UK national parks with a coastline. From Deer’s Leap, you can easily enjoy:
- Milford-on-Sea Beach, featuring shingle shores with views to the Isle of Wight.
- Calshot Beach, a popular for watersports and colourful beach huts.
- Highcliffe Beach, with sandy stretches perfect for swimming and picnics.
For lodge owners, it means you can split your time between forest walks and seaside days out, all within minutes of your front door.
Charming Towns and Villages
The New Forest is dotted with idyllic towns and historic villages:
- Lyndhurst: Known as the “capital” of the New Forest, with shops and cafés.
- Brockenhurst: Famous for its pubs and ponies wandering the high street.
- Lymington: A coastal town with a Saturday market and marina.
- Beaulieu: Home to the world-renowned Beaulieu Motor Museum.
Each offers a unique day out, from exploring independent boutiques to enjoying a bite to eat in one of these charming places.
Nature, Wellness and Wildlife
One of the most incredible aspects of owning a holiday lodge in the New Forest is how close you are to nature every single day. The park is a patchwork of ancient woodland, open heathland, rivers, and wetlands, which together create a haven for wildlife and a sanctuary for anyone seeking peace and quiet.
The famous New Forest ponies are perhaps the park’s most iconic residents, roaming freely across the landscape and often seen grazing in the fields. Alongside them, you’ll find deer, rare birds, and a host of other species that make the New Forest one of the UK’s richest wildlife areas.
Whether it’s a morning walk under a canopy of oak and beech trees, a peaceful moment by the water, or simply sitting outside your lodge listening to birdsong, the forest has a calming effect that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Dining and Local Produce
One of the greatest joys of holiday lodge living at Deer’s Leap is how many local food options you can explore. Whether you fancy eating out or cooking in at your lodge, there are so many places nearby where the produce is fresh, the food is good, and the atmosphere welcoming.
Restaurants and Pubs
- The Haven Bar and Restaurant, Lymington: Overlooking the Solent, this restaurant has a seafood-inspired menu using locally sourced ingredients. Their view of the water makes dining here especially special.
- The High Street Kitchen, Lymington: Located in the heart of Lymington, this restaurant focuses on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients. Great choice for lunches or more relaxed dinners.
- Elderflower Restaurant, Lymington: A more refined dining experience. Known for its multi-course tasting menus with creative cooking and a strong emphasis on flavour and presentation. Perfect for celebratory meals.
- Old Mill Pub and Dining, near Lymington: If you prefer country pub charm, this is an excellent option. Classic dishes, warm interior, and al fresco terrace, all in a beautiful riverside location just outside Lymington.
Farm Shops and Local Produce
- Hockey’s Farm Shop, South Gorley: This award-winning farm shop offers a wide range of locally produced meat, bread, dairy, fruit and vegetables, and other goods. Also has a café to relax in after shopping.
- Setley Ridge Farm Shop, Brockenhurst: A beautiful farm shop with lots of local produce including meat, vegetables, cakes and preserves. They also have a garden centre and a tearoom.
- Danestream Farm Shop, New Milton: Great for meat, poultry, preserves, and baked goods. If you enjoy sourcing ingredients directly, then you’ll be spoiled for choice here.
- The Farmers Butcher, Swallowfields Farm (near Bramshaw): For high-quality meats, friendly service, and a focus on local provenance, this butchery and farm shop is a true gem. Perfect for stocking up for summer barbecues or home-cooked meals.
Markets
- Lymington Farmers Market: Held every Saturday morning, a great way to pick up local cheeses, baked goods, artisan food, and seasonal produce.
- Ringwood Town Market: Another option during the week, with stalls selling fresh produce, local specialities, and more.
Family-Friendly Days Out
Families choosing a holiday home in the New Forest will never be short of activities! From the New Forest Wildlife Park, with various animals to see, to places like Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, the perfect theme park for younger children. With many more family-friendly days out all around the local area.
When Can You Use Your Lodge?
At Deer’s Leap, our lodges are available for use from 1 March to 31 October each year. This coincides with the New Forest’s best seasons, with the wildflowers and new births of spring, to long days for cycling, walking, and exploring in the summer, to the stunning colours of autumn and the quieter trails perfect for crisp walks before snug evenings in.
While you can’t live here year-round, this seasonal use is perfect for those wanting a holiday base to return to throughout the year.
Why a Holiday Lodge (vs Renting or Hotels)?
When you’re planning regular escapes to the New Forest, the question often arises: do you keep booking hotels or holiday rentals, or do you invest in something of your own? For many people, the answer is a holiday lodge. Unlike hotels, which can feel impersonal and restrictive, or short-term rentals, which are often subject to availability and rising costs, owning your own lodge gives you consistency, privacy, and freedom.
A lodge at Deer’s Leap becomes your home away from home. You can furnish it to your taste, stock it with everything you like, and know it will always be ready and waiting for you. There’s no need to worry about check-in times, inflated seasonal rates, or whether the accommodation will meet your standards.
Lodges are designed for low-maintenance living, which means you spend less time on upkeep and more time enjoying the lifestyle. For many owners, this balance of comfort and cost-efficiency makes them a smarter, more rewarding choice.
There’s also the peace of mind that comes with being part of a welcoming, managed park community. You’ll have like-minded neighbours nearby, a safe and secure environment, and a base that feels familiar every time you return.
Ownership with EKOS Homes
At Deer’s Leap, our lodges are designed with you in mind:
- Modern, open-plan designs with high-spec finishes.
- Private plots with optional decking and parking.
- A secure, gated community close to Ringwood and the forest edge.