New Forest hop on hop bus
If you are looking for a way to enjoy the New Forest without your car then the New Forest tour by bus is the way to do it.
It is completely family-friendly and a great way to explore the New Forest National Park. The New Forest is the perfect place to find hidden gems in Hampshire. Finding things to do in Brockenhurst and Lymington with the kids can be hard, especially if you don’t know the area very well. The bus tour is the best way to find things to do! Take a picnic with you and hop on and off as much as you like. Make sure you sit on the top deck and get the wonderful open views of the New Forest.
If you are looking for things to do in the New forest then have a look at:
A Huge Guide to Things to do in New Forest – Whether you’re looking for animal attractions in Brockenhurst, adventure near the New Forest, or all-weather sightseeing attractions, then this list of things to do in New Forest is for you.
19 Things to do in Brockenhurst in Hampshire – Whether you’re looking for animal attractions in Brockenhurst, adventure near the New Forest, or all-weather sightseeing attractions, then this list of 19 things to do in Brockenhurst New Forest is for you.
The Best Things to do in Barton on Sea – Barton on Sea has great coastal walks and loads of places to visit for the whole family. The cliff top themselves are stunning and the New Forest National Park is right next door.
Things to do in Hampshire Guide
Wondering what to do today? Then our guide for ALL things Hampshire is for you!
If you are looking for things to do in Hampshire with kids then this guide is for you. We have over 200+ ideas that you can use to keep your whole family amused while exploring everything Hampshire has to offer!
Have a look at our Things to do in Hampshire guide here.
This is an up to date spreadsheet, in activity order, that you can use when you have no clue what to do. We’ve included everything from country parks, to splash pools, lakes, castles, days out, playgrounds and walks. You get lifetime access to this spreadsheet, so any updates we do, you get them, all included in the price!
How long does it take to get to the New Forest?
If you are coming from the center of Southampton then it takes about 30 minutes to get to Hythe which is the best place to get the New Forest Bus Tour.
You can also catch the Hythe Ferry and train, which is a great way to start your journey. You can get the Hythe Ferry from The Pier, Prospect Pl, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AU. You can turn up and pay to get on. The journey takes about 20 minutes across the water and the World’s Oldest Pier Train will take you to the center of Hythe.
Read more about the Hythe Ferry here.
When does the New Forest Bus Tour run?
The New Forest Bus Tour runs from 25th June – 18th September.
Where does the New Forest Bus Tour go?
The New Forest tour routes offers three different routes which are:
Red Route – This does a circular route starting at Lyndhurst Main Car Park, then stops at Holmsley Tearooms, Burley Queens Head, Ringwood, Meeting House Lane, Fordingbridge, Salisbury Street, Sandy Balls Holiday Park, Brook Green Dragon, Cadnam Roundabout, Ashurst Post Office, New Forest Wildlife Park, Ashurst Rail Station then back to Lyndhurst Main Car Park.
You can join this route from either the Green Route by getting off at Lyndhurst Main Car Park or on the Blue Route at the Burley Queens Head.
You can find times for the Red Route here.
Green Route – The Green Route starts at Totton, RC Church then stops at Ashurst Rail Station, Lyndhurst Main Car Park, Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst Rail Station, Lymington High Street, New Forest Adventure Golf, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Garage, Exbury Gardens, Dibden Purlieu St Andrew’s Church, Hythe Ferry Terminal, Applemore Tesco, Beaulieu Road Rail Station, Lyndhurst Main Car Park, Ashurst Rail Station then back to Totton Shopping Precinct.
From this route, you can join the Red Route at Lyndhurst Main Car Park and the blue Route from Lymington High Street.
You can find out more about the Green Route here.
Blue Route – The Blue Route is a circular route that starts from Brockenhurst Rail Station and then goes on to Holmsley Tearooms, Burley Queens Head, Thorney Hill Crossroads, Rising Sun Inn, Hoburne Holiday Park, New Milton Rail Station, Barton On Sea Cafe, Shorefield Holiday Park, Needles Eye Cafe, Everton Bus Shelter, Lymington High Street, Setley Hobler Inn then back to Brockenhurst Rail Station.
You can find out more about the Blue Route here, including bus times and connections.
What do I need to know about The New Forest Bus Tour?
You can hop on and hop off any New Forest Tour Bus all day and switch between routes. Each bus plays commentary on the New Forest history with characters, stories, and music.
Bikes go free on any New Forest Bus Tour. The New Forest cycling routes can be found easily wherever you are.
You can ride at the top of the open-top bus which is a great way to see the New Forest.
Where does the New Forest Bus Tour start from?
The New Forest tour bus starts at many different locations. We normally get on at Hythe on the Green Route as that gives you access to the other two routes.
You can buy a ticket for the New Forest Bus Tour with the driver as you get on. There is no need to book and the ticket will last you all day. You can find the times of each route by looking at the MoreBus App.
Where can I park to get the New Forest Bus Tour?
If you decide to start in Southampton, then you can park at The Pier, Prospect Place, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6AU. You can then catch the Hythe Ferry across to Hythe and the train to the bottom of the pier. You can then join the Green Route at Hythe Pier.
The next easiest place to park is at Lyndhurst Main Car Park, SO43 7NY. Parking all day costs you £5 and you can easily pick up the Red Route or Green Route from here.
What can I do in the New Forest?
There is so much to do in the New Forest. Not only are there loads of wildlife and forest for you to see, but there are also museums, bustling town centers, and dog-friendly walks for you to enjoy.
Red Route – If you are traveling on the Red Route then make sure you visit:
Ringwood – This New Forest market town is close to the River Avon. If you walk down West Street, and over a little stone bridge you’ll come close to it. Ringwood is full of local history and dates back to 1226. Walk around this town and see what you can find out. Find out more about what to do in Ringwood here.
Fordingbridge – Sat right on the edge of the New Forest, Fordingbridge is a small market town based on the River Avon. Locally, it’s well known for The Great Bridge, which has seven arches and built-in 1286 A.D. Once a trade hub, Fordingbridge is full of local history that includes brickmaking, pottery, and textiles. Read more about what to do in Fordingbridge here.
New Forest Wildlife Park – Forget soft and fluffy, come enjoy scaly and slithery! The New Forest Reptile Centre has the best reptiles Britain has to offer all under one roof, including adders, grass snakes, smooth snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads. Read more about New Forest Wildlife Park here.
Blue Route – If you are traveling on the Blue Route then you should visit:
Barton On Sea – Barton on Sea has great coastal walks and loads of places to visit for the whole family. The cliff top themselves are stunning and the New Forest National Park is right next door. Read more about what to do at Barton on Sea here.
Shorefield Holiday Park – Right on the edge of the New Forest, Shorefield Holiday Park is a great little holiday spot that you can relax in while enjoying the New Forest. Have a look at what Shorefield Holiday Park has to offer you here.*
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate List of Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
- The Best Places to Cycle Near Me in Hampshire
- The Best Hampshire Holiday Parks For Families
Green Route – If you are traveling on the Green Route then you should visit:
Lymington High Street – If you are looking for a town steeped in history then Lymington is your town! It has a wide range of walks and museums that are perfect for finding things to do in Lymington.
New Forest Adventure Golf – Based at Lymington Golf Course, this adventure golf experience is a great way to spend a few hours in the New Forest. The bus drops you right outside the entrance as well.
National Motor Museum – Whatever age your kids are, the Beaulieu National Motor Museum is a perfect place for a day out. It’s interactive and has a stunning garden to run around to.
Exbury Gardens – These beautiful gardens make a perfect day out for the whole family. It has 200-acre of greenland that you can explore.
Hythe Ferry – Hythe Ferry and pier is a great way to get to Southampton and back to Hythe. Catch the train from the pier and get straight onto the boat into Southampton City.
Laura x
If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
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