The New Forest: Where the Wild Pony Reigns Supreme

There’s a moment — just past the village of Burley — when a New Forest pony wanders out into the road and looks at you as if you’re the one in the way. And from its perspective at least, you are. This is pony country, and they’ve been ruling these parts for hundreds of years.

A New Forest Pony wanders the streets of Burley, completely oblivious to the dangers from surrounding traffic

The New Forest, despite its name, is neither particularly “new” nor entirely a forest. It’s a patchwork of ancient woodland, windswept heath, open moor, and sleepy glades, spread across the Hampshire countryside. Established by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground, it’s now a national park — and a paradise for anyone with a love for the outdoors and a soft spot for creatures with scruffy manes and zero road sense.

Ponies roam freely here, often wandering into villages or casually blocking traffic. Although they appear wild, they belong to local commoners, who have grazing rights on the land. It’s an ancient way of life, part of which is that their ponies are free to live a feral life. Thus, they roam where they will and yet are comfortable enough around humans to loiter outside shops and pose for photos. Cars stop for them. Cyclists navigate around them. Everyone just accepts that the ponies have right of way. Always.

The New Forest is within easy reach of Bournemouth, even by bike, offering a flat, scenic route that’s perfect for a summer’s day. And once you cross into the Forest, time seems to stand still. Everything feels hushed, soft, almost enchanted. You’ll find villages dotted throughout with thatched-roof cottages, sleepy tearooms, and pubs that look like something out of a storybook. The only thing reminding you it’s 2025 and not 1825 is the occasional café espresso machine and a few Wi-Fi signals.

And when it comes to adventure, you’re spoiled for choice. Cycling is by far the best way to explore the area — with over 100 miles of waymarked, car-free trails criss-crossing heathland, woodland, and open moor. And please always use them, as many of the birds in this area build their nests on the ground and so are extremely vulnerable to disturbance! Whether you’re after a gentle family-friendly ride or a full gravel grind, there’s a route with your name on it. Bike hire is easy in villages like Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst, where you’ll also find map boards, gear shops, and the odd welcoming beer garden.

Prefer walking? Trails abound, from quiet riverside rambles to longer hikes like the Solent Way.

For water-lovers, the Beaulieu River is a serene spot for kayaking or paddleboarding, flanked by salt marshes and alive with birdlife. And yes, you can even ride a horse through this pony-filled land — a surreal and wonderful way to experience it all.

Summer is peak time, but the forest never feels overwhelming. There’s a low-key buzz: families picnicking, hikers wandering, cyclists whirring by. Villages come alive with open-air events, live music, and farmers’ markets. Local produce is everywhere — think homemade ice cream, fresh strawberries, and proper scrumpy cider served with a smile. Oh, and dont forget the fruit scones with clotted cream and jam!

So, if you want to get right away from the hustle and bustle of life, reconnect with nature, try your hand at some of the more gentle options in the adventure sports spectrum, but at the same time try some of the finest cuisine in the country, then the New Forest is calling. And remember — here, the ponies aren’t just a photo op. They’re royalty.