The New Forest Tour’s wheels are once again going round and round in the National Park for 2025.
With three routes, picturesque villages to explore, attractions to visit and places to eat, it can be hard to know where to start or stop [the bus].
We’ve put together some handy itineraries for you. To make the most of them, why not get a multi-day ticket? Don’t forget, New Forest residents can apply for a 25% discount through the Morebus app. Find out more about ticket options here.
This year, the Tour runs until Sunday, 14 September, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy all the special qualities of the National Park, now in its 20th year.
Blue route
Take in the New Forest’s coastline on the Blue route with breathtaking views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
With train connections to Bournemouth, Southampton and London, Brockenhurst is a great place to join the Blue route.
Hear tales of witchcraft, dragons and smugglers in Burnley and try some New Forest cider. Enjoy a free 165g bag of fudge when you spend £10 or more in the Burley Fudge shop.
Feel the fresh, salty sea air as you breeze along the coast. Stop off in Barton-on-Sea for a spot of fossil-hunting.
In Milford-on-Sea you can enjoy spectacular views of the Needles off the coast of the Isle of Wight. Tour customers can also receive an exclusive 10% discount from Jaunt e-bikes for a two-hour e-bike ride.
The bustling town of Lymington offers a great shopping experience, with a market every Saturday. The harbour is a great place to sit and enjoy an ice cream too. Lymington also has travel connections to Brockenhurst and the Isle of Wight.
Green route
Coast, heathland and plenty of activities, the Green route is a great all-rounder.
The route is also very well connected to Southampton, Hythe and Totton, as well as rail connections in Brockenhurst.
The historic Beaulieu Road Sales Yard is still used by commoners today, with auctions several times a year.
Just outside of Lymington, put your skills to the test at New Forest Adventure Golf, featuring a miniature Isle of Wight ferry that operates on a pulley system.
The picturesque Beaulieu estate has a number of Forest landmarks, such as Hatchet Pond, Beaulieu River and Bucklers Hard, where ships were built for Nelson’s navy. There are also many attractions, including the National Motor Museum and Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway – both 20% off for Tour customers.
Red route
The Red route takes in the north and the heart of the Forest. It also has great connections for those travelling from Bournemouth, Salisbury and Southampton.
Boarding from Ringwood or Fordingbridge, you could stop off at Brook for a short walk to Rufus Stone – the place where King William II (Rufus) was alleged to have been fatally wounded by an arrow during a hunting trip.
Ashurst offers places to eat and short walks. You could also visit the New Forest Wildlife Park with 10% off for Tour customers.
Take in the iconic Bolton’s Bench and learn about the Forest’s rich history at the Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst, the heart of the National Park.
Delve into Forest folklore in Burley with tales of witchcraft and dragons.
Combining routes
You can switch routes at no extra cost – this is where they cross over:
Blue/Green routes at Lymington and Brockenhurst.
Blue/Red routes at Burley.
Green/Red routes at Lyndhurst.
Top Tour tips
The Tour stops at various campsites and holiday parks. Blue route: Shorefield Country Park, Hoburne Bashley and Holmsley campsite. Green route: Denny Wood, Hollands Wood, Long Meadow and Matley Wood campsites. Red route: Sandy Balls Holiday Village.
The Morebus app is the best place to find timetables and see real-time bus locations. Timetables can also be found here.
Connecting bus travel to and from Southampton, Bournemouth and Salisbury is free when you show your Tour ticket – this includes the Morebus X1, X2, X3, X6, and Bluestar 6, 8 and 9. Tickets can be bought on-board, online, through the Morebus app and at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst.
There is space for bikes on the bus (up to four carried free) and well-behaved dogs are also welcome. The three scenic routes saved an estimated 200,000 private car miles last year. The Tour also provides a boost to local businesses. Last year, it contributed an estimated £567,000 to the New Forest economy while stopping at local villages and attractions.
Did you know you can enjoy exclusive discounts at various New Forest attractions, activities and eateries with your New Forest Tour ticket? Find out more here.
Don’t forget to bring water, clothing layers and sun protection. It can be breezy but fairly sunny on the top deck!
Remember to always follow the New Forest code when out in the National Park. Do not pet or feed the ponies and other livestock.
Be sure to give the Tour a review on Tripadvisor here.
If you want to help shape the future of the Forest, you can also complete our ‘Enjoying the Forest’ survey here. This survey was designed in partnership with Go New Forest and Forestry England.