Bucket list experience:
Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Hidden away between the swathes of woodland, the New Forest is home to dozens of specialist food and drink producers, offering everything from cheeses and cider to chocolates, cured meats and home-made baked goods, as well as traditional holiday treats including fudge and ice-cream.
Building further on the local gastro theme, throughout the Forest, pubs, restaurants and hotels offer menus with ingredients sourced locally; look out for the New Forest Marque – awarded to produce that has been grown, reared or produced within the New Forest.
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Destination Guide >Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A local chocolatier, where you can buy over 30 flavoursome varieties – all made on site. Half the premises is the chocolate-making studio – you can see the chocolate being made through a glass window.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Burley, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A New Forest institution, this artisan fudge-maker is the place to come for a bewildering array of over 30 fudgie-flavours, from chilli to Eton Mess. Vegan, gluten-free and alternative sugar varieties available.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Ringwood, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Wild Food offer these excellent 3- to 4-hour foraging courses in the Forest, collecting wild herbs, mushrooms, fruit and other vegetables. Tours on Friday-Sunday depart from the Red Shoot Inn.
Best for ages: 13+ | £70 | 3-4 hours
Salisbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Hand-made on the farm, Lyburn’s cows-milk cheeses are soft and creamy, and found in shops throughout the Forest. Check the website to see if pre-bookable tours of the farm are available.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Brockenhurst, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A chic, boutique B&B in an elegant Arts & Crafts house, right in the convenient heart of the New Forest.
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Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Stay in a slice of Britain’s seafaring history at this magical hotel, in an idyllic setting by the Beaulieu River.
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Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A traditional manor house hotel with a wonderful garden, in the picturesque village of Beaulieu.
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Christchurch Road, New Milton, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
One of Britain’s best-loved country house hotels, set amid 130 acres of idyllic English countryside, with a world-class spa and unique tree-house suites.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A magical, highly accessible region of ancient woodland, open heathland and postcard-perfect traditional English villages.
