Best places to visit in the New Forest

Families flock to the district to stroll through the picture perfect villages, visit museums and castle and view the thousands of free-roaming animals that help give the area its unique character.

Here are some of the best places to visit, according to Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel site.

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

Beaulieu is one of the south's top visitor attractions. Here you will find the National Motor Museum, home to more than 250 vehicles telling the history of motoring.

You can also visit Palace House and Gardens, home of the Montagu family since 1538, the remains of Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear where you can see some of the vehicles involved in the team's biggest challenges.

Ride on the high level monorail or climb aboard the replica 1912 open-top London bus for a fun way to see Beaulieu's sights.

Sammy Miller Motor Cycle Museum, New Milton

Sammy Miller is a motorcycling legend, 11 times British Champion, winner of more than 1,400 events and still winning competitions more than 50 years after his first victory.

The museum houses one of the finest collections of fully-restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes, with the collection constantly evolving as new bikes are acquired.

There are more than 400 rare and classic motorcycles on display in four galleries - one of which showcases the fabulous Norton Collection.

The museum is set within an attractive courtyard, with tea rooms, craft shops and children's play area. It is also home to many chickens, donkeys, goats, alpacas and two aviaries.

Buckler's Hard

On the banks of the Beaulieu River you will find the peaceful haven of Buckler’s Hard, the unique and picturesque village where warships for Nelson’s navy were built.

Visit the historic cottage displays recreating 18th century life, take a delightful riverside walk or enjoy a cruise on the tranquil Beaulieu River. Gift shop and Captain’s Cabin Cafe. Open every day.

Lymington Yacht Haven

Lymington Yacht Haven is a Five Gold Anchor Marina offering luxurious facilities, easy access to a number of exciting locations and a host of benefits to berth holders and visitors.

Based at the mouth of Lymington River, the marina is the premier choice for sailors in the Solent due to its perfect location, protected harbour and luxury facilities.

The Haven Bar and Restaurant provides stunning views along with delicious food and drink. A host of marine services are located at the marina along with a well-stocked chandlery.

The town is only a short walk away, or you can rent one of the marina bikes, electric bikes or the popular electric car.

Lymington Yacht Haven has 500 marina berths, all fully serviced with water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. The full range of boatyard services are also available including hoist, scrubs and storage ashore.

Exbury Gardens

Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens.

At more than 200 acres these impressive gardens, created and managed by the Rothschild family, border the Beaulieu River and boast a narrow-gauge steam railway, plus a newly-refurbished restaurant and an outdoor cafe.

Capture Exbury’s hidden beauty and escape the cares of the world as you explore a myriad of pathways lined with rare trees and shrubs at your own pace.

Seasonal highlights include rhododendrons and azaleas in spring, herbaceous borders and hydrangeas in summer and acers and nyssa in autumn.

Feed giant koi carp and golden orfe fish at Top Pond, complete a range of free activity sheets for children aged 3-11 and let off steam in the adventure play area.