The New Forest Museum and
Visitor Centre
If this is your first trip to the Forest, then the New Forest Museum & Visitor Centre is a must-see place!
Located at the eastern end of Lyndhurst car park (directly off the high Street, map at foot of page), the museum will provide you with a good insight into life in the New Forest, particularly the history of the area.
The museum isn't large and you can be round it within in hour, so it's a great place to go on the morning of your first day. When you exit the building, you'll have a much better idea of the New Forest and what it is, and how it's become what it is today.
The museum is also home to the New Forest Embroidery, a 25 ft long tapestry that depicts the most important events that have occurred in the history of the Forest.
This impressive work of art was commissioned in 1979 to mark the 900th anniversary of the New Forest being created. The work was undertaken by Lady Montagu of Beaulieu, along with a few extra pairs of hands to help out!
The New Forest Embroidery can be seen below:
The New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre has a very relaxing and airy feel to it, the main museum hall (see right) is spanned by timber beams and despite its small size there is a surprising amount of information to be found, including some fun interactive displays for the youngsters.
On exiting the main hall you'll find yourself in a well stocked gift shop that holds not only a good selection of New Forest souveniers but also a large range of local guide books and maps.
For the small price to pay, the New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre is well worth the visit. Being located in the 'capital' of the Forest, it's an easy place to get to and a great way to start your visit.
Opening times, admission prices & contact details
- 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week
- Closed over Christmas
Admission prices:
- Adult £3.00
- Concessions (children, seniors, students) £2.50
- Family (2+4) £9.00
- (accompanied 8 year olds and under go free)
Location: At the eastern end of the main car park in Lyndhurst (the car park is straight off Lyndhurst High Street).
Telephone: 02380 283444
New Forest Museum location map
The museum building is clearly visible at the eastern end of Lyndhurst car park, which is halfway down the main High Street on the right hand side.
You can also see the location by opening this PDF map of the north-east corner of the National Park (approx. 30 sec download time on 1Mbps connection).
The New Forest Museum grid reference is: 300081 [How do I read a map?]
(A larger scale map of the whole National Park can be found on the area maps page).
Visit the New Forest Museum and Visitor Centre web site.
Return to main New Forest attractions page.
