The New Forest
The New Forest in Hampshire is perhaps best known for its camping sites and its Ponies. For those who have ever actually been camping out in the New Forest, the two are often an undesirable combination. (Seriously, don’t feed them).
Yet the New Forest has far more to offer than grumpy horses. Having just purchased my new MINI Countryman I decided to visit some of the UKs beautiful wildlife parks and natural attractions.
Lyndhurst
One of the more popular destinations within the forest is this quaint town, home to Boltons Bench and various antique shops and vintage sweet stores. However not so many people are aware that the town is actually the final resting place of Alice Liddell. Like my MINI Countryman, Alice Liddell is a British icon and although not so much a household name by itself: take into consideration the name “Wonderland” and you have a fairly familiar little girl. Alice Liddell was the inspiration and herself the titular character in Lewis Carroll’s famous Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass stories. She is buried in the church at the top of the high street along with a commemorative plaque. Care to dine in the Mad Hatters Tea Room beside the church and you’ll be treated with all sorts of “Alice” memorabilia. From teapots and books, to a timeline depicting just how closely she is related to our current royal family – whether an Alice enthusiast or just plain curious, there is a lot more to the story than just nonsense.
New Forest Wildlife Park
We then drove to the New Forest Wildlife Park, formerly known as the New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park. This small zoo is home not only to those native to the British Isles such as Fox and Deer – but also Grey Wolves, Lynx, Wallabies and Bison among others. It is roughly around £10 to enter but a wonderful day out for families. You also have the added entertainment of being able to adopt an animal. Your name will be placed on a plaque in the entrance as well as receiving a photo of your chosen animal. Your money will go toward helping the New Forest conservation. Quite like a safari, I was quite surprised to find that the MINI Countryman to withstand the bumpy ride and muddy surface!
Beaulieu
Beaulieu is most commonly known for its National Motor Museum, housing around 250 famous and/or classic vehicles. It ranges from cars produced toward the end of the 19th Century, right up to icons such as Del Boys Reliant Regal from Only Fools and Horses, to Mr Beans MINI Cooper, as well as an exhibit for cars featured/created on Top Gear. I was able to learn a lot about the heritage of my MINI Countryman here, such as the early beginnings in the 1950’s when they released the very first ‘MINI Mark’ all the way to 2013 and the Countryman I am driving today.
Historically, Beaulieu was surprisingly once a hotspot for Jazz music festivals during the 50’s and 60’s – with situations even turning riotous as rival jazz fans ended up injuring 39 people. Hard to imagine when you look upon the peace and quiet that is Beaulieu today. With it looking so quintessentially English, it is no wonder that Beaulieu even has its own grand manor in the form of Palace House. Having sat on the spot since the year 1204, it is fantastically still home to members of the Montagu family (Lord and Lady Montagu no less) who’s ancestors have been on the site since 1538. Today much of the house and grounds are open to the public.
Either way, natural attractions like these were make 10 times better with the new MINI, especially since I was able to visit at whatever times I like. I was also quite surprised at the fuel consumption as it turned out a lot cheaper than my usual means of travel by coach or by train.
English heritage sites such as these are made so much better when you are given the opportunity to visit however and whenever you like!