The National Park's special qualities

wonderful opportunities for quiet recreation, learning and discovery

in one of the last extensive gentle landscapes in the south including unmatched open access on foot and horseback

The gently rolling countryside of much of the National Park represents a traditional English lowland landscape that feels familiar and safe and  accessible to many people.  

There is open access on foot or horseback to more than 30,000 hectares (116 square miles) in the centre of the National Park, and an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths across the rest of the area. There are many opportunities for quiet recreation and the exploration of the landscape, while a range of visitor facilities and organised events make it easy for people to learn more about different aspects of the New Forest.