Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst is the largest village in the New Forest and became the natural 'capital' of the area when William the Conqueror established his hunting grounds here.

For centuries, Lyndhurst was the haunt of royalty, nobility and commoner alike. Kings and Queens regularly visited Lyndhurst’s own manor house. Now known as Queens House, the former manor is still home to Verderers’ Hall, the meeting place of the ancient Verderers’ Court whose history stretches back to at least the 13th century.

Find out more about Lyndhurst

A must for any visitor is the New Forest Heritage Centre which is home to the New Forest Museum, Gift Shop, Reference Library and Visitor Information Centre. The museum gives a unique insight into the Forest's history and heritage.

Lyndhurst's famous connections

Captain Arthur Phillip RN, First Governor of New South Wales and founder of Sydney, lived in Lyndhurst in 1763. He sailed from the Solent in 1787 to set up an agricultural colony for convicts at Botany Bay in New South Wales. It was here that he discovered Sydney harbour and founded the colony of New South Wales, later to become Australia. During his time at the colony he planted the first grape vines in Australia from plants taken from Cape Town, which began the Australian wine industry.

Alice Liddell (later Hargreaves), the inspiration for Alice in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, lived in Lyndhurst and is buried in the graveyard of the church of St. Michael and All Angels. With an impressive 49 metre spire, this magnificent Gothic church is worth a visit.

Places to eat and drink in Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst has a wide range of tea rooms, pubs, restaurants and independent shops. In addition, the nearby hamlets of Bank, Emery Down and Swan Green boast another three pubs for an extended day out.

Places to stay in Lyndhurst

Stay in your very own New Forest holiday cottage in Lyndhurst or closeby in one of the charming villages of the New Forest National Park – with wildlife at every turn, acres of unspoilt ancient woodland, and miles of walking and bike trails dotted with tasty eateries to sample.