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Care-free and car-free! Leave the car behind and enjoy grandstand views of the New Forest National Park from the top deck of the open-top New Forest Tour bus from 29th June – 15th September.
Sit back and enjoy a spectacular, panoramic perspective whilst listening to an audio commentary telling the story of the history and heritage of the landscape, its people and culture, and some fascinating facts about its flora and fauna. Your ticket gives access to discount at Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Exbury Gardens, the New Forest Wildlife Park, and local businesses participating in the Go New Forest card scheme.
There are three routes – Blue, Green, Red – which cover different parts of beautiful countryside and coast. Interchange points: Blue/Green at Brockenhurst and Lymington, Blue/Red at Burley, Green/Red at Lyndhurst. The Blue route takes in the coast and stops at Hurst Road and Sea Road in Milford on Sea. One ticket allows you to travel everywhere.
If you plan your day, you can experience all three routes in one day, hopping on and off along the way. Or, if you prefer, you can remain on the same route without changing. You choose! The routes are circular which means if you decide to get off the Tour to explore on foot, you simply return to the same bus stop to pick up the next bus. A Tour driver will pick up at any bus stop if you make your presence known.
Tickets can be purchased when you board on the day from the driver, or in advance online at thenewforesttour.info, or from campsites and holiday parks, e.g. Shorefield and Hoburne Bashley which are both close to Milford on Sea. Multi-day tickets are great value and you can enjoy each route in full on separate days, at a more leisurely pace. Multi-day tickets are valid for the entire season (previously limited to 5 or 14-day timeframe) to give maximum flexibility.
If travelling from Southampton, the ferry is free if you buy a combination ticket for the ferry and Tour bus. Connecting bus services are also free if you buy a Tour ticket from the service bus driver. Pick up a Tour leaflet from The Village News by Milford village green. The shop is also a New Forest National Park official local information point. Alternatively, the Tour timetable is available online and is printed and attached to bus stops. Remember to bring something to protect you from the sun and an extra layer as it can be breezy as well as exhilarating on the top deck! Bikes and well-behaved dogs are welcome.