Kingfisher Retreat B&B
Kingfisher Retreat offers two secluded bed & breakfast accommodation within the New Forest National Park in the beautiful county of Hampshire.
We stayed in the Hayloft retreat while exploring the New Forest. It is nestled in the garden of Kingfisher Cottage, where the owners reside.
Before Covid-19 a scrumptious cooked breakfast was served in the main house but now breakfast will be delivered in your private retreat.
The owners, Chrissy and Martyn, know exactly how to take care of their guests and they will make you feel very welcome.
Walking
Kingfisher Retreat is in Blissford on the western edge of the New Forest National Park near Fordingbridge. So, it is a perfect place to explore this unique part of South England.
We enjoyed a nice walk around the village of Fritham. This 4-mile circular walk will take you over Fritham Plain and through Amberwood inclosure and Sloden Inclosure.
From Kingfisher Retreat it is a 4,5-mile walk to the popular Royal Oak pub at Fritham so you can extend the Fritham circular walk.
West of Fordingbridge there are some superb walks around the Roman villa at Rockbourne and along the River Avon.
Here you can join the Avon Valley Path, a 34-mile long-distance walking route from Salisbury to Christchurch Priory and the sea. The route has been divided into 5 sections, each providing a good day out.
Because of its central location, you can easily head for the Cranborne Chase. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty covers 380 square miles of wonderful countryside overlapping Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset.
New Forest National Park
Covering about 220 square miles, the New Forest is one of the largest medieval forest in western Europe.
It dates from 1079, when William the Conqueror requisitioned it as his hunting ground.
Much of the forest is little changed since then, with some of its trees more than 400 years old.
Today deer, ponies and cattle continue to roam free in its ancient heaths and woodland. Clear rivers and shady groves provide tranquillity and a car-free haven for walking, cycling and horse riding.
The New Forest offers more than 140 miles of tracks and footpaths.
You’ll find long distance routes, short walks and easy to follow signed routes adventuring through ancient woodlands, through quaint pretty villages and across open moorland.
The liveliest and most accessible towns are Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst.
Those who want a more challenging walk can opt for a long-distance route.
The Solent Way is a 60-mile long-distance coastal walk running from Milford-on-Sea to Emsworth Harbour. It passes seafronts, yachting harbours, marshland and saltings.
Or try the Castleman Trailway that runs from Ringwood to Upton Country Park in Poole.
Cool Places to Explore: Hurst Castle | Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway.
Cool Places to Eat: The Pig | Hartnett Holden & Co.