Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
A serene sanctuary in the New Forest, offering a viewing platform for fallow deer and peaceful woodland trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for deer sightings
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Best Time
Best for deer sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene sanctuary in the New Forest, offering a viewing platform for fallow deer and peaceful woodland trails.
"Absolutely gorgeous part of the New Forest with free entry and lovely walks."
🎯 Arrive early for parking
The car park can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot. :car:
🚶♀️ Follow the New Forest Code
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, including deer and horses. Never feed them. :deer:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Deer Viewing Platform
Overlooking a large meadow
A purpose-built platform offering a prime spot to observe fallow deer herds gathering, especially during feeding times.
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Woodland Trails
Surrounding the sanctuary
Explore peaceful walking paths through beautiful woodland, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a longer hike.
Picnic Spots
Meadow and trail edges
Enjoy a scenic picnic amidst nature, with ample open spaces ideal for families and relaxation.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Deer Sightings
Embrace the New Forest's Wild Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive early for parking
The car park can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot. +1 :car:
🚶♀️ Follow the New Forest Code
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, including deer and horses. Never feed them. :deer:
🍦 Grab an ice cream
There's a lovely ice cream shop in the car park with unique flavors, even for dogs! :ice_cream:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trails are mostly well-maintained, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive early for parking
The car park can get busy, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot. +1 :car:
🚶♀️ Follow the New Forest Code
Keep a safe distance from all wildlife, including deer and horses. Never feed them. :deer:
🍦 Grab an ice cream
There's a lovely ice cream shop in the car park with unique flavors, even for dogs! :ice_cream:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
The trails are mostly well-maintained, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
📸 Be patient for deer
Deer can be shy. Patience is key for spotting them, especially from the viewing platform.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary for its peaceful atmosphere, free entry, and the opportunity to see wildlife. The viewing platform and nearby trails are highlights, along with the convenient ice cream shop. Some find deer sightings inconsistent and navigation can be tricky on less-marked paths.
"Part of the New Forest and absolutely gorgeous 😍 several walk ways you can take around the park over varying times. There is a deer viewing area designated to spotting deer, but you can see them in and around the park whilst walking. There are wild horses about, too. Plenty of benches to sit around the park and the car park is completely free. Little coffee and ice cream shop in the car park is lovely"
Naomi Perkins
"Lovely walk in a peaceful area but sadly we only saw one deer 😔 the route isn't sign posted so we did get a bit lost at one stage.
The ice cream truck in the car park had some delicious flavours and even one for the dog! Can get quite busy and difficult to park but just depends on timing."
Tammy Jones
"This place is free to enter. It has a lovely drive up with lots of great views. Wild horses just roaming around on the drive up. There are many different parks of the forest you can park in. We followed one of the trails but unfortunately all the deers were hiding. Nice to kills some time just roaming around with nature 🍄🟫"
Alyson Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is located within the New Forest National Park. It's accessible by car, with a free car park available. The nearest major towns are Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst.
While direct public transport to the sanctuary itself can be limited, local bus services operate within the New Forest, connecting to nearby villages. Check local timetables for options.
From the M27 motorway, take exit 1 for the A35 towards Lyndhurst. Follow signs for the New Forest and then for Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. The drive itself offers scenic views of wild horses.
Yes, there is a free car park at Bolderwood. However, it can get busy, especially during peak times and weekends, so arriving early is advised. +1
Cycling is a popular way to explore the New Forest. There are dedicated cycle paths, and Bolderwood is accessible via various routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and the viewing platform is completely free. The car park is also free. +1
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is an open natural area and does not have set opening hours. It is accessible during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to visit Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. It's a free natural attraction within the New Forest National Park.
As an outdoor sanctuary, you can visit Bolderwood during daylight hours. For the best chance of seeing deer, aim for dawn or dusk.
The main restriction is to follow the New Forest Code, which includes keeping a safe distance from wildlife and not feeding the animals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can visit the deer viewing platform, explore woodland trails, enjoy picnics, and observe the free-roaming wildlife of the New Forest.
The Deer Watch Trail is a popular choice, offering a pleasant walk through the woods and opportunities to spot deer. There are also wider open spaces for relaxation.
While the viewing platform is designed for deer spotting, sightings are not guaranteed as deer are wild animals. They are more likely to appear during dawn and dusk.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available at the Bolderwood car park.
Yes, Bolderwood is very family-friendly. There are open spaces for children to play, and the short walk to the viewing platform is manageable for most ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small coffee and ice cream shop located in the main car park, offering refreshments and delicious ice cream flavors.
Absolutely! Bolderwood offers lovely picnic spots with open grassy areas, perfect for a family meal surrounded by nature.
The cafe typically offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, and a variety of ice cream flavors. They even have dog-friendly ice cream!
The nearest towns, such as Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, offer a wider range of restaurants, pubs, and cafes if you're looking for more substantial dining options.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Please ensure you take all litter with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The deer viewing platform offers opportunities to photograph deer, especially during feeding times. The surrounding woodlands and open meadows also provide beautiful scenic shots.
Photographing wild deer requires patience. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and increased wildlife activity. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
A telephoto lens is beneficial for capturing clear shots of deer from a distance. However, a standard camera or smartphone can capture the scenic beauty of the New Forest.
There are no specific photography restrictions, but always be mindful of other visitors and the wildlife. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most beautiful light for landscape and wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The chance to see deer and potentially other New Forest wildlife like ponies and donkeys adds an element of excitement to the visit. Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as there are plenty of grassy spots to enjoy a meal outdoors. The ice cream shop in the car park is also a big hit with kids! Remember to teach children about respecting wildlife and keeping a safe distance.
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Hikers
Consider bringing a map of the New Forest or using a navigation app, as some of the less-marked trails can be a bit confusing. The peaceful atmosphere, punctuated by birdsong and the rustling of leaves, makes it an ideal spot to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.
📸 Photographers
+1 A telephoto lens will be beneficial for getting close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Beyond wildlife, the scenic landscapes of the New Forest, with its ancient trees and open spaces, offer ample subjects for landscape photography. The changing seasons also bring different colors and moods to the area, providing fresh perspectives throughout the year.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Wildlife of Bolderwood
It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and visitors are urged to observe them from a safe distance. The New Forest Code provides guidelines on how to interact responsibly with the wildlife, emphasizing that feeding or disturbing them is strictly prohibited. This ensures the animals' well-being and the safety of visitors.
Beyond the larger mammals, the area is also rich in birdlife and smaller creatures. The woodland trails offer opportunities to hear birdsong and perhaps catch glimpses of squirrels or other forest inhabitants. The natural environment at Bolderwood provides a peaceful retreat for observing nature in its purest form.
Exploring the Trails and Surroundings
For those seeking longer excursions, Bolderwood serves as a gateway to a network of woodland paths and open heathlands. These trails vary in difficulty and length, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes. Many of these paths are also suitable for cycling, though it's important to be aware of other users and the New Forest Code.
Many visitors combine a trip to Bolderwood with a picnic. The open spaces around the sanctuary are ideal for spreading out a blanket and enjoying a meal amidst the natural beauty. The nearby cafe also offers a convenient spot for refreshments, making it easy to spend a good portion of the day exploring the area.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit