MILFORD ON SEA, HAMPSHIRE & DORSET

MILFORD ON SEA

Milford On Sea is a delightful seaside village and offers a superb base from which to enjoy your holiday. At its heart lies the green providing the focal point of the village activities and events. Bordering the green is the high street with its selection of interesting independent shops, local pubs and variety of restaurants. Within close reach are its beautiful, clean and safe beaches from which to swim. The miles of shoreline provide ample walking, picnicking and cycling for all the family. There is plenty of parking.

KEYHAVEN

The neighbouring small hamlet of Keyhaven is a perfect place for safe fun sailing; whether its within the confines of the secluded waters, exploring the inlets and creeks once used by smugglers only 200 years ago or in the open water of the Solent – home of the famous Round the Island race.

During the summer there are numerous boat excursions that can take you to explore the coastline of the Isle of Wight, view the Needles, or all day fishing for cod, bass and mackerel. Catch a ferry to discover King Henry VIII’s Hurst Castle, where Oliver Cromwell imprisoned Charles 1st prior to his trial.

Also from Keyhaven you can join the Solent-Way – a 60-mile coastal walk past bustling harbours and secluded marshland – or, for the less energetic, lunch at The Gun Inn to discuss the walk you should have done.

LYMINGTON

The Georgian town and seaport of Lymington lies four miles east. Browse its varied shops, from antiques and galleries to chandleries and ice-cream, or visit the Saturday market, which sells everything from olives and oysters to teapots and table clothes.

THE NEW FOREST

Staying at Milford- on- Sea you are only a short drive from the New Forest, created in 1079 by William the Conqueror as a hunting area. There is an abundance of places to visit – New Forest Visitors Centre, Beaulieu Motor Museum or Buckler’s Hard (Nelson’s boat yard) - and activities to suit every age group, whatever the weather. For the more spirited there is a network of footpaths, trails and bridle paths with plenty of bikes to hire or horse/pony riding schools – save bringing your own!!

donkeys in fron of Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu

FURTHER AFIELD

ISLE OF WIGHT

From Lymington you can catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight (½ hour trip). Investigate the picturesque cobbled town of Yarmouth on foot. Take the car or catch a bus and explore the island more widely.

EXBURY GARDENS, CALSHOT CASTLE

Half an hour East are Lepe Beach, Calshot Castle and beside it, the Calshot Activilties Centre – one of the largest outdoor adventure centres in Britain. The 200 acres of Exbury Gardens, famous for rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, also lies within easy reach. The steam train, which follows a 1¼-mile loop, is a great way to see the gardens.

BOURNEMOUTH AND DORSET

14 miles to the west is the major resort of Bournemouth, known for its beaches and Victorian architecture. And beyond lies Thomas Hardy's Dorset where the famous author set many of his novels.

SALISBURY AND STONEHENGE

40 minutes by car to the north lies the cathedral city of Salisbury, which boasts the tallest church spire in the UK and houses one of the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta. Just 8 miles north of Salisbury lies Stonehenge, one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Wilton House with its impressive art collection and beautiful gardens is also worth a visit.