Top activities to do around Tile Barn

There’s so much to do while you’re  camping at Tile Barn. With activities ranging from rock climbing and archery to high ropes and bushcraft, everything you’ll need to stay entertained will be on the campsite. But if you do want to explore the local area, Brockenhurst and the surrounding New Forest has a wide expanse of activities, natural beauty and history to uncover.

We’ve created a list of things to do and places to help you make the most of your stay at Tile Barn. 

The local area

Brockenhurst – less than 5 minute drive

The bustling village of Brockenhurst has the largest population of any village within the New Forest. The village boasts a range of top-quality restaurants, pubs and boutique shops while still capturing Hampshire’s historic beauty. From ponies and donkeys roaming free, cosy tearooms and award-winning bakeries, Brockenhurst is a spectacular spot to visit on your holiday.

Lymington – 11 minute drive

Nestled between Southampton and Bournemouth, Lymington is a gorgeous coastal Georgian market town. The town is renowned for its sailing history, and to this day it has two marinas and sailing clubs. 

Explore the narrow streets lined with period cottages or browse the market’s stalls on a Saturday, which dates back to the 13th century. You could even take a dip in some of the oldest open sea water baths in the UK.

Walking routes

Roydon Woods Nature Reserve 

Visit the ancient forest of Roydon Woods to enjoy the year-round variety of plants and wildlife on show. Wander through 387 hectares of land in the spring to take in bright bluebells or in summer to see the gorgeous green of the beech tree. You might even see great spotted woodpeckers, badgers, or voles.

Blackwater Arboretum 

Wander along the sensory sculpture trail inspired by the extraordinary tree collection found at Blackwater Arboretum. The impressive selection of trees from around the world invokes a truly idyllic atmosphere that’s perfect for a mindful moment or to explore as a family.

Local attractions

Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre 

Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre, named after the resident Alaskan Bald Eagle, is located just outside Ringwood. The centre has an impressive collection of birds of prey, including hawks, falcons and vultures, and a reputable selection of reptiles. Experience the excitement of flying displays or get up close and personal at one of the specialist hawking days.

St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

St Barbe is an extraordinary museum and art gallery that focuses on the history of Lymington and the New Forest coast. Its collections and hands-on displays offer an introduction to the area. This includes interactive exhibits containing historical artefacts and information about the world-famous fossils of the Barton cliffs. There are also costumes to try on and a range of activities for children, including a replica pilot boat wheelhouse. 

Historical sites

Buckler's Hard Historic shipbuilding village 

Buckler’s Hard was a naval shipbuilding centre which became renowned for building warships for Nelson’s Navy, including three vessels that took part in the Battle of Trafalgar. The museum explores the growth of this historic village, its ships and its residents. With so much to see and do, they’ve even created a suggested itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. 

Hurst Castle 

Much like  Calshot Castle, Hurst Castle was built by Henry VIII as an artillery fort before being used as a prison for 17th-century captives, including Charles I. Hurst Castle also played a role in defending the Solent in the Napoleonic Wars and World War Two. In 2022 World Monuments Watch, it was named one of 25 heritage sites whose preservation is important and urgent to the communities surrounding them.