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New Forest

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Hello!

South of Salisbury we have the New forest. I would like to ask your advice on whereabouts to stay, what sights to see in such an environment. We have a week there during which I shall be visiting family.

Whats to see ancientwise?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Pix xx

Hiya Pix

Coo! I only live a mile or 2 from the New Forest! And to be honest, there's not huge amount of old stuff in the Forest itself - lovely though it is! There's a load of barely discernable barrows and earthworks, but nothing in the way of stones (although I'm convinced a bit of archaeology would reveal plenty!) - maybe the odd hillfort or 3...

Knowlton Henge (http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/44) isn't too far out, and is a fantastic place... And if you DO go up that way, a little sarsen stone (which I've never visited) is quite close by (http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/2120)

I'll have a think - I know of a couple of nice wells if yer into them?

G x

Hi
With some computer problems lately, I've only just picked up on the messages about the New Forest. Blatant plug coming up ....

I'm the author of the Landmark Visitor Guide to the New Forest - highly recommended ! :)
If you like nice layout and good coloured pics, go for the 2nd edition, which may still be around, price 6.50. I hated what the publishers did to the third edition, half the pages no longer colour, but if you want opening times of attractions, etc, it's more up to date ... 7.50

No, not much ancient stuff, though some interesting medieval earthworks if you can track them down. If you like big fat blockbuster family saga novels (and even if you don't) you must read Edward Rutherfurd's 'The Forest' before you go - it covers from the death of William Rufus in 1100 up to the present day with a great deal of historical fact and legend woven into the fiction.

One site just outside the Forest which you should find - Breamore Miz-Maze - it's one of only eight surviving (probably medieval) turf labyrinths left in England. And if you want to find it and more about it, you need my 8-page booklet 'A Walk to Breamore Miz-Maze'. Get in touch direct, Pixxx, and I'll send a gratis copy.

Thanks all, for your words.

I'm really sorry but my computer connection went down shortly after I posted this message, so I didn't get any of your replies in time! I've just been reminded that I posted here so I'm very sorry not to reply sooner but I clean forgot, I hope you don't think me too rude.

However - I will be going again soon since I have relatives in Southhampton so your advice will not go unheeded.

We managed to make it to Winchester hill, (with said relatives, incidentally my grandmother whom I've only met once before since I was a baby) which was absolutely magnificent, and very fitting for the emotional scenes which ensued.

Thanks again,

Pix xx