New Forest and Beaulieu Day Trip

This day trip combines the New Forest's wild ponies and heathland with a visit to the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. You'll travel by coach through ancient woodlands, spot free-roaming ponies and deer, and tour one of Britain's largest car collections. The trip includes a stop at a traditional forest pub where you can order lunch independently. Best for car enthusiasts and nature lovers. This is a easy activity lasting 7 hours. Group size: 2-45. You meet at Portsmouth Harbour station forecourt. Key highlights: Wild ponies and deer roaming freely across New Forest heathland, National Motor Museum with over 250 classic and contemporary vehicles, James Bond car collection and vintage racing cars on display.

Price: £55

Duration: 7 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-45

Best for: car enthusiasts and nature lovers

Best time: April to October for pleasant weather and pony visibility. May-June for wildflowers. Avoid August bank holidays for smaller crowds. Weekday tours quieter than weekends.

Meeting point: Portsmouth Harbour station forecourt

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

8:00am Meet and board coach at Portsmouth Harbour station forecourt - Driver conducts headcount and safety briefing; coach departs on time.

8:00am-10:15am Coach journey to New Forest - Approximately 50 miles through Hampshire; driver provides commentary on forest history and wildlife.

10:30am-12:30pm New Forest scenic drive and wildlife spotting - Coach navigates forest roads; you observe wild ponies, deer, and ancient woodland. Driver stops for photography opportunities.

12:30pm-2:00pm Lunch break at traditional forest pub - Pub lunch not included; typical mains cost £12-18. Coach parks adjacent to pub with facilities.

2:15pm-4:30pm National Motor Museum at Beaulieu - Self-guided tour of 250+ vehicles, including James Bond cars and vintage Ferraris. Audio guide available.

4:45pm-6:45pm Return coach journey to Portsmouth - Depart Beaulieu mid-afternoon; arrive Portsmouth Harbour station by 6:45pm.

The whole experience takes 7 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Portsmouth Harbour station forecourt.

• Wild ponies and deer roaming freely across New Forest heathland
• National Motor Museum with over 250 classic and contemporary vehicles
• James Bond car collection and vintage racing cars on display
• Ancient woodland and Bronze Age archaeology visible from coach
• Traditional New Forest pub with local character and cask ales
• Accessibility: Coach has step access; National Motor Museum is mostly ground-floor and wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets at museum and pub. Forest drive is from coach only; limited walking required.

What is included: Coach transport from Portsmouth to New Forest and Beaulieu and back, Entry to National Motor Museum, New Forest scenic drive with driver narration, Coach parking at pub and museum, Professional driver with local knowledge.

Not included: Lunch and food/drink, Museum gift shop and souvenirs, Personal travel insurance, Audio guide upgrade (additional cost at museum). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Camera for wildlife and car photography, Comfortable walking shoes for museum exploration, Binoculars for pony spotting, Sun protection and water bottle in summer, £15-20 cash for pub lunch, Waterproof jacket as weather can change quickly. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: April to October for pleasant weather and pony visibility. May-June for wildflowers. Avoid August bank holidays for smaller crowds. Weekday tours quieter than weekends..

Tip: Lunch not included in price

Tip: Best between April and October for weather

Accessibility: Coach has step access; National Motor Museum is mostly ground-floor and wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets at museum and pub. Forest drive is from coach only; limited walking required..

Operator: Forest Explorer Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (2 min from station walk)
• Portsmouth City Museum (15 min from station walk)
• Gunwharf Quays (5 min from station walk)

This activity is run by Forest Explorer Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure. After 72 hours, 50% refund. Full refund for operator cancellations..

Accessibility: Coach has step access; National Motor Museum is mostly ground-floor and wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets at museum and pub. Forest drive is from coach only; limited walking required..

Best time to go: April to October for pleasant weather and pony visibility. May-June for wildflowers. Avoid August bank holidays for smaller crowds. Weekday tours quieter than weekends..

Is lunch included in the £55 tour price?

No. The £55 covers transport and museum entry only. Lunch is at your own cost at the forest pub; budget £12-18 for a main course. The pub offers traditional British food and local cask ales. Bring cash as some forest pubs don't accept cards.

How often do you see wild ponies and deer?

Sightings are very common on New Forest scenic drives, especially in spring and summer. Ponies roam freely across heathland and roads. The driver stops at likely spotting locations. Binoculars help. Winter sightings are less frequent due to weather, but still possible.

What's the National Motor Museum like for car enthusiasts?

The museum houses over 250 vehicles spanning 100+ years, including James Bond film cars, vintage Ferraris, and racing legends. You get roughly 2 hours for self-guided exploration. Audio guides cost £3 extra. The collection is rotating, so some vehicles may be on loan.