Escape to the NEW FOREST

Free-roaming livestock, fabulous food and glorious scenery year-round make the New Forest a sublime destination for a rejuvenating staycation, as Jenny Oldaker discovers...

- Jenny Oldaker

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP The sun setting in Bratley Wood in the New Forest; ferns carpet the forest floor; wild horses are a familiar sight in the Forest; sit back and relax with a fine glass of English wine by the wood-burner at The Pig in Brockenhurst; 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey is a conserved ruin on a vast scale.

Perhaps it's the diversity of magical vistas that range from ancient woodland to open heathland and stretch out to a 26-mile coastline encompassing mudflats and saltmarshes. Or maybe it's the free-roaming ponies that languidly graze the countryside and wander indolently alongside the roads. Whatever the reason, there's a certain sense of the exotic in the New Forest, and travellers venturing here can't fail to feel a sense of getting away from it all' thanks to the area's unique culture, its laid-back atmosphere and exceptional scenery.

Established as a royal hunting forest by William the Conqueror in 1079 for the pursuit of 'the beasts of the chase', his ownership of the area extended to banning local communities from using the forest to graze livestock, forage or hunt. It wasn't until 1217 that the rights of the people were restored, with the Charter of the Forest allowing common rights over grazing and use of the land. These days, this ancient tradition of commoning' still exists, and the livestock seen here now may look wild but are actually owned by a community of latter-day commoners.

The New Forest is best known for these wild-roaming animals and its wealth of outdoor activities. But it has much more besides, with a rich seam of historic attractions, myriad shopping opportunities in its charming towns and villages and an incredible diversity of local food and drink, of which the area is rightly proud. Look out for the New Forest Marque', which is awarded to produce with a clearly defined local provenance.