New Forest break in Hampshire October 2007 - page 2
On the second part of our New Forest short break we had a look round
Buckler's Hard and the Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park. In
Brockenhurst we enjoyed several excellent meals at the local Indian and
pub and ended with a cracking country walk around the town's outskirts.
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A look inside our Brockenhurst holiday cottage (well, the kitchen at
least) and we see Belinda hard at work preparing a lip-smacking evening
meal...
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...which was rather spicy hot! Never mind, at least we could tame it
with lashings of the New Forest cider we bought the other day!
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Day 3 and off to Buckler's Hard to find out about 18th century
shipbuilding. The Buckler's Hard cottages run down to the Beaulieu
River from where the ships were built and launched, including Nelson's
'Agamemnon'.
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We like our picnics, here's Mike enjoying his by the Beaulieu River.
Maybe he remembers the ships of old being launched here? Just up the
river is the famous Beaulieu Motor
Museum, visited by us back in 2001.
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Inside the Buckler's Hard Story & Maritime Museum there were
many fascinating displays bringing the village story to life and some
fascinating reconstructions - a Labourer's cottage from 1790, the Master
Shipbuilder's office and...
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... the 'New Inn' from 1792. The locals would have consisted
of shipbuilding labourers chewing over the issues of the day and the Inn
also served as a shop and business centre. However, we were a little
disappointed with Buckler's Hard which cost £5.70.
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Next up was a visit to the wonderful Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park near
Ashurst. The park is home to many species, including wallabies,
badgers, polecats, deer, foxes and wild boar. Entrance was a
reasonable £6.95.
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The Owls didn't seem to do much except just sit there!
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As we arrived at Wallaby Wood the wallabies were having a scratching
session, showing just how loose their fur was!
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Oh dear! Belinda found a friend who insisted on following us all
around the charming ancient wooded nature trail.
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In the Deer Meadow these two were having a bit of a barney and locking
antlers! Probably just a minor skirmish caused by one pinching the
other's wife!
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We hit the Otter Pens at feeding time - those noisy little guys seemed to
sense the Keeper's arrival and ferociously enjoyed their feast!
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The small village of Brockenhurst was only a short walk from our holiday
cottage and we'd imagine it's pretty 'buzzing' during peak season.
We enjoyed several evening meals out here, including a culinary curry at
the Dynasty Indian Restaurant and a magnificent meal at...
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...the Foresters Arms pub. Brockenhurst is well located for New
Forest travel, it's a rail/bus interchange and The New Forest Tour Bus
calls here (but only runs May-Sept, do they not expect 'green' tourists
outside these times?). There's also several cycle hire shops.
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On our final day, with the weather still holding up, we left the car at
the cottage and took a short six mile walk around Brockenhurst.
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The stunning scenery was enhanced by the autumn colours and quaint bridges
crossing small rivers. Just perfect for Pooh Sticks!
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We came across this friendly horse and a little later some wild pigs
having a snooze in the warm autumn sunshine. Mind your hand!
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After yet another picnic we headed through this enchanted wood back
towards civilisation - and the pub, for an 'end of short break' drink!
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The ponies and cattle have priority in the New Forest and think nothing of
ambling down the middle of the road! A fitting end to our New Forest
short break!
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Our conclusions? Well, we had a wonderful time in the New Forest
and, with so much wonderful countryside to see and things to do, next time
we would like to visit for longer. Cycle hire is well provided for
and an enjoyable 'green' way to tour, but we just didn't have time to
check it out.
Want to find out more about the New Forest? Then why not visit
our UK tourist links page where you can
benefit from our Internet research.
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