Old Walls Garden

New Forest Coast

Just outside the New Forest boundary is Milford-on-Sea, one of the very few remaining coastal villages on the south coast. It still has over 50 listed properties (Old Walls being one of them!) and retains much of its early 20th Century character. Magnificent woodland and cliff top walks are immediately on hand and it is only a short drive to the heart of the New Forest.

Milford-on-Sea’s extensive coastal path offers spectacular views from the western end of the Isle of Wight, right across Christchurch Bay to the Isle of Purbeck. Linked to Milford-on-Sea’s conservation area is the ‘Pleasure Grounds’ where 14 acres of woodland with a network of footpaths follows the Danes Stream which runs parallel to the coast.

The village green is the focal point of Milford and here you will find a good mixture of shops – grocer, butcher, baker, fish monger, off license, chemist, post office, HSBC bank, souvenirs, newsagent, coffee places, restaurants and pubs.

From Milford beach a shingle spit leads to Hurst Castle, which Henry VIII built to defend the Solent and is now managed by English Heritage. A passenger ferry runs between the castle and Keyhaven with its fishing and sailing harbour, sea-wall walks through Keyhaven Nature Reserve and historic Gunn Inn.

Because of the village’s position, the lack of main road through traffic, the fine Norman Church and old fashioned charm, Milford-on-Sea is a popular destination for visitors throughout the year. Milford and Everton make an ideal base for exploring both the Hampshire/Dorset coast and the New Forest area. Just 2-3 miles away is Lymington, well known for its picturesque quay area, sailing and Saturday market, the car ferry to Yarmouth, on the Isle of Wight, leaves from a small port on the other side of the town.

Just beyond Milford and Everton is the whole of the New Forest area, over 210 square miles of woods, open hearth land, wonderful walks, New Forest Ponies and deer. Beaulieu is approximately 10 miles away, and is certainly the most famous of the New Forest villages. Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and the gardens are all open to visitors, whilst the grounds hold the National Motor Museum - the country's finest collection of vintage motor vehicles.

A few miles from Beaulieu is Bucklers Hard, which is a tiny 18th century hamlet on the banks of the river, where 'Men of War' ships were built from the plentiful New Forest oaks. The main street is wide enough to roll one of these mighty trees down to the water's edge. Nelson's favorite ship, the Agamemnon, and two ships that fought at Trafalgar were built here. The Maritime Museum at Butlers Hard reflects the ship building heritage of the village whilst the Master Mariner pub recalls other traditions.

For day trips Salisbury, Winchester, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Poole, Corfe Castle and the Purbeck Hills are all within easy driving distance.

All our properties have information on local walks.