Hollands Wood

The scent of pine resin hangs in the air, and if you're lucky, you'll catch the flutter of red squirrels through the canopy above your tent.

Hollands Wood suits campers who want proper New Forest woodland camping without too much fuss — tent pitchers and campervans welcome, though dog owners should check ahead as policies vary. You're deep in ancient forest here, the kind of place where ponies wander through at dawn and the dense tree cover keeps things cool even in high summer. It's a solid base for walkers wanting to explore the Forest's quieter corners, and families who don't mind a bit of rusticity in exchange for that proper woodland atmosphere.

Showers are onsite, which is more than some Forest sites offer, and the campfire situation needs checking when you arrive — rules shift with the season and fire risk. Expect a fairly no-frills, back-to-basics vibe: this is about the location and the trees, not the amenities. Peaceful, properly wooded, the sort of place where you fall asleep to absolute silence.