The rustle of the New Forest's ancient woodland canopy filters morning light onto your tent, while ponies occasionally wander past with the soft thud of hooves on grass. This is proper back-to-basics camping in one of England's most storied landscapes, where the forest feels genuinely wild despite being just minutes from your pitch.
Bartley Cross suits campers craving simplicity amid nature – families wanting forest adventures, couples seeking woodland walks, and anyone who prefers birdsong to entertainment programmes. You're deep in Hampshire's New Forest National Park, where centuries-old traditions of commoning still shape the landscape and free-roaming livestock have right of way.
The facilities are refreshingly straightforward: clean toilets and showers provide the essentials without the frills. Tents, campervans and caravans all find space here, and you can check about campfires on arrival – there's something special about an evening fire beneath these particular trees. The vibe is peaceful and unpretentious, letting the forest itself take centre stage. Come prepared to disconnect and let the woodland work its quiet magic.
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19 routes found via OpenStreetMap
Meanders through gently rolling terrain with minimal incline, perfect for families with young children and pushchair-friendly in dry conditions. Dogs welcome on leads. This short trail takes you through charming woodlands and open meadows near the Solent coastline, offering peaceful countryside views and potential wildlife spotting. Ideal for a relaxed morning stroll or afternoon picnic walk without serious elevation challenges.
Follows the Hampshire coastline along mostly flat, paved or firm paths through Lepe Country Park, past historic Hurst Castle (accessible by ferry), and along Milford-on-Sea seafront. Excellent for families and buggies on the eastern sections, though the Hurst Spit shingle stretch can be challenging with pushchairs. Dogs welcome throughout. Offers superb Solent views, birdwatching opportunities, and easy access to beaches and coastal villages, making it ideal for splitting into manageable day wal
Follows a disused railway line offering flat, easy-going terrain perfect for families with buggies and young children. Dogs welcome on leads. The surfaced path runs through woodland and past the marina, connecting Hamble village to Netley with glimpses of Southampton Water. Popular with cyclists too, so keep little ones close. Ideal for a leisurely stroll without hills, and you can extend it to explore Hamble's charming waterfront pubs and sailing heritage.
Walk data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Open in Maps uses Google / Apple Maps
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Try Pro free for 14 daysData from OpenStreetMap · distances "as the crow flies" · walk times approximate
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