Attractions and Places To See around Ashurst - Top 20

Ashurst is on the edge of the New Forest National Park, offering vast heathlands, ancient woodlands like Ashurst Wood and Churchplace Inclosure, and diverse landscapes including rivers and wetlands to the east. You can also visit Devil's Dyke, a unique v-shaped chalkland dry valley known for wildflowers and butterflies.

The area is rich in history. You can explore Devil's Dyke, which was an Iron Age hillfort with visible earthworks. Another significant site is Chanctonbury Ring hillfort, a late Bronze or early Iron Age site with panoramic views. Further afield, Cissbury Ring Hill Fort is the largest hill fort in Sussex, offering breathtaking views. Within Ashurst Wood, you can find the earthwork remains of a 16th-century Saltpetre House.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The Devil's Dyke is a popular spot for hiking and relaxing in nature. Nearby, the New Forest Wildlife Park offers a chance to see various animals up close, and Longdown Activity Farm provides interactive experiences with farm animals, along with playgrounds and tractor rides. The New Forest Reptile Centre is also close by for a 'reptilian adventure'.

Ashurst is an excellent base for walks. The New Forest National Park offers numerous mapped-out trails. A popular and easy option is the 2.8-mile (4.5 km) Ashurst Stroll, which starts from Ashurst railway station and explores lawns and woodlands. For more options, you can find various trails in the Running Trails around Ashurst guide, including routes like the 'Brown's Link Public Footpath loop from Henfield'.

Absolutely. The New Forest National Park provides many cycling opportunities. You can explore routes like the 'West Grinstead Station – Parkstreet Lane Bridge loop from Henfield' or 'The Old Railway Pub – View of Spring Hill loop from Henfield'. For more detailed options, refer to the Cycling around Ashurst and Road Cycling Routes around Ashurst guides.

The New Forest National Park, which Ashurst borders, is famous for its free-roaming ponies, donkeys, cattle, and deer. Exploring the heathlands, rivers, and wetlands can also lead to sightings of various wild birds, insects, and diverse plant life. For guaranteed animal encounters, the New Forest Wildlife Park and Longdown Activity Farm are nearby.

Yes, several spots offer picturesque views. Devil's Dyke provides unique and picturesque scenery. Chanctonbury Ring hillfort boasts sublime views over the South Downs countryside. Although slightly outside Ashurst, Bolton's Bench near Lyndhurst is a popular knoll with ancient yew trees offering scenic views and picnic spots.

The village of Ashurst itself has several welcoming pubs and restaurants, such as The New Forest Inn and The Happy Cheese. For coffee and cake, Merritt Coffee Lounge is a popular choice. Additionally, West Grinstead Station offers a place for a break with a family restaurant and a large orchard garden nearby.

Ashurst is easily accessible by train, as it has its own railway station on the Waterloo to Weymouth line. This station serves as a convenient starting point for many walks into the New Forest. For more information on visiting by train, you can check visitbytrain.info.

Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning views and the opportunity for peaceful walks. For instance, Devil's Dyke is praised for its unique landscape and as a great spot for hiking or relaxing. The historical significance of sites like Chanctonbury Ring hillfort, combined with their panoramic views, also receives high acclaim from the komoot community.

Yes, the Ashurst Stroll is a popular and easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) walking route that starts from Ashurst railway station. It allows you to explore lawns where ponies graze, Churchplace Inclosure, and Ashurst Wood. You can find more details about this specific walk on the New Forest National Park website: Ashurst Stroll.