The New Forest
Everything you need to know about where we are getting married
What is the New Forest?
The New Forest is one of England's most beautiful national parks
Ancient woodland, open heathland, and quiet villages, dotted with wild ponies that roam freely across the roads and fields. It sits in the south of England, about 90 miles from London, and feels a world away from the city.
Bartley Lodge, where we are getting married, sits right in the heart of the forest. It is a peaceful, genuinely beautiful part of England — and very easy to fall in love with.
Accommodation
Our wedding venue Bartley Lodge has rooms available, we have booked accommodation at Warborne Farm where we will host our after-day gathering on 9 July, or there are plenty of other local hotels if you prefer your own base in the area:
The Venue
Rooms are available at Bartley Lodge for the wedding night and other days. Please contact us before booking so we can link your reservation to our wedding.
Group Stay
We have additional accommodation at Warborne Farm from 6th - 13th July, a working farm about 20 minutes from Bartley Lodge. Relaxed, and informal - all wedding guests are welcome, limited spaces - let us know when you would want to stay
Other Recommended Hotels
Consider Moorhill House and Forest Park Hotel, nearby options for guests who prefer their own base during the wedding celebrations.
Gathering
Warborne Farm Event
On 9th July we will host a relaxed, informal gathering at Warborne Farm — food, drinks, open space, and time to properly catch up after the wedding. All guests are warmly invited. If you are staying at the farm with us you are already there — if not, transport can be arranged
Exploring the New Forest
Ponies
Wild Ponies
Wild ponies roam freely throughout the forest — on roads, through villages, everywhere. They are a delight. Do not feed them, and always drive slowly.
Villages
Explore local villages
Burley independent shops, good pub scene; Brockenhurst main town, easy by train; Lyndhurst , good for food; Beaulieu National Motor Museum and a historic abbey
Coast
Nearby coastline
Bournemouth beach is about 40 minutes by car — a long sandy beach and relaxed coastal town. Lymington has a pretty harbour and ferries to the Isle of Wight.
Forest
Walks & Cycling
Hundreds of miles of trails through ancient woodland and open heath. Genuinely beautiful in July. Bikes available to hire in Brockenhurst.
Practical Points
Driving
Drive on the left. Roads through the forest are narrow — go slowly, especially for ponies crossing. Speed limits in mph: 30 in villages, 60 on rural roads, 70 on motorways.
Tipping
Lighter than in Mexico. In restaurants, 10-12% is appreciated but not expected - tip when service is good. Service is added automatically when 6 people or more are eating - should be paid when service was acceptable. Some restaurants now add a service charge automatically even for less than 6 people - it's not mandatory to pay it. Tipping in taxis and shops is uncommon.
Local Taxis
The New Forest is rural — taxis are the most practical option. There is no Uber. Taxis must be pre-booked by phone with local firms. If you are planning to explore widely during your stay, hiring a car is well worth it.
We will organise group taxis for key wedding weekend moments. Details will follow closer to the date.
Spending
British Pounds (GBP). Cards accepted almost everywhere — contactless is standard. Cash machines in Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst. Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocks on your card.
Language
English only in rural Hampshire. Most locals are patient and helpful with visitors. A translation app on your phone is useful backup - download the English translator
Mobile Signal
Can be mixed in the forest. Download offline maps (Google Maps and translation dictionaries before arriving. Most accommodation and restaurants have Wi-Fi.