Visitor information
Opening hours
How to find us
Parking & prices
Facilities & access
Contact details

Opening hours

Bolton's Bench is open from dawn until dusk. 

How to find us

How to find us
By Car

From Lyndhurst take the A35 towards Southampton and turn right on the B3056 Beaulieu Road (opposite Lyndhurst Fire Station) and the car park is immediatley on the left. 

OS Grid Ref
SU 30429 080
Get directions

50.871506244396, -1.5688991546631

Parking and prices

There are no parking charges at Bolton's Bench. 

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

There are no designated accessible parking spaces at this forest, have you seen our Easy Access trails page?

Facilities and access

Please be aware there are no toilets nor picnic areas here (to protect the local livestock), but Lyndhurst is a short walk away with toilets and lots of food availability. 

Contact details

Landline Number
0300 067 4601
Out Of Hours Number
0300 067 4600
E-Mail Address
southern.enquiries@forestryengland.uk
Twitter
https://twitter.com/engnewforest?lang=en-gb
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/engnewforest/

Visit Bolton’s Bench, a timeless gateway to the New Forest

Walk up to the top of the hill at Bolton’s Bench and take a moment to let your mind wander amongst the magestic ancient yew trees. You'll also be treated to picturesque views of the heathland, ancient woodlands and grassy lawns that make the New Forest so special. 

The centre of Lyndhurst, a village at the heart of the New Forest, is just a five minute walk away and has a variety of tearooms, pubs and restaurants as well as the New Forest Heritage Centre and Museum. The Lyndhurst War Memorial Cross is located next to Bolton's Bench Car Park. 

You are likely to see the New Forest's ponies and cattle. Please treat these animals with care, don’t feed or pet the livestock – keep your distance.

 

At a glance

Access to Lyndhurst
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Stunning views
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Things to do

Walking at Bolton's Bench

Walking is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes. 

Bolton's Bench is the gateway to the New Forest, which has hundreds of miles of gravel paths to explore with varied natural terrain.

Find out more

Nearby forests

Close up of oak leaf

Knightwood Oak

Knightwood Oak is a great place to stop and enjoy a picnic, 'away from it all' and try to imagine what it would have been like over 500 years ago when the famous Knightwood Oak tree began to grow.

The Knightwood Oak is the largest oak in the New Forest, at 7.4m girth, and surely one of the oldest. 

Find out more
White pony within rust orange shrubs

Tilery Road

Tilery Road is named after a historic Victorian brick and tile works. From the car park there's easy access following the cycle route into Pignall Hill, this is one of the largest collections of inclosure woodlands in the New Forest. 

Find out more
Boy counting tree rings on a very old tree that's been felled.

Blackwater

Blackwater arboretum is an idyllic setting with a stunning variety of beautiful trees from around the world. Inspired by the tree collection at this special place, a sensory sculpture trail complements the setting.

Explore Blackwater on two wheels by following the New Forest’s great network of cycle trails.

Find out more
A herd of deer in a glade in the forest

Bolderwood

We are delighted that Bolderwood is featured as part of the Ancient Canopy to be dedicated to Her Majesty in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.  Ancient Woodlands are cherished reminders of our living heritage, often referred to as “nature’s Crown Jewels”. We are proud to be part of this unique project, which aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations. 

Find out more
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