Knightwood Oak

Visitor information

Peace, tranquility and a great spot for a picnic whilst exploring the 500 year old 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. 

It is still going strong today and is a spectacular example of the ancient art of 'pollarding', the traditional way of harvesting wood without killing the tree. This living monument became a tree to find in Victorian times and acquired the title "Queen of the Forest". It has featured on maps since this time.

At a glance

Nearest toilet facilities are at Bolderwood car park (SO43 7GE) 
17/05/2022 13:06

Things to do

Knightwood Oak Trail

Take a short stroll from Knightwood car park, across the road to see the most famous tree in the New Forest. Believed to have been planted in 1600, this tree is still going strong and is a spectacular example of the ancient practice of pollarding.

Benches are located along the way and it's the perfect place for a relaxing picnic.  

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Picnics at Knightwood Oak

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest, just bring along good food and company!

Please note there are no picnic tables on site, however visitors are welcome to bring blankets and pitch up.

To help prevent wildfires fires, BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment of any kind are now banned in the New Forest.

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Nearby forests

A herd of deer in a glade in the forest

Bolderwood

We are delighted that Bolderwood features as part of the Ancient Canopy dedicated to Her Majesty in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.  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. 

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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.

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couple enjoying a picnic in a clearing within a forest

Anderwood

Nestled in the trees, this shady spot is the perfect place to park up and enjoy a picnic whilst listening to the sounds of woodland wildlife all around. 

To help prevent wildfires fires, BBQs and outdoor cooking equipment of any kind are now banned in the New Forest.

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Three New Forest ponies standing on open grassland.

Whitefield Moor

Enjoy the stunning views of the heathland and trees beyond. This is an ideal spot for all the family with good waymarked walking trail that pass by the nearby Ober Water stream.

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