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

Opening hours

The Reptile Centre has now closed for the season. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2023.

How to find us

How to find us
Lyndhurst Road, Lyndhurst
Sat Nav Postcode: SO43 7GR
By Car

By car the New Forest Reptile Centre is 2 miles south west of Lyndhurst, just off the A35.

OS Grid Ref
SU 271 071
Get directions

50.863023544866, -1.6166872745293

Parking and prices

Entry and parking is free, but we welcome a donation of £3 per visit.

  • This car park opens on limited days during school holidays, see opening hours for more information.
  • Please park only in designated car parks, do not park on verges or in gateways.

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Please park in designated coach parking area, on left before the main car park.  Donations welcome.

Additional information

Number of accessible parking spaces: 0

Facilities and access

For more information on planning your visit, take a look at our accessibility information:

Accessible toilet
Assistant dogs welcome
Dogs allowed
Easy access trail
Toilets

Contact details

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

The New Forest Reptile Centre

At The New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst, we help protect rare snakes and lizards and encourage the re-introduction of these animals across the country. There are special outdoor ‘pods’ which provide a natural home to the sand lizard, smooth snake and adder. These reptiles can be difficult to see in the wild as they are rare and very secretive, so the New Forest Reptile Centre is a great place to see them close-up.

We are now closed for the season and look forward to welcoming you back in 2023.

At a glance

See visitor information for opening times
01/09/2022 08:20
Entry is free but we welcome a donation of £3 per visit
18/07/2022 11:46
Walking trails
06/04/2022 10:56

Things to do

Discovery trail at the New Forest Reptile Centre

Enjoy a wonderful circular walk through the woods. From the Reptile Centre car park, follow red marker posts along the main gravelled track, which is fairly smooth. You can also park at Millyford Bridge car park where you can join the top end of the trail at the pond. Our forest gateways are in constant use so we ask visitors to only park in our car parks.  

Find out more

Picnics at the New Forest Reptile Centre

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at our beautiful picnic area at the green, just bring along a rug, good food and company!

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

Find out more

Nearby forests

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
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
Woman running with dog

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.

Find out more
Sun shining through the trees in a pine forest

Wilverley

If you are looking for an ideal spot for picnicing, a walk in the woods or amazing views then Wilverley has it all. 

From the car park there's easy access into the adjoining woodland with a waymarked trail. The extensive grassy lawn offers valuable grazing for ponies and beyond the Forest lawn the heathland is home to many important bird species.

Find out more
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