New Forest Reptile Centre

Visitor information

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.

Please check out bank holiday and school holiday openings on our opening hours page.

At a glance

See visitor information for opening times
01/04/2023 09:30
Entry is free but we welcome a donation of £3 per visit
01/04/2023 09:30
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.  

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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 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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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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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.

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