Verderers’ Hall

Visitor information

The Verderers' Hall

About the Hall

Standing at the top of Lyndhurst High Street in the centre of the New Forest, the Verderers’ Hall is the meeting place of the Verderers’ Court, a body originally authorised by the crown to deal with those who offended against Forest Law. In 1388, a building in which the New Forest courts could meet was constructed within or beside Lyndhurst’s old manor house, the building which later became King’s House. The current Verderers’ Hall is believed to occupy the same site as the original.

This is one of only two remaining Verderers’ Courts left in England! Originally part of medieval Forest government, once found all over the country, it was reconstituted under the New Forest Act 1877. Today, it remains an active court and plays an important role in the community, making it the ideal place to tell the New Forest story.

The hall has recently been refurbished, with improvements being made to the quarry tiles, timber features and paintwork, as well as improvements to access and the provision of interpretation.

Find out more about the role of the Verderers of the New Forest. 

Logo lock up Verderers Hall Open Day

At a glance

  • Home to the Verderers’ Court
  • Regular events 

Things to do

Walking at Verderers' Hall

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

Verderers' Hall is located in the town of Lyndhurst and is the gateway to the New Forest, which has hundreds of miles of gravel paths to explore with varied natural terrain.

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Nearby forests

Keep Your Distance from livestock sign at Bolton's Bench

Bolton's Bench

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. 

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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. 

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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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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. 

The extensive grassy lawn offers valuable grazing for ponies. Ponies are often referred to as the ‘architects’ of the New Forest. Please don't feed them and keep your distance.

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