Located on the southern edge of the New Forest, New Milton is a bustling market town in Hampshire. Its history dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and it was listed in the 1086 “Domesday Book” as the manor of “Mildeltune”. With the opening of the New Milton railway station in 1888, a new town developed, with the original now referred to as “Old Milton”.
Things to do in New Milton
Named after the Northern Irish motorcycle champion is the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of motorbikes and memorabilia. It was established by Miller in 1964 when he placed a few of his racing bikes in the corner of his parts business. Among the 300+ motorcycles on display are Norton, Moto Guzzi and Zündapp models.
Touring artists, film screenings and exhibitions are presented at the Forest Arts Centre, together with stand-up comedy shows and literary events. It’s home to a 150-seat theatre and several studios where workshops and classes are regularly held. Meals and drinks are available at the Green Room Cafe, which doubles as a gallery for showcasing local creatives.
Sprawling north of New Milton is New Forest National Park, which encompasses around 29,000 hectares of heathlands, pastures and forest trails. It’s renowned for its indigenous ponies and provides a habitat for migratory bird species. Follow the Tall Trees Trail through the Blackwater Arboretum to see some of England’s oldest Douglas Firs or catch a flight show at Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre.
Getting around New Milton
New Milton is around 40 minutes’ drive from Southampton and Southampton Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the New Milton railway station and buses travel through the town. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the New Forest.