Learn about tourism and recreation

The New Forest National Park receives an estimated 13.5 million day-visits a year (Tourism South-East research, 2005), of which 3 million are by holiday makers and 10.5 million are by people travelling from home.

It is estimated that these visits generate over £120 million spending a year and support more than 2,500 jobs in the National Park.

People are attracted to the National Park for a host of reasons, most commonly walking, cycling, horse riding, visiting pubs, cafés or tearooms, relaxing, enjoying views, picnicking and dog walking.

The use of the Park for these purposes creates many impacts – both positive and negative.