Milford-On-Sea is a
delightful seaside village and offers a superb base from which to enjoy
your holiday. At its heart lies the green providing the focal point of
the village activities and events, the highlight of which is the
carnival during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Bordering the green is
the high street with its selection of interesting independent shops,
local pubs and variety of restaurants. Within close reach are its
beautiful, clean and safe beaches from which to swim. The miles of
shoreline provides ample walking, picnicking and cycling for all the
family. There is plenty of parking.
The
Neighbouring small hamlet of Keyhaven is a perfect place for safe fun
sailing; whether its within the confines of the secluded waters,
exploring the inlets and creeks once used by smugglers only 200 years
ago or in the open water of the Solent – home of the famous Cowes
regatta.
During the summer there are
numerous boat excursions that can take you to explore the coastline of
the Isle of Wight, view the Needles, or all day fishing for cod, bass
and mackerel. Catch a ferry to discover King Henry VIII’s Hurst castle,
where Oliver Cromwell imprisoned Charles 1st prior to his trial.
Also from Keyhaven you can
join the Solent-Way – a 60-mile coastal walk past bustling harbours and
secluded marshland – or, for the less energetic, lunch at The Gun Inn to
discuss the walk you should have done.
Staying at Milford- on- Sea
you are only a short drive from the New Forest, created in 1079 by
William the Conqueror as a hunting area. There is an abundance of places
to visit – New Forest Visitors Centre, Beaulieu Motor Museum or
Buckler’s Hard (Nelson’s boat yard) - and activities to suit every age
group, whatever the weather. For the more spirited there is a network of
footpaths, trails and bridle paths with plenty of bikes to hire or
horse/pony riding schools – save bringing your own!!
The Georgian town and
seaport of Lymington lies 4 miles east. Browse its varied shops, from
antiques and galleries to chandleries and ice-cream, or visit the
Saturday market, which sells everything from olives and oysters to
teapots and table clothes.
From Lymington you can
catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight (½ hour trip). Investigate the
picturesque cobbled town of Yarmouth on foot - or take the car and
explore the island more widely.
Further a field is Calshot
Castle and beside it, the Calshot Activilties Centre – one of the
largest outdoor adventure centres in Britain. The 200 acres of Exbury
Gardens, famous for rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, also lies
within easy reach. The steam train, which follows a 1¼-mile loop, is a
great way to see the gardens.
14 miles to the west is the
major resort of Bournemouth with Hardy’s Dorest just beyond; 40 minutes
by car to the north lies the cathedral city of Salisbury (including
Wilton House and Stonehenge) while the great seaports of Southampton and
Portsmouth – excellent shopping and sightseeing - sit within easy reach
to the east.
For more information please
click on “places to visit”.