Balmerlawn picnic
Balmerlawn Brockenhurst
There are hundreds of superb spots for a picnic in the New Forest. One of the most accessible – great if you have young children – is at Balmerlawn, just north of Brockenhurst. This bobbly heathland is studded with ancient oaks, shallow streams and grassy hillocks popular with gangs of grazing ponies and – in autumn – the odd pig foraging for acorns. Various forestry tracks head off from here and all are ideal for a walk or cycle ride.