Ice Cream in the New Forest – Best Places to Stop
Exploring the New Forest on a warm day often means one thing sooner or later: stopping for an ice cream. Whether you’ve spent the morning walking woodland trails, cycling through forest villages, or relaxing beside open heathland watching the world go by, there are plenty of places across the New Forest to pause and cool down.
From Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst to Burley and Beaulieu, ice cream stops have become part of the traditional New Forest day out. Some visitors plan their walks around them, while others simply come across them after a long afternoon exploring the forest.
The New Forest is particularly well suited to slower days outdoors, with woodland trails, picnic areas, scenic drives, wildlife viewing spots, and village centres all offering opportunities to stop for coffee, cold drinks, and locally-made ice cream along the way.
Ice Cream Near Brockenhurst
Visitors looking for ice cream near Brockenhurst often head towards Blackwater or Whitefield Moor, which form part of a stunning circular walk from Brockenhurst towards the Tall Trees Trail.
Located just outside Brockenhurst, Blackwater is well known for the Tall Trees Trail, scenic woodland paths, Arboretum and peaceful forest surroundings. The area attracts walkers, cyclists, dog walkers, and families throughout the year, particularly during spring and summer when the shaded woodland trails offer a cooler place to explore.
We offer a delicious selection of New Forest Ice Creams alongside cold refreshments and iced coffee from our Blackwater cafe, which you can enjoy in the heart of the forest.
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Ice Cream Near Lyndhurst
Aside from stops along Lyndhurst highstreet, you can enjoy delicious New Forest ice cream from Trailside Cafe at Bolderwood, a short drive from the centre of Lyndhurst. Bolderwood is a favourite destination for visitors exploring the New Forest. Known for its deer viewing platform, woodland trails, picnic areas, and large open green, Bolderwood makes for a great day out.
Starting from Bolderwood Car Park, visitors can explore several waymarked walking routes including the Deer Watch Trail, Jubilee Grove Trail, and Radnor Trail.
The area is especially popular during warmer weather thanks to its tall pine woodland, shaded walking trails, and opportunities to spot local wildlife in the area.
Stopping off in Burley
Burley is another popular stop for visitors exploring the western side of the New Forest. You can enjoy soft-serve or scoops from local vendors in the small village before heading further out into the New Forest. There are also a selection of local cafes and pubs for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Surrounded by woodland and open heathland, the village has a slower pace and traditional forest atmosphere that makes it particularly popular with families during warmer months.
Many visitors spend time exploring nearby woodland walks and cycling routes before stopping for refreshments or ice cream during sunny afternoons.
The surrounding area is known for quiet forest roads, grazing ponies, open greens, and peaceful woodland scenery that feels especially relaxing during summer evenings.
Visiting Beaulieu & the Southern New Forest
Beaulieu offers a slightly different atmosphere compared to some of the busier New Forest villages.
Situated beside the Beaulieu River and surrounded by woodland and countryside, it’s a popular destination for visitors looking for a slower-paced day out near the water.
After exploring the village, riverside walks, or nearby attractions, many visitors stop for refreshments before continuing through the forest towards Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst.
The surrounding area is particularly scenic during spring and summer, with quiet lanes, woodland views, and open countryside making it one of the most relaxing parts of the New Forest to explore.
Wildlife & Summer in the New Forest
One of the reasons visitors return to the New Forest year after year is the wildlife and scenery found throughout the area.
During warmer months especially, the forest feels full of life.
Depending on the season and location, visitors may see foals grazing beside ponies on open heathland, donkeys wandering through villages, cattle resting beneath shaded woodland trees, or deer hidden within quieter parts of the forest.
Early mornings and later afternoons are often the best times for wildlife spotting, particularly during summer when much of the forest feels peaceful and calm.
Visitors are encouraged to follow the New Forest Code during their visit by keeping a respectful distance from free-roaming animals, taking litter home, parking considerately, and helping protect the forest’s unique landscape and wildlife for future generations.
The combination of ancient woodland, free-roaming animals, scenic walking routes, and relaxed refreshment stops makes even a short New Forest walk feel memorable.
Visiting Tips for the New Forest
Sunny weekends and school holidays can become extremely busy around Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Burley, and Beaulieu so expect longer travel times in the area.
Many New Forest car parks fill fast during the peak season so be sure to arrive prior to midday for the best chance at getting a spot. There are usually spaces available up until 10-11am ish on the weekends and holidays but after this spaces can become limited.
Early mornings and later afternoons are often the quietest times for woodland walks and wildlife spotting.
Always follow the New Forest Code and keep a respectful distance from grazing animals.
Enjoying a Traditional New Forest Day Out
For many visitors, stopping for an ice cream has become part of the classic New Forest experience alongside woodland walks, wildlife spotting, scenic drives, and village exploring.
Whether you’ve spent the afternoon exploring the Tall Trees Trail, relaxing at Bolderwood, exploring Burley, or chilling riverside in Beaulieu, finding somewhere to sit and cool down afterwards is all part of being outdoors in the New Forest.
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