Blackwater Arboretum
WHERE
Brockenhurst
What it’s like
A walk among tall trees with a sensory sculpture trail to hunt down, plus forest cycle trails if you bring bikes.
This one's about slowing down and letting the trees do the work. Trails wind through the arboretum with a sensory sculpture trail dotted along the way, which gives smaller legs something to spot and touch rather than just walk past. If you've got bikes in the boot, there are forest cycle trails too, so it's not all wandering at toddler pace.
Knightwood Oak gets a name check as a picnic spot, and picnics are allowed generally around the site. Dogs are welcome on the trails as well, which is handy if the walk's doing double duty as a dog walk and a kids' outing.
Parking runs on RingGo, no cash, so have the app ready or you'll be stuck at the machine. It's tiered by time, from £1.50 for an hour up to £8 if you're there more than four hours, which rewards a quick visit but doesn't punish you too hard for a proper long one. There are two accessible spaces and the site is wheelchair accessible, and toilets are on site too.
It suits a family who fancies fresh air over a structured activity. There's no big play area or café to anchor the visit.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- £1.50 per hour (1hr), £3.00 (2hrs), £5.00 (4hrs), £8.00 (over 4hrs)
- Picnics
- Allowed at Knightwood Oak and other areas
- Dogs
- Allowed
- RingGo parking only, no cash accepted
- Sensory sculpture trail is dotted through the walking routes
- Two accessible parking spaces and wheelchair access on site
- Knightwood Oak is worth aiming for if you want a picnic spot
Plan your visit
Is there a cost to get in?
The site itself doesn't charge, from what's listed, but parking is paid and tiered by how long you stay.
How does parking work?
It's £1.50 for an hour, up to £8 for over four hours, and it's RingGo only, no cash. There are two accessible spaces.
Can we bring bikes?
Yes, there are forest cycle trails alongside the walking routes.
Can we bring a picnic and the dog?
Both are welcome. Knightwood Oak is named as a good picnic spot, and dogs can come along on the trails.
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