Balmerlawn

Settlement in Hampshire New Forest

England

Balmerlawn

St Nicholas Church, Brockenhurst Credit: David Martin

Balmerlawn is a small village located in the New Forest National Park, Hampshire, England. It is situated approximately 2 miles southwest of Brockenhurst and 4 miles northeast of Lymington. The village is known for its picturesque surroundings and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway.

The village is surrounded by rolling green fields, ancient woodlands, and heathland, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The New Forest ponies, a common sight in the area, add to the village's charm.

Balmerlawn itself is a quaint village with a scattering of traditional thatched cottages and charming country houses. The village is home to a small community, with a local pub, The Pig, serving as a hub for social gatherings and a place to enjoy a traditional British meal.

Visitors to Balmerlawn can explore the stunning natural beauty of the New Forest National Park, with its diverse wildlife and scenic trails. The nearby towns of Brockenhurst and Lymington offer additional amenities, including shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Overall, Balmerlawn provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the New Forest, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rural charm, and access to nearby amenities. It is a destination that appeals to those seeking a quiet countryside escape or an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Hampshire.

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Balmerlawn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.830514/-1.563337 or Grid Reference SU3003. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St Nicholas Church, Brockenhurst

David Martin

New Copse Cottage

Surrounded by the forest, an isolated house near the railway.

Des Blenkinsopp

Forest Cross Roads

The main tracks through the New Forest seem to be maintained very well. Two of them intersect here.

Des Blenkinsopp

Towards the Railway

The railway line through the middle of the forest is crossed by tracks at regular intervals. It doesn't seem to be a major barrier.

Des Blenkinsopp

Logpile in Perrywood Hazeley Inclosure

Des Blenkinsopp

Gates between the Inclosures

It may look like one big mass of trees but the various areas of the forest are kept separate from each other by a lot of fences. Jim Champion in his picture SU3204 : Driftway between Parkhill Inclosure and Stubby Copse Inclosure, New Forest explains that wide tracks like this are called driftways and are for moving animals around from one grazing area to another without them wandering off into the forest.

Des Blenkinsopp

Cycleway and Driftway part company

The wide grassy driftway is only followed by one of the forest cycle routes as far as the turn here.

Des Blenkinsopp

Gate by a Driftway

The surfaced track crosses one of the wide grassy ways in between the wooded inclosures which can be used for moving livestock around the forest.

Des Blenkinsopp

Signage - A337 southbound

Dave Thompson

Minor Junction - A337 southbound

Dave Thompson

Entering Brockenhurst

Dave Thompson

Hotel entrance - Brockenhurst

Dave Thompson

Brookley Road - Brockenhurst

Dave Thompson

The Lymington River by Brockenhurst Bridge

Steve Daniels

The Lymington River near Brockenhurst

Steve Daniels

The Lymington shuttle in the bay platform at Brockenhurst

A half-hourly service is provided throughout the day between Brockenhurst and Lymington Pier, There is only one intermediate station on the line, at Lymington Town. There was once another, the private Ampress Halt, which served a nearby Wellworthy factory but was never shown in the public timetable. The halt was opened in 1956 and closed in 1989 when the factory closed. Recent moves to reopen the halt have not been universally well received because of concerns about lack of parking and traffic congestion.

John Lucas