SO43 7NY 02380283444 brown tourist information signs direct to the centre from all directions Situated in Lyndhurst’s main car park and the New Forest Heritage Centre has much to offer visitors and locals. An independent
SO43 7NY 02380283444 brown tourist information signs direct to the centre from all directions
Situated in Lyndhurst’s main car park and the New Forest Heritage Centre has much to offer visitors and locals. An independent charitable trust that opened in 1988 the centre receives no public funding yet succeeds in offering a unique and informative organisation which shares the stories of the New Forest and its people.
With a museum, archives of local history and gallery the centre also has a lovely gift shop and popular café, both featuring local producers. Items from the shop can be ordered online with free postage of purchases over £30. Child and dog friendly, the heritage centre is open all year round (10-5 April to October and 10-4 November to March).
As well as collecting, conserving, and interpreting the collections, the centre provides educational and cultural activities for all ages. Links to local groups and schools are made and the museum has activity sheets, trails, and colouring sheets – special events and activities feature in school holidays. Local maps and tourist information are always on offer from the small team of experienced and friendly staff.
The gallery area hosts exhibitions and is used for classes and meetings too. Other rooms are available to hire and a subscription to the newsletter will keep you up to date with all that is happening.
The cafe is very popular and offers snacks and drinks in a friendly, relaxing space. The shop has a good range of gifts and local produce and information for all ages.
The New Forest Library and Archive is named after Christopher Tower, a benefactor of the collection and former diplomat and local dignitary. A busy team of archivists and volunteers care for the books, manuscripts and ephemera held in the archive. Anyone wishing to visit the archive or undertake research can book an appointment on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays and the New Forest Knowledge Gateway online resource is also available.
Upstairs in the gallery is the New Forest Embroidery which forms part of the permanent exhibition – in 2023 a project called Embroidered Tales further developed this resource. The museum has lots of hands-on activities for children and gives a good introduction to the wildlife and social history of the New Forest.
We always pop in when we are in Lyndhurst and our collie loves the dog ice-cream in the café. Our granddaughter has attended lots of the regular and one-off events for toddlers and feels really at home in the centre, being on first name terms with most of the staff!