The New Forest Remains Open: How to Visit Responsibly and Support Local Businesses

Many people will have seen the news and images of the ongoing wildfire in the New Forest, which has affected heathland to the north of Ringwood and resulted in the closure of the A31.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the fire and our huge thanks go to the firefighters, emergency services, Forestry England teams, New Forest rangers and others who continue to work incredibly hard to bring the incident under control and protect this very special landscape.

While the fire is understandably causing concern, it is important to remember that the New Forest covers a vast area and many parts of the National Park and surrounding area remain open for visitors.

If you are planning a visit, please continue to support New Forest businesses where it is safe to do so, while avoiding affected areas, allowing extra time for your journey and following all official advice.

Last updated: 14 August 2026. Please check the latest official information before travelling, as the situation and restrictions may change.

Check before you travel

The situation surrounding the fire and associated road closures can change, so please check the latest information before setting off.

The A31 remains affected by the incident and diversions may add time to journeys into and around the New Forest. Some Forestry England car parks, roads and cycling routes in the vicinity of the fire may also be closed.

For the latest information about the wildfire, affected areas, closures and advice for visitors, please check the New Forest National Park Authority website before travelling.

For wider visitor information and updates from businesses across the area, visit the official New Forest website at thenewforest.co.uk. You can also follow The New Forest (@TheNewForestUK) on Facebook and Instagram for the latest visitor information and inspiration from around the destination.

Please do not attempt to visit or view the areas affected by the fire. Emergency services need space to work safely, and avoiding these locations helps protect both visitors and those responding to the incident.

The New Forest is much bigger than the area affected by the fire

The New Forest National Park covers a large area of southern Hampshire, stretching from its famous woodland and heathland to a beautiful coastline.

Many attractions, villages and businesses away from the affected area continue to welcome visitors, so there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a day out or short break while supporting the local tourism economy.

Head towards the New Forest coast and you can walk along Hurst Spit before discovering centuries of history at Hurst Castle, which sits at the end of the spit overlooking the Solent and Isle of Wight.

Elsewhere in the New Forest, a day at Beaulieu offers the chance to explore the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the wider attraction. Or spend a day meeting some of the area's fascinating animals at New Forest Wildlife Park, near Ashurst.

The New Forest's towns and villages also have plenty to offer. From browsing the shops and cafés of Lymington and Brockenhurst to discovering Beaulieu, Milford on Sea and the area's smaller villages, spending locally is one of the simplest ways visitors can support the wider New Forest community.

Before setting out for any attraction, walk or day trip, please check directly with the business or attraction for its latest opening information and travel advice.

Staying in and around the New Forest

Accommodation providers across the wider area also remain ready to welcome visitors.

Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park, an adults-only campsite near Ringwood, remains open. Diversions are in place because of the A31 closure, so guests should check their route and allow additional time when travelling to and from the park.

There are also several Camping in the Forest campsites across the New Forest. Because of the current extreme wildfire risk, special restrictions are in place and visitors with an existing camping booking should check directly with their campsite before travelling for the latest information affecting their stay.

If you already have accommodation booked elsewhere in or around the New Forest, don't assume that your holiday cannot go ahead because of the images you may have seen in the news. Contact your accommodation provider directly, check your route and follow the latest official guidance before travelling.

Continuing with a planned stay where it is safe and practical to do so can also provide valuable support to the accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions that depend on visitors during the busy summer season.

Help us protect the New Forest

The recent fire is a stark reminder of just how vulnerable the New Forest can be during prolonged periods of hot, dry weather.

At present there is a very high risk of wildfire and additional restrictions are in place across the Forest. Visitors should always check the latest official guidance before travelling.

Please do not light BBQs, campfires or any other naked flames. Outdoor cooking equipment, including camping stoves, is also currently prohibited across the New Forest, including at Forestry England campsites.

There are several other simple ways you can help look after the New Forest during your visit:

• Avoid BBQs, campfires, camping stoves and other outdoor cooking equipment while current restrictions remain in place.
• Dispose of cigarettes safely and ensure they are fully extinguished.
• Take litter home or dispose of it responsibly.
• Keep away from areas closed because of the fire.
• Follow instructions from rangers, emergency services and Forestry England.
• Park only in open, designated car parks and never block access that may be needed by emergency vehicles.
• Drive carefully and watch out for the New Forest's free-roaming ponies, cattle, donkeys and other animals, particularly if diversions take you along unfamiliar routes.

If you spot a fire, move to a safe location and call 999. Giving an accurate location, including a What3Words location where possible, can help emergency services respond.

Support the New Forest responsibly

The New Forest is a living, working landscape as well as one of the UK's most treasured National Parks. The current wildfire is having a devastating impact on part of that landscape, and protecting the affected area and allowing the emergency services to carry out their work must remain the priority.

But elsewhere, accommodation providers, attractions, cafés, restaurants, shops and other independent businesses continue to welcome visitors.

If you're visiting the New Forest over the coming days, please do so thoughtfully. Check before you travel, avoid the affected areas, respect all fire restrictions and allow additional time for your journey.

By following the official advice and supporting businesses in parts of the New Forest that remain safe and accessible, visitors can play their part in looking after this remarkable landscape and the communities that call it home.

Keep up to date

The situation may change, so please check the latest information before travelling.

Visit the New Forest National Park Authority website for official information about the wildfire, affected areas and restrictions within the National Park.

For wider visitor information and updates from across the destination, visit thenewforest.co.uk and follow @TheNewForestUK on Facebook and Instagram.

We'd also recommend checking directly with any accommodation provider, attraction or other business you are planning to visit for its latest opening and travel information.