New Forest National Park
Burley, close to the Hampshire towns of Ringwood, Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, is surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty. As one of the most recent National Parks, the New Forest has a landscape of colourful heathlands and established trees. Ponies and cattle tread ancient forest tracks and roam freely around this lovely village. The signs say you must not feed or touch them, but the ponies are very friendly and expect to be petted. They rule the roads and know you have to patiently wait for them. With an abundance of picturesque thatched cottages, Burley has barely changed overtime, and visitors can easily relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Witchcraft in Burley
During the late 1950s a famous 'White Witch' called Sybil Leek lived here. She was often seen wandering around the village with her pet crow 'Mr Hotfoot Jackson' on her shoulder. The locals did not like the intrusion and extra noise created by the media interest, and she eventually moved to America where she wrote books on the occult and astrology. Many of the gift shops in Burley are named after this theme. A Coven of Witches, The Magpies Nest, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Witchcraft and Wizzydora's all sell regular souvenirs as well as collectables.
Treats in Burley
Fudge – Burley is famous for its high quality hand-made fudge. There are at least 21 different flavours including 'double deadly chocolate' and 'maple and walnut' fudge. See them all in the shop in the village.
Cider – Follow the signs on the cider barrel by the Post Office and you will find New Forest Cider with a shop and gallery housed in the former village dairy and cowshed. The cider is made on the premises with their own orchard fruit and you can sample some straight from the barrel. They also sell a variety of traditional produce such as preserves, country wines, apple juice and hand made pottery.
Ice cream and cream teas – Delicious Burley ice cream is made here and there are plenty of cafes and tea rooms to indulge in.
Outdoor Activities in Burley
As the village is in the heart of the New Forest it is very easy to just follow the trail markers. A good starting point is opposite the golf course. The track has some good views of New Forest heathland and passes through some wetland areas. There a plenty of ponies to spot and you can follow a dismantled railway line.
Bikes for all the family can be hired in the centre of the village. There are a variety of safe and easy routes nearby ranging from 5 to 20 miles in length, all with plenty of stopping off points for drinks and cream teas.
Deer safari tractor and trailer rides around Burley Park operate in the summer to see the Red Deer and their calves. There is a tractor stop in the village detailing times of rides.
There is a 9 hole golf course that welcomes non-members and has wonderful views across the New Forest. Watch out for New Forest ponies wandering along the fairways and congregating in the car park.
The other towns and villages of the New Forest are all within easy reach of Burley and are worth exploring. There is a good range of accommodation in the area including youth hostels, camping and hotels.
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