Burley – a guide for visiting this lovely New Forest village in 2023
Burley is a charming little village located in the heart of the New Forest. Known for its rich history, thatched-roof cottages, and unique gift shops, the village might be small, but it's a joy to visit. The village is surrounded by stunning scenery and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, but there are also a few things to see and do within the village which are well worth your time. We wanted to recommend a mix of the do, with information for anyone visiting the village in 2023. Let's get into it:
Where is Burley?
Burley is located in the heart of the New Forest district of Hampshire, England. It is situated approximately 8 miles southeast of the town of Ringwood and 10 miles southwest of the city of Southampton. The village is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the New Forest National Park.
What is there to do during your time in Burley?
Despite being small, you'll still find quite a bit to see and do during your visit to Burley. Also, with Burley located in Hampshire but not too far from the Dorset border, you can enjoy attractions situated in the countryside and seaside towns to the Jurassic coastline of Dorset.
Here are some of the highlights:
Go on a deer safari
Play some golf
Burley Golf Course is a scenic 18-hole course, which offers players stunning views of the surrounding heathland, forest, and wildlife. The course offers a challenge for golfers of all levels, with varied terrain and natural obstacles. The club also offers a range of facilities including a clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, and coaching services. You can book a round and learn more via the website here - burleygolfclub.co.uk
Enjoy some cider
Burley is known for its locally produced cider, which is made using traditional methods and locally sourced apples. The cider is sold at various shops and pubs throughout the village. Cider lovers can also take a tour at the New Forest Cider mill, where they can learn about the cider-making process and of course, try plenty of cider. The team at New Forest Cider also holds a Craft Cider Festival Weekend every year, usually in the Autumn, which is excellent to visit. Learn more here - newforestcider.co.uk
Learn about the witches
Burley has a long history of witchcraft and mystical legends. It is said that witches used to gather in the forest to perform their rituals and that one of them, known as Sybil Leek, lived in the village. Today, the village has several shops and attractions related to witchcraft and magic, including Coven Of Witches and the Witchcraft Gift Shop, making it a unique and interesting destination for visitors interested in the paranormal.
Enjoy a famous ice cream and some lovely fudge
The ice cream produced by Burley Ice Creams is famous for being excellent, and we can confirm that the ice cream made here is very tasty. But we have to admit, it's the fudge shop in Burley which really stole our hearts. With an extensive selection of flavours (our favourite being Biscoff), if you're a fan of sweet things then the Burley Fudge Shop is definitely worth a visit. Learn more here - burleyfudge.co.uk
Explore the New Forest
It sort of goes without saying, but Burley is the perfect base for exploring the amazing New Forest area. Hire bikes or grab your walking boots and follow one of the many amazing National Park trails. New Forest Cycling is based in Burley and is an excellent place to head to for renting bikes and for information about cycling routes. Learn more here - forestleisurecycling.co.uk
How to get to Burley?
The easiest way to get to Burley is by car, with the village being situated just off the A31 between Southampton and Bournemouth. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Brockenhurst or Christchurch and then catch a bus or taxi to Burley.
Hopefully, we've inspired you to visit Burley. If you enjoyed this guide, check out our other guides about other nearby towns and villages including Sidmouth, Christchurch, and Lymington.
Finn H
Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.