The New Forest has been named among the best family walking holidays in the UK and Europe for 2024 according to a list from The Telegraph.

Discussing the reason for creating the list, writer Helen Ochyra said: "What do your kids want to do on holiday? If they’re anything like mine, their idea of a good time will be far more about romping around in the fresh air than it will be laying outstretched on a sun lounger.

"They need to chase after butterflies, blow off some steam and generally have an adventure, and you probably need to unwind, breathe more deeply and find time to relax."

She adds: "Fear not, though, we’re not talking gut-busting ascents and rocky scrambles here. This is more about the “family” than it is the “walking”, and the key to enjoyment is tailoring it to your age group – and not biting off more than you can chew."

The full list of the best walking holidays in the UK and Europe can be found on The Telegraph website here.

What was said about the New Forest? 

The New Forest was commended as a great example of a spot for a walking holiday in the UK for a variety of reasons.

This included its huge number of waymarked routes and the great opportunities it provides for wildlife spotting.

Ms Ochyra wrote: "First family walking holiday? Take to the buggy-friendly woodland trails of the New Forest, which wend between ancient trees and across heathland, passing grazing native ponies and superb pubs.

"There are dozens of waymarked routes throughout this National Park; one of the best is the children’s sensory trail at the Reptile Centre, a 1.1-mile route that encourages little ones to touch, smell and listen to the forest.

"They’ll wrap their arms around fir trees, balance on logs and search for minibeasts, dragonflies and frogs." 

Another selling point for the choice to visit the New Forest for a walking holiday is that it was named one of the world's top 30 most beautiful places according to Time Out.

The publication's writer Antonia Windsor was very complimentary about the area, describing it as having "anachronistic beauty".

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She wrote: "There aren’t many places where you’ll be startled by a pony or donkey stepping into the road, but that’s the anachronistic beauty of the New Forest in the south of England.

"This ancient woodland was given its name by William the Conqueror more than 900 years ago.

"If you choose to visit in the autumn, when the heath is purple with heather, you may find pigs guzzling acorns on the forest floor (they’re sent to protect the delicate stomachs of the 5,000 free-roaming ponies)."