About Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

If you’re looking to spot some of these amazing animals, you stand the best possible chance by visiting Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. Situated at the heart of the New Forest, its frequent feeding times have made it a spot that the deer flock to, and its viewing platforms ensure you get an excellent view.

What will I find at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary?

When you arrive at the Deer Sanctuary, you’ll find a car park to stop in. From there, there’s a small path leading to the meadows where the deer often come to graze. There’s a purpose built viewing platform here so you can get an even better view of the animals, and while there’s no guarantee that deer will be present for your visit, regular feeding during spring and summer mean this is an area they’re known to gather at. There are also Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary walks to enjoy, along marked paths that stem outwards from the car park and viewing area. You’ll also find a large picnic area where you can stop for lunch or use the barbecue facilities provided, while there also toilets and an information cabin.

What will I find at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary?

The Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is open all year round. However, feeding sessions take place between the months of April and September (usually between noon and 3:00pm), so it’s at these times that you’re most likely to see a herd emerge from the woodland. There is no charge to the enter the deer sanctuary, nor is there a fee to park here. But you will find a donation box on-site if you’d like to give something back and help protection and conservation efforts.

How to get to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Dr, Lyndhurst SO43 7GQ

About 21 minutes from park

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is very much nestled away in the forests, but it’s closest to the settlement of Lyndhurst, along on an unnamed track that runs southwards out of the village. If you’re travelling in from Southampton or via the national motorway network, leave the M27 at junction 1 and travel along the A337 towards Lyndhurst. If you’re approaching from the opposite direction, join the A35 in Christchurch instead, taking a left turn onto Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental Drive. No buses operate in the area immediately surrounding the sanctuary, however the Bluestar 6 and number 35 services drop off in Lyndhurst, from which it’s a 12 minute drive or 90 minute walk. The nearest railway station is Ashurst New Forest, which is 15 minutes away in a taxi.