A route through the New Forest has been named the best wildlife drive in Europe, giving visitors another reason to explore one of England’s most distinctive landscapes by car.
The New Forest Wildlife Drive scored 93 out of 100 in a new index from Avis. The ranking considered wildlife sightings, distance from an airport, how practical each route is for a road trip and online popularity.
A 32km route through the New Forest
The drive covers 32km and passes through Lyndhurst, Bolderwood, Rhinefield Ornamental Drive and Brockenhurst. It usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour to complete, although drivers may want to allow extra time for stopping and looking out for wildlife.
Visitors can expect to see fallow and roe deer, New Forest ponies and buzzards. Wildlife can be spotted throughout the year, while October is particularly rewarding for deer watching as it coincides with the rutting season.
The route is also around 25km from Southampton Airport, making it relatively straightforward for visitors arriving from elsewhere in the UK or overseas.
Scotland also makes the top five
The New Forest route was followed in Avis’s top five by the Ebro Delta Birding Drive in Catalonia, Denmark’s Wadden Sea route, the Camargue Wildlife Drive in France and Scotland’s North Coast 500.
Those routes offer different wildlife experiences, including flamingos, seals and golden eagles. The ranking puts the New Forest alongside some of Europe’s best-known destinations for seeing animals in the wild.
How to drive responsibly
Anyone visiting is advised to use designated stopping places and slow down in areas where wildlife is present. Drivers should keep a safe distance from animals, never feed them and use binoculars rather than approaching too closely.
These simple steps help protect both visitors and the animals they have come to see. They also make it easier to enjoy the route without adding unnecessary risks on its roads.
Why this is good news for Britain
The ranking raises the profile of the New Forest as an accessible wildlife destination in England, with a practical route close to Southampton Airport. That can support local visits and tourism while encouraging people to experience the area responsibly.
