New Forest businesses gearing up for open-top tour

Aug. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- From 23 July to 4 September the New Forest Tour will be bringing visitors to the west and north of the Forest to complement the existing route in the south and east which carries over 18,000 passengers a year.
People taking the new circular tour route can visit Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, Ashurst, Lyndhurst and Burley. The ticket includes a Brand New Forest card which gives access to discount offers at local businesses on the route including places to eat and drink, shops, and attractions.
The commentary along the way includes a history of the village of Burley – famed for its witches, natural history at Liberty’s Raptor and Reptile Centre, smuggling stories from the Ringwood area, and the Forest’s links to World War II.
Mark Kirtley, Managing Director of Forest Leisure Cycling in Burley, said: ‘The new tour route will create exposure for the western half of the Forest and will be particularly welcome as it allows people to get around car-free. The people of Burley are very pleased the tour is coming to the village and we hope to see real benefits from the new route.’
The new hop-on hop-off New Forest Tour route has been made possible by a partnership between the New Forest National Park Authority, Wilts and Dorset bus company and Sandy Balls Holiday Centre.
All New Forest Tour buses have room onboard for up to four bikes and the routes have been designed to link to the Forestry Commission’s comprehensive gravel track network.
Chris Gregory, the National Park’s Transport and Tourism Officer, said: ‘From the open top deck you will get a view of the Forest like no other.
‘Using the tour to get around the National Park makes so much sense. You see more than you could in a car, and fewer cars in the National Park is better for everyone's enjoyment of this magical place.’
Flexible ticket options have also been introduced to encourage customers to get the most out of the New Forest Tour. These include a new two-day ticket which will be valid on both routes (adult ticket £12).
Buy your ticket today and view the timetable and route map at www.thenewforesttour.info.
Photo Caption:
The New Forest Tour in action.

Notes to Editors:
The New Forest Tour is a partnership between Bluestar, Wilts and Dorset, the New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council, New Forest Tourism Association, Sandy Balls Holiday Centre, Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway and Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
   Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect
   Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
•   Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.
Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Media Contact:
Hilary Makin, Communications Manager, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646608
Email: hilary.makin@newforestnpa.gov.uk

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The New Forest National Park lies mainly in south-west Hampshire; it is famous for its stunning landscapes,wildlife,coastline & picturesque villages. It is the eighth national park in England and the first in the south-east to be created for nearly 50yrs.