New Forest Tour season extended

Aug. 31, 2012 - PRLog -- Now visitors have an extra four weeks to explore the New Forest National Park and take in the spectacular views of its stunning landscape on the open top buses.

The hop on, hop off Tour is the perfect way to explore the New Forest whilst leaving the car at home. The Tour has two interchangeable routes that stop at key villages and tourist attractions and there is room onboard for bikes. New for this year is a GPS activated commentary for passengers to find out more about the history and culture of the Forest.

The green route visits Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Beaulieu and Lymington and stops at the National Motor Museum, and Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway.

The red route stops at popular holiday destination Sandy Balls Holiday Park at Godshill, plus Ashurst, Lyndhurst, Burley, Ringwood and, for the first time, goes through the centre of Fordingbridge.

David Harrison, Lead Member for Transport at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Feedback from this year’s New Forest Tour has been fantastic. In August the service carried over 15,000 passengers – our most successful month to date. Not only is it a great contributor to the local economy but reduces the number of cars on New Forest roads too.

‘In 2011 over 147,000 private car miles were saved by the Tour and its customers generated a contribution of nearly £500,000 to the local economy. We are on course for more success in 2012.’

New Forest Tour customers receive a New Forest Tour Official Guide, which includes a Brand New Forest card with offers available at businesses along the route, including places to eat and drink, shops, and attractions.

A range of flexible ticket options is available including a two-day ticket valid on both routes (adults £14), and group tickets for up to five people at £28 a day.

For more information visit about routes, ticket options and timetables visit http://www.thenewforesttour.info.

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Notes to Editors:

About the New Forest Tour

The New Forest Tour is a partnership between Bluestar, Wilts and Dorset and the New Forest National Park Authority.

Numbers have increased from 9,000 passenger journeys in 2006 to nearly 34,000 in 2011.

In 2011, 147,000 private car miles were saved by the New Forest Tour, and its customers generated a contribution of nearly £500,000 to the local economy.

About the New Forest National Park Authority

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.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk