Owned by the Girlguiding since 1922, Foxlease, a white-walled Georgian manor on the edge of Lyndhurst town, has clearly reaped the benefits of the sixth law of Girlguiding: ‘to respect all living things and take care of the world around you’. Beyond the house, lawns merge gradually into great oak, ash and birch trees and wildlife sings its constant song, from birds nesting in the woods to the rustling of squirrels, darting from trees to undergrowth. It’s the same as it ever has been since the home was first built in this central New Forest setting. And it’s the ideal scene for a campsite.
Today, you needn’t be a fully signed up Guide to pitch your tent in Foxlease’s sweeping 65-acre grounds. The estate, with various different camping meadows, welcomes families from far and wide, too, opening up its tent-only campsite.
While the campsite is ensconced in the very heart of the national park, it only takes around 10 minutes to walk into the centre of Lyndhurst, the New Forest’s largest town and home to the main visitor centre. The town offers rainy-day cafés and hideouts, as well as bike shops, where you can pick up a set of wheels and head out in search of New Forest ponies. There’s a vast network of car-free trails in the national park and, with a picnic packed, a bike is often the wisest way to explore as a family. After all, any good Guide knows the second law is to use your time and ability wisely. Spending a while cycling in the outdoors should definitely be high on that list. And a few days camping at Foxlease? That’s certainly time well spent.
Infants under the age of 4 are not charged to stay here. Please do not include infants in the booking.
Foxlease is a hidden gem in the heart of the New Forest, it is one of the four Training and Activity centres owned by Girlguiding. The Foxlease Estate was gifted to Girl Guiding in 1922 by Mrs Archbold Sanderson. Girlguiding is extremely grateful and lucky to have this wonderful centre, with continued support to the Girlguiding Charity we are able to share this centre.
Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK. We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun.
There are many things to do in the New Forest, from exploring new place, spending the day at the beach, walking or cycling the plentiful tracks or relaxing the the village of Lyndhurst. Our site has direct access to the forest, and Lyndhurst is a 15 minute walk.
Our campsites are fully equipped with showers and toilets. Each campsite offers beautiful views either into our woodlands or over green fields. Foxlease is completely secluded, so a proper camping experience is sure to happen.
If you are after camping fun but don't want to cook all the time, there are plenty of option in the surrounding area. There is a local pub within walking distance that offers cooked meals.