We are open!

We are delighted that we reopened on Monday 27th July.

We are operating slightly reduced hours, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Our shop, museum, and cafe are operational, but unfortunately we will be unable to reopen our Library, first floor or temporary exhibition space for a few weeks yet,

We look forward to welcoming you!

New Forest Knowledge

New Forest Knowledge, provides access to a wealth of information about the New Forest from a range of sources.

The New Forest Knowledge website was launched in autumn 2017, and now contains over twenty thousand entries.

Users can browse via a map-based search element and contribute their own research and photographs. Items that can be found in the system include books, maps, manuscripts, reports, paintings, photographs, audio clips and short videos.

Sharing the history of the New Forest

A free-entry museum, gallery and reference library situated in the heart of Lyndhurst, the New Forest Heritage Centre is dedicated to sharing the history and traditions of this diverse and beautiful area. With a gift shop and cafe on site, it’s a great place to start your New Forest journey.

Become a friend

It costs more than £1,000 a day to run the New Forest Heritage Centre. Become a friend and help protect and preserve the history of the New Forest.

Group Visits

From school visits to special interest groups, our education team can tailor sessions to meet your requirements

Christopher Tower Reference Library

Christopher Tower New Forest Reference Library is home to one of the largest collections of New Forest books, maps, photographs and other ephemera. Opening Hours: Wednesdays 10.00am - 4.00pm & Fridays 10.00am - 12.30pm

Help us

We can run our free entry Museum, Gallery, world class Library and Education Service only with the help of donations from lovely, generous people.

Make a donation

Make a donation now and ensure that the treasures of the New Forest live on to inspire people today and forever.

Donate