The New Forest is, of course, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and there are many tourist attractions.

However, within easy access of the Chocolate Box Cottage there is a regular Wednesday market and local shops with items from country clothes to antiques as well as those supplying ordinary daily needs. There is a local history museum and exhibition centre. Also within easy reach is The Owl Sanctuary with over 400 birds and 1000 aviaries.

Walks from one hour to a full day abound, through the forest or on the Town Trail and for cyclists, leaflets are available from the Local Visitors' Information Centre which have been produced by both the New Forest District Council and the Forestry Commission. Numerous man made lakes in the area provide opportunities for sailing and water skiing. Both course and game fishing are available on the River Avon (just a short distance away) and well stocked local lakes. Horse riding through the forest is very popular for both experienced riders and beginners.

All this, and Bournemouth (the seaside resort) is just thirty minutes away by car.

Cafes and local restaurants provide a choice of English and foreign cuisine for those who wish to eat out and there is a good selection of pub food, wine bars, sandwich bars, etc in the local town.

Just five minutes' drive away, there is a village store and Post Office, as well as a Farm Shop selling locally grown produce.

The nearest train station (with rail links to London) is Brockenhurst Station which is around a 35 minute journey by car or taxi. Buses are timetabled to run regularly between the local villages.