UK Van Life Best Places To Visit // The New Forest

Next stop on our UK Van Life Roadtrip - The New Forest! From free-roaming horses to stories of witches and breathtaking bike rides, this has got to be one of the most beautiful places we've taken the van to! Where else do we need to stop at on our drive up to Scotland? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!
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Raya
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Louis
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[@ndharman1]

This was just what I needed. My dad spent 40 years working and restoring the castle. We had his funeral here, I’ve missed him a lot today. It’s like he sent you there as we loved watching your video’s together.

[@fibromighty]

This comment made me smile ❤️ I'm certain your dad is smiling too. We are all connected ❤️

[@RayaandLouis]

Wow Nicola this is beautiful! I’m sure he helped us get there. What a beautiful gift to see the messages he’s sending you ❤️

[@8ievaieva8]

Those purple flowers are known as calluna or heather. Truly magnificent!

[@RayaandLouis]

They really are!! Thanks for the info ☺️

[@joanie5278]

When I studied US women’s history in college, one of the things we learned about the witch trials was that a lot of the women accused of witchcraft were not “covered” by a man, meaning they were widows,or single and their fathers had died, no brothers to inherit, etc. The way the legal system was set up at the time, property wasn’t supposed to be in the hands of women. Women were not supposed to have any power. By convicting these women of crimes, the property could be seized by the town and reallocated to male ownership.

[@RayaandLouis]

Ughhh i didn’t think I could learn more horrible things about the witch trials but there’s always more 😡

[@joanie5278]

@@RayaandLouis At the end of the two course series, the professor sat down and told us if we remembered nothing else from the courses to remember this one phrase: “women get jerked around“

[@lijntje266]

Also something horrible i just found out is why we use the image of the green women with hunched back and claw like hands... because before they would burn the women accused they would lock them in dungeons starve and torture them. The green is someone who is sick and starving the hunched back is broken bones from torture and so are the claw like fingers they are just broken bones... it creeps me out so much...

[@Red-Robin4]

That’s so horrific and I’m so incredibly glad I didn’t live back then!!

[@AsmileismymakeupBlogspot]

New forest is my home 🥰 so glad you enjoyed it! Just a quick one for anyone wanting to visit - we discourage stroking/feeding or going near the horses even if they're friendly, they are owned by commoners and aren't 'wild' but by getting them used to people and going near roads and cars is what gets a very high number of them hit and killed by cars each year! They are semi feral and can still kick and bite especially when they become reliant on tourists giving them food and attention! They get rounded up each year and checked constantly so they're healthy but we like everybody to keep their distance. You can get fined for feeding them. They're beautiful to admire from a distance, but just like dogs, they're owned by people and you wouldn't go up and stroke a person's dog without asking 😊

[@hannahblake5691]

I 100% agree as a local myself please be respectful on the new forest code of conduct it’s really important

[@idyllicme2010]

Magic is so real. Mother Nature and her whole court are real and true. Love you Raya & Louis. 🥰

[@idyllicme2010]

I just had the best backyard neighbour communion. I love summertime bonfires.

[@richardlaundon]

The purple flowers are Heather and it looks like you timed it just right as August is the peak time for it all to be out :D

[@RayaandLouis]

Oh wow didn’t know that! So grateful to have seen them in their full glory 🙌🏼

[@222_kitty_]

The way you described witches was so accurate. Thank you sharing that. 💖 magic is everywhere. I enjoy watching you guys find it throughout the world and share with the collective. 💖 you guys are a huge inspiration

[@RayaandLouis]

Thanks Kat! ☺️

[@deloresthomas5624]

The love you show for each other and nature I wish could be experienced by the entire world.

[@RayaandLouis]

Wow thank you so so much! ❤️

[@deborahread6259]

Of course we believe it’s England. We know how beautiful our country is. Glad you are enjoying too

[@NMBWoodworks]

if you find yourselves on the isle of Skye, Glenbrittle campsite is amazing. its right on the beach and they make fresh bread and croissant every day.

[@julesly]

Raya! I’m fascinated too! Ever since I discovered that my ninth great grandmother was hung at Salem in the US for being a witch, I dove deeper into learning as much as I can. I’d love a whole video about it!

[@luladuncanizzy]

This is absolutely madness that I've been watching you both for years and now you've filmed in my local area! It's so stunning isn't it!

[@RayaandLouis]

Yess it really is!

[@HiImChase]

I bet it’s Durdle Door you’re heading to, if not, you should, it’s beaut!

[@msmithgraphix]

I love the new forest, one of favourite places to go, with the forest ponies and the fields of purple Heather , simply amazing

[@the_mum]

I so loved the New Forest when I made my way around the UK. You may like to see the statue to King Arthur at Tintagel. That is definitely a magical place. The statue itself is worth the time.

[@the_mum]

Did Raya really say "f@cking sunset"? That cracked me up 😁

[@Sarttimi]

Ahhh it's always a great day when Raya and Louis post! Makes my day. Wish I was living this life! Enjoy x Love from Ontario, Canada

[@RayaandLouis]

Ah thank you so much! ❤️

[@angelamouland8012]

I am very lucky to call the New Forest my home, I totally agree it is gorgeous and magical. You got some awesome shots of it.

[@RachelSimmondsBassoon]

If you guys end up in Fort William (where I live!) and you aren’t planning on doing Ben Nevis, then I would really recommend driving through Glen Nevis, amazing views and lots of spots to park the van. At the end of that road you can park your car and do a 30min ish walk to Steall Falls, real short walk through ancient Scot’s pine forests for a stunning valley and waterfall! Also used in Harry Potter as so much of Lochaber is! I work on a 2hr Cruise on Loch Linnhe where we talk about the local area/history and spot porpoise & seals! We would love to welcome you guys if you had time, but if you’re short, I defo recommend the walk!!

[@zumbaaddictz]

You have literally stayed in my back garden 🪴 Have the best time. This is such a lovely part of the Uk. 💕

[@susandibble3525]

Scotland is the place to see beautiful landscapes of Heather as well 🤗

[@Victoria-ok7ns]

I love the New forest, never realised there was a beach so near. if you are going to dorest you should go to Sand banks and Arne is also one of my favorate places to visit in Dorset its a good place for walks and seeing deers/stags.

[@WeRandomx]

I got Married at Highcliffe Castle in September and am just going back re-watching all the video I missed while I was busy wedding planning and I can’t believe you were there 🤩 Can’t wait for you to be back living in the UK and can share more of what it has to offer! Highly recommend Glastonbury Festival, not only for the music scene, but the healing fields, stone circle and the community is out of this world, it has to be on your bucket list!

[@samanthayounn]

You both are magical! 🧙‍♀️🧙 your love and energy is magical 💞 and infectious!

[@RayaandLouis]

Thank you so much Sam!

[@declanthomas1996]

Love the new Forrest it’s where I spent most of my childhood

[@EmmieeEternity]

England is so beautiful when you get off the beaten track. The new first is especially beautiful and I’m glad you got to Burley because it really is magical. I ate in the pub and had the same Mushroom and Ale pie and it had the loveliest crunchy pastry. Very good prices also. Im sure there are a lot of people watching this video thinking that not all of England is like that, but when you’re out of the towns and cities and explore villages and nature it’s just beautiful. Nothing I love more than hiking and exploring the British nature. I would absolutely recommend doing a little hike around the South West Coast Path if you head Devon/Cornwall way. Some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see, so dramatic and loads of animals and nature. I’ve never seen so many seals before. Hope you enjoy the rest of your UK trip ❤️

[@Erin-S]

I heard you talk about magic, surrendering, being present... these are all lessons you'll get a master class in when you become parents. Very excited to see you on this journey!

[@lizzieelmer2602]

Love this video! I live not far from the New Forest so we regularly visit, it really is beautiful! It's so lovely to see somewhere so local to me through your eyes and re-appreciate what is home to me. Thank you!

[@craighmandy1982]

Raya’s face after she says “Colette’s Cottage” 😂❤️

[@Jaxcoop1234]

Love the witch bit,thank u for explaining we are good not bad🥰witching is about love and light ⭐️

[@lacelegends9102]

Also you guys should do the North coast 500 around Scotland it's absolutely stunning c

[@cdwreckit6911]

You should come to Cornwall I live here and you would love it here it's so beautiful the place you should see when you come down to Cornwall is Newquay the beaches are gorgeous here so hope this helps you with were to go next and love your content so can wait to see the next video ❤️❤️🥳🎆📸

[@gingerbread18]

I hope you guys never stop posting! I’ve been watching you guys for years and you give me so much peace when watching, and you’re so inspirational

[@bbeth4]

i absolutely adore hearing you guys talk about your travel plans with your kids!! it feels like a little sneak peak into the adventures yet to come that we get to experience along side you ❤️❤️

[@niamh.elizabeth]

Recommendation: Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, Scotland is very beautiful and historical!

[@codeflunky1]

There are lots of fantastic former railway cycle routes in the Peak District with bike hire available. Checkout the town of Bakewell (of pudding/tart fame) which is at the start of the Monsal trail, an 8 mile long stretch of cycle path through stunning scenery with several long tunnels!

[@melanieshirkey5276]

Beautiful and magical place ! Loved all the horses! Safe travels on your adventure!

[@hannahbevan7137]

This makes me beyond happy to see you in my home area - glad you loved it as much as I do 🤍

[@Eleanorsueart]

Aw just so lovely seeing you both enjoying life together ✨

[@veagishiro]

I really admire you guys enjoy yourself life is short

[@thetravelduo_]

Hey Guys! Chris & Sam here, we have been watching your channel for the past year now & you guys are one of the channels who inspired us to go full time van life too. SO pleased to see you are enjoying the UK, we are recently back from our Europe trip & travelling the UK too! Got to say completely mindblown over the facts about witchcraft & has inspired us to look into this more! You guys are capturing the UK beautifully & looking forward to seeing where you end up next, we will definitely keep an eye out on the road for you both 😀

[@KymeGracia]

Thank you for setting the record straight about witches, the history is so heavy. I am so excited to watch this fabulous UK trip, thank you.

[@Gee_Gee_7]

Raya, I love your passion you show when talking about strong women and changing minds and attitudes towards women, nature and magic. I think it is wonderful x

[@rachaelbrown4512]

That was so surreal that you stayed in that campsite. I stayed there once when my children were younger and in the morning we heard something outside our tent. When I unzipped the tent I saw a Shetland pony eating the butter from my cool box! He looked at me and he had butter smeared all round his mouth, it was such a funny sight. I agree that it is probably one of the best campsites in the New Forrest.

[@withoutasign]

Raya THANK YOU for just saying that you believe in faries!!! These are the things I was too scared to express as a child and I am still learning to voice myself and my 'weird' beliefs/thoughts so it is super refreshing to just hear you say it to a channel of 124k subsribers!! ♥

[@karenhouseman6173]

Wow ! The New Forest is very magical, its so strange how the horses are just so free. As you are going up North before you reach the lakes read the tale of the pendle witches (outside of Lancaster close to my local area) on your travels. Enjoy your trip

[@carlamaevekantz8150]

My father is Italian and mother is Irish, I was born in Galway, I love everything about witch's, of course the white witch's, I really enjoyed this talk about witch's, I believe in fairy too ❤️ love you

[@mrshess443]

Thank you for speaking the truth about witches!!

[@RayaandLouis]

🙌🏼✨✨

[@theaburtofamily9398]

The life you are living is absolutely beautiful! Always happy to see another video pop up on the feed from you two 🫶🏽

[@RayaandLouis]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@marie1232]

Your videos always bring so much joy! Such wholesome, uplifting content to end the week, thank you.

[@elsaswetenham6922]

Hey this is so fun to watch as I've spent a lot of time recently in the New Forest since i've been at uni in Bath so cool to see all these familiar places in your videos! Recommendations wise: 1. If you go to Bath and enjoy wild swimming, there is the most beautiful magical kind of hippie spot called Warleigh Weir down the back of Claverton down. Its right next to the canal / train line (also very pretty walk) - but the weir itself is a gorgeous swimming spot and place to have a picnic / bbq. Sometimes theres' even little food stands etc down there - defo worth a visit. And Bath itself has gorgeous vegan restaurants / shops - could also take a trip to the bath spa if you want to relax / the old roman baths are really cool to visit (neither need bookings). 2. If you go to the lake district I would 100% recommend that you go to Ullswater lake - it's one of the bigger ones but a lot less touristy than Windermere, you can get a really cool little steam boat from Pooley bridge to Glenridding and from Glenridding you can hire old traditional sailing boats / canoes and the village is also the base for some amazing hikes such as Hellvelyn. My friends mum also owns some beautiful cottages there (High House farm) if you fancied a night not in the van. (she has 5 of the cutest puppies and horses in the field + amazing views), so worth a visit if you can! 3. Hawsewater is another beautiful one for a walk in the lake district, it used to be a village and it was flooded to make a reservoir but the walks around it are stunning (old corpse road is one of them). I'm from Jersey in the channel islands so if you took the van / yourselves anywhere else this summer I would recommend coming down here! Hope you enjoy more time in the UK xx

[@JyotiKumari-xf1fv]

Hiiii Raya and Louis!!!! I'm enjoying your videos! Always waiting for the next one. You should go to Penzance if you get a chance. There is an amazing day hike trail on the coast all the way until Porthcurno. I'm sure you gonna love it there is nature everywhere. Thank you for the video Enjoyy!!!

[@user-dd5od3sz3t]

Thank you for bringing us along on your travels! UK looks absolutely gorgeous!

[@RayaandLouis]

Thank you!! So excited to be exploring this part of the world 😍

[@lisahopper3499]

You guys get better and better. Totally with you on the witchy side of things. We were all indigenous way back and we've lost so much earth knowledge. I lean heavily on holistic therapies before ever resorting to pharma. Ps I'm in Cornwall now, but still want to see so many more places on our Island. Thanks for the views. 🙏 You're such a lovely couple. 💞✨🏖️

[@RayaandLouis]

Thanks Lisa! I’ve been really wanting to take an Herbalism course, hopefully will have time to soon! We don’t have time for Cornwall on this trip unfortunately but I can’t wait to go one day!

[@pixiekmoon544]

This video just makes me love you both so much more. I wish we all felt the same about Witches. Oh Pembrokeshire is soooo beautiful if you get the chance to visit. Full of amazing beaches and the whole place feels magical. 💓💓💓

[@lauren1881]

So excited to hear you're coming to the Lake District! I live in the South Lakes in a tiny village called Arnside, it's an absolute hidden gem that not many tourists know about but is surrounded by beauty, with a stunning estuary on one side and the countryside on the other, well worth a quick pitstop if you get the chance. Also, Lake Windermere is a brilliant place for kayaking and paddle boarding, as well as having lots of good vegan food places, especially in Bowness. If you're looking for a holiday park to stay in I also recommend Holgates, they have a few beautiful spots around Cumbria. Hope you enjoy the rest of your UK road trip!😊

[@skyrosemb]

Please give wales some love as well!! North wales is full of absolutely breathtaking nature spots !! Pistyll rhaeadr is one of the seven wonders of wales and is just breathtaking !! Lake vyrnwy isn’t too far from there either which is a lake with a drowned village underneath and you can rent kayaks and canoes! Just so much history !!

[@jamessaltlife]

Awesome! Bumped into you on Barton cliff top, didn’t want to disturb but wanted to thank you for your vegan campout speech - really inspiring there’s no reason why none of us can’t take steps to live the life we really want. So cool to see such well-travelled people in my home town 😂

[@RayaandLouis]

Thanks so much James! ☺️

[@jackfinn2199]

Stirling, Scotland has a castle and an old jail. I have recently been there on holiday and they are both really good

[@I_am_Lauren]

I love new age and witches shops! There is something magical everywhere you look and those stores are always crammed full of stuff to buy!

[@GreenFairyPrincess]

So used to seeing you explore the world and exotic places, so it's super weird seeing you explore New Forest which is my stomping ground :D you went to all my fave spots too. Honestly I thought you might be dissapointed compared to all your other amazing travel so made me so happy to hear how much you appreciated it and it's simple beauty 💕 also the fairy festival is so up your street you must remember to visit it in the future!

[@HelenHobden]

On a very selfish level, I'm glad you didn't go to the fairy festival! - I've had a stall there every time selling my handmade fairytale clothing, but couldn't justify the pitch fee this year. I'd have been absolutely gutted if I'd missed you the one year I didn't do it!! I'm absolutely loving these vlogs; thank you for sharing. Maybe see you in Glastonbury? (Let me know if you'd like to see the festival site, or would like somewhere to stop for a cup of tea. :)

[@sandyc6569]

Raya I have always thought about witchery just never studied or searched much into all of it so i would totally be interested in that.That would be so much fun!! The New Forest is amazingly beautiful! Thank you for sharing!! Take care and be safe out there!! 👍❣❤❣👍 P.S I believe in 🧚🧚‍♂🧚‍♀🧚🧚‍♂🧚‍♀

[@RayaandLouis]

Yess!! 🧚‍♂️✨

[@sandyc6569]

@@RayaandLouis 😊👍

[@charlottemurphy2023]

I'm from Southampton and I definitely take how close I am to the new forest for granted. Its such an amazing place and it's awesome seeing people from all over the world enjoy it :)

[@Leeny01]

Loved this, not only because of the amazing beauty, but the powerful feminine lessons you shared at the end! Can’t wait for more of this content 🖤 Witch literally means healer! Time for us to reclaim the divine feminine for the healing of the planet!

[@loniallorenz2009]

Wow, so glad we gave you all another look !!! Not sure what but quite a while ago we tuned you two out, especially Louis. What a wonderful warm, enchanting couple you are and your videos are so absorbing. We guess enthralled would best describe our feelings today. Thank you for sharing.

[@211nikkip]

Witchuals! The new forest is so enchanted. Thank you for this wonderful episode. Happy you got to cycle

[@LilyWright90]

Burley is one of my most favourite places! So glad you guys got to experience it!

[@RayaandLouis]

Loved it! Will definitely be back ☺️

[@monakayk]

The field of purple flowers look like Heather.

[@ADDUBGIRL]

LOVE this episode. Magick is everywhere and I look forward to watching and learning along with you

[@HeKatesCrossing]

Loving this series of your UK Visit Vanlife - Thank you for sharing your Thoughts in regards to Witchcraft and being a Witch .. as my transformation 20+ years ago into the practice of Witchcraft, I had over the years dealt with many prejudices in my practices.. It was lovely hearing your thoughts on this topic and can not wait to hear your thoughts on the book Wakening The Witch.. always love your candid approach to your videos .. Take care .. You are both such inspirational Souls..

[@hayleyp1179]

Loving this road trip so far!! If you want to go somewhere which is just as beautiful and steeped in lots of history as Dorset, I’d recommend coming over to the Isle of Man - it’s got so much heritage and magical links right across the island! ❤️

[@rachaelredgate1005]

I saw you're going to the Lake District. One of my fave places there is Buttermere. Come rain or shine, I find the lake and waterfalls at Buttermere sooo beautiful and peaceful. It's a little further than most of the most touristy places but so worth it. The drive there via Honister Pass is also just epic.

[@rachaelredgate1005]

@Raya and Louis This is fake, right?!

[@rachaelredgate1005]

​ @Raya and Louis this is fake, right?!

[@annabelv.2400]

About the witch thing : being an anthropologist, it is stunning to know how in many cultures, in many different places all over the world, "wise women" having some kind of power (healing, any kind of knowledge really that the "average man" wouldn't have) are feared and often been demonized.... by men. A recurrent thinking goes that men already fear women for their power to give life and were/are wary to recognize more power that they cannot master to the feminine gender. Edit: I forgot to add, If you can, definitely makeit to the Cotswolds between England and Wales, it s magical.

[@anothercheryladventure9387]

Thank you for the wonderful scenery and wish I could go to the fairy festival too. 💜💕❤️😊💜🇺🇸

[@alegna4132]

Sorry I missed you- only live a few miles away from where you were! Have loads of fun on rest of your trip

[@BMW7series251]

Loved the video Guys. Cheers, John.

[@earthangelproductions2779]

Watching all your vlogs puts me in such a mood..smooth jazz and sunsets

[@johnkim3738]

Fell in love with your videos.. 😍.. You have biig hearts and so genuine... Big up.. 💞💞💞

[@fireislandchica6759]

Thank you for the witchy content 🖤

[@EarthAngelinKC]

Wonderful video...very well edited with all the drone shots. Thank you for sharing, I always learn so much thru your travel vlogs...the UK is a very enchanting place to explore✨

[@JeSuisEmma28]

Loved seeing the New Forest horses! I have family on the south coast, & one thing I will always remember about driving to visit them when I was a kid is stopping in the New Forest to see the horses :)

[@Andrewjok]

Are you guys planning to visit Glastonbury? I feel you both will enjoy the beautiful, powerful place!

[@tracyhughes8524]

I just started subscribing and I love your channel. I really like how you ended the day just reflecting on some things that you're thankful for. I've been to some of the places you visited in England and your video was like a blast from the past. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kazamataz11]

I love that I’ve watched you travel through Europe, USA, South America and now you’re soon to pretty much travel past my house in Powys!! I also love that Raya believes in magic and fairies, you’ll love Wales 🧚💕

[@I_am_Lauren]

I LOVE seeing the wedding rings on you guys! Makes my heart happy!

[@dave212dd]

Amazing to see you two come to the new forest, I grew up down the road from Highcliffe castle and live not far from Barton on sea. I actually spotted you in Sainsburys on my way home from work. Glad you enjoyed the area and I look forward to watching the rest of this road trip !

[@RayaandLouis]

Oh no way! Haha you should have said hi ☺️ thank you, it was so beautiful!

[@dave212dd]

@@RayaandLouis haha yes, if I cross paths with you again I will. Have a beautiful trip.

[@sonjadlong7554]

Raya's dinner was Magic!!!!! Yum!!! New Forest is Beautiful! BLESSED

[@DestinationUnknown227]

Hi guys!! You both are such amazing and beautiful souls, just genuinely kind people and it’s awesome to see and watch. My Aunt and Uncle have been in Costa Rica for the last month and have are in the midst of buying a home there! I can’t wait, it’s been a dream of mine to visit Costa Rica and I now have a place to stay… woot woot!!! Stay safe and amazing loves ❤️🫶🧙‍♀️

[@MrandMrsLivingLife]

Slow travel sounds like a great idea 😁👏

[@charlenechua6073]

love the caption of UK van life because it is very adventurous

[@joycady8325]

Yep, "stop and smell the roses". Love the New Forest, I want to go! BTW, I am LOVING this road trip across the UK! So, so awesome (:

[@Mel.H_]

Beautiful! And Raya thank you for that witch/ wizard lesson, I had no idea! Love you guys ❤

[@malibooo]

I’m so grateful for your videos, they are so vibey!! 💗✨

[@sharonmayer7572]

Loving the trip so far 👍🏻😊 getting some great ideas for places to go see and you are both so lovely

[@yvethemetriccrafter688]

As a witch myself I don't mind all the gimmicky shops , anything that celebrates witchcraft is good by me . My husband's grandfather used to spend time with the witches of the new forest , and the forest of Dean . I'm really enjoying watching your journey around the UK .

[@bellemdm]

So interesting that you talked about the witch stuff. I just today turned in my Final paper for my degree in History, and my paper was on the witch trials and how the Church persecuted women who were healers or midwives or had religious followers, in order to have men take over their roles in society. So interesting!

[@kellygould9984]

Raya!!! Omg I'm so glad you talked about herbalism! I've just recently start learning about it! I've already had a great love for plants and I now just started to learn about their many healing powers! It's amazing!!

[@kimberlymajor5185]

I have added this destination to my bucket list. Beautiful!!!!

[@camilastanzione]

Loving your videos back on van life! and really enjoyed all the witch talk! So true and interesting. Hugs from Argentina!

[@phynx2006]

That Van definitely has some Horse Power 👍😎🐴