New Forest Cottages are the area’s largest accommodation provider, with over 180 properties in and around the forest and the adjoining coastline. They know the National Park inside out and stumble across names and places that most of us may consider silly at best and sometimes naughtily rude.

Read on for some examples.

Sandy Balls

You may have heard of this holiday park near Fordingbridge already, as it’s often cited in the press due to its name. Etymology suggests that the name Sandy Balls has no link to male body parts whatsoever! But it does, in fact, date back to the reign of King Henry VII and refers to sandyballas which were domed gravel or sand outcrops.

Take a look at some New Forest Cottages near Fordingbridge

Tiptoe

If there were ever a village named after the ambience and tranquillity of its surroundings, it would be Tiptoe. Surrounded by woods, wildflower meadows and trickling streams frequented by brightly coloured dragonflies, it is a truly beautiful area of the New Forest.

Have a look at holiday cottages in Tip Toe

Lover

Close to the village of Redlynch is the oh-so-romantically named little village of Lover - pronounced Low-ver. Located in the north of the National Park, the bucolic landscape is more rugged, slightly hillier and wilder than the ditsy prettiness of the south but packs in incredible views of the forest and neighbouring ANOB Cranborne Chase.

See New Forest Cottages in Redlynch

Slap Bottom

You’ll find Slap Bottom near Burley. In fact, there are lots of Bottoms in this diddy part of the New Forest, such as Holman’s Bottom, Anthony’s Bee Bottom, Duck Hole Bottom and Scrape Bottom to name but a few. Park at Burbush car park and take any of the trails in the area past some lovely ponds where ponies and other wildlife gather, providing excellent photo opportunities.

See New Forest Cottages in Burley

Little Stubby Hat

You may find more than one Little Stubby Hat in and around the New Forest because they are Mother Nature’s concoction of a living plant sculpture. Most often formed by circular oak and silver birch trees that have been swamped in holly bushes originally growing as a single plant in a hat shape.

Take a look at some New Forest interactive maps of more funny names – especially enclosures, woods, and walking routes! And, if you want to make your visit into a long weekend or short break, find somewhere wonderful to stay with New Forest Cottages – take a look at their full collection of cottages, houses, flats and cabins.