Between Southampton And Poole Is A Charming Village Inside A National Park With A Vibrant Culture, Quaint Shops, And Outdoor Fun

British folklore is rich with tales of enchanted forests, witches, and mysterious villages, and one can find this sense of fairytale intrigue in Burley, a place full of witchcraft history within the borders of New Forest National Park. In this quaint village, storybook-worthy shops sell esoteric goods and wild ponies are often spotted in the surrounding woods.

Burley wholeheartedly embraces its witchy history, which stems mainly from Sybil Leek, a famous English witch who opened several antique stores in the area in the mid-20th century. Leek would walk about town in a symbol-strewn black cloak with a jackdraw riding atop her shoulder, per Salisbury Journal, drawing the curiosity of locals. The Witchcraft Act, a holdover from the 18th century, ended in 1951 – despite this, Sybil made it known to the world that she was a "white witch," and her presence in the area helped make Burley an unofficial hot spot for witchcraft, according to the BBC.

From Poole, the drive to Burley is nearly an hour, or about two hours by train and bus. If flying in, one can arrive at Bournemouth Airport (BOH) and drive 20 minutes to reach town. Alternatively, travelers can begin their journey in the underrated seaside city of Southampton. From Southampton Airport (SOU), the drive is about a half-hour, or just over an hour by rail and local bus.

Much of Burley's beauty stems from its prime location in New Forest National Park. The forested surroundings blend perfectly with the old-fashioned shops, much like the quaint village of Beaulieu, located on the eastern edge of the park. Wandering horses and ponies are a common sight in town and in the nearby forest. The national park's diverse landscape of open heathland, old-growth forests, valleys, and rivers lend it the storybook charm of The Shire in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit."

Explore the park on horseback with Arniss Equestrian, a local guide that offers tours for the whole family. Or, discover the countless cycling trails throughout the park. Inclusive cycling outfitter PEDALL provides guided tours on a wide variety of bicycles, including tandem bikes and ones that accommodate wheelchairs. While the bikes can't be rented individually, those who join a tour are bound to have a blast. One Google reviewer wrote, "Brilliant service enabling us to go back to cycling in the New Forest using a side by side electric tandem. The staff and volunteers are very helpful and supportive."

It's always a treat to simply take in the scenery on a beautiful hiking trail. The Tall Trees Trail Circular is an easy, 2-mile route that lives up to its name with giant, gorgeous trees towering above, and the occasional deer roaming in the woods. For a trek that includes both the village and the surrounding countryside, the moderate Burley Village and Long Pond Circular takes hikers on a journey for almost 5 miles. The route begins and ends in the middle of town, encircling the lovely village of Burley and meandering past the remains of a medieval fort along the way.

While Sybil Leek's openness about her beliefs was a source of local consternation in her time, today her legacy has brought a sort of magical ambiance to the otherwise sleepy village of Burley. Curious visitors flock to Burley to explore Leek's old hometown and browse shops that gleefully cater to aspiring witches. Heritage buildings housing curated boutiques are clustered in the middle of the village, adding to Burley's whimsical identity and timeless medieval appeal.

A Coven of Witches is a source for classic tarot decks, symbolic statuettes, and whimsical witch figurines, among many other items. Sybil's offers candlesticks, vases, and other homey wares, some of which are locally crafted, to add some flair to your abode. With more of a fun, fantasy focus, Away With The Fairies has dragon decorations for your walls, playful figurines, and knick-knacks of all kinds — you can even enjoy a cone from Burley Ice Creams while you browse.

Burley also hosts annual celebrations like the New Forest Fairy Festival, where attendees dress up in their most vibrant fae fashions, enjoy live music, and browse for treasures at vendor booths. Warm, country heritage brings the community together at the New Forest Cider Festival, which takes place every October. Locals get their fill of freshly-pressed local cider, peruse handmade crafts, and root for adorable rodents at ferret races. For another enchanting adventure, discover magic and mystery at the historic ruins of Tintagel on Cornwall's Atlantic coast.