Foxlease House (Girl Guides)

Standing proud among New Forest heathland, this imposing Victorian house serves as the national training centre for the Girl Guides movement. Built in 1875 as a private estate, Foxlease became the Guides' headquarters in 1922 and remains their spiritual home nearly a century later.

Guide groups from across Britain descend here for residential courses, leadership training, and those all-important badge challenges. The grounds sprawl across 60 acres of proper New Forest territory, complete with woodland trails, camping areas, and outdoor activity spaces that would make any Scout leader envious.

While primarily operational rather than tourist-focused, the house occasionally opens for heritage days and special events. These offer rare glimpses into rooms where Baden-Powell himself once walked, plus displays chronicling the movement's evolution from Edwardian drawing rooms to modern youth development.

Families staying at nearby New Forest campsites like Hollands Wood or Roundhill might spot the occasional troop marching past Brockenhurst station, rucksacks bulging with camping gear. The house sits perfectly positioned for exploring deeper forest paths, though don't expect guided tours or gift shops - this remains very much a working centre rather than a heritage attraction.