Welcome to
Burley Walking Tours

The New Forest village of Burley has no shortage of intriguing stories, from its famous white witch Sybil Leek, to its rich history of smuggling, and its collection of influential residents. On this walking tour, you’ll discover the mystical secrets of a charming forest village where fun facts and folklore colour the streets.

 

The tour starts at the Burley Cross, where I’ll tell you about the town’s Saxon roots, with “Bur” meaning fortified place and ”Lee” meaning a meadow in the woods.

 

I’ll take you past the Burley Cricket Club, where you’ll hear about the nearby Burley Golf Club, founded in 1906, where neighbouring New Forest ponies, cattle, and pigs add to the golfer’s challenges.

 

At St. John the Baptist Church, I’ll tell you about the mysteriously carved mouse in its communion table and its long history. You’ll wind through paths where smugglers once used red cloaks as signals to move their wares. You’ll make your way to a viewpoint of the historic Burley Manor Hotel, representing 800 years of village heritage.

 

I’ll lead you through the narrow lanes of Burley, which are named after notable residents, and share stories of the people who shaped this distinctive community, including Arthur Clough, the architect of many of the homes built here in the early 1900s.

 

The tour ends close to the starting point, where you can enjoy the Burley Inn or Queen’s Head for some reflection and refreshment.

 

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

 

• Discover the true story of Burley’s famous white witch, Sybil Leek, and find out about her coven, the Horsa Coven

• ​​​Meet characters who shaped village life, like the remarkable Constance Mary Katherine Applebee, credited with introducing field hockey to the United States

• Hear about Commander Alexander Denniston, a Burley resident and codebreaker who led the early decryption efforts at Bletchley Park during the Second World War

• Stop to buy some New Forest Cider, brewed the traditional way, using apples from their own orchard

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Having lived in Burley for around 10 years now, I decided to research the village and the New Forest in general.

 

I learnt about some very influential people who have lived here, and I found it so interesting that I wanted to share the knowledge I gained with everyone!

 

This 90-minute walking tour offers a unique glimpse into Burley’s fascinating past, perfect for both first-time visitors and long-time residents.

 

....and, if you’ve ever wondered why a witch who left Burley for the USA over 60 years ago still has such a strong connection to this village, then this is the tour for you!