• The New Forest Tour, from Left to Right - John Hutchins The New Forest District Council Chairman, with Councillor Barry Rickman, NFDC's portfolio holder for Leisure and Councillor Maureen Holding, portfolio holder for Health and Social Inclusion..

The New Forest Tour was launched at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu today (April 1) and is operated by Solent Blue Line in partnership with New Forest District Council, Hampshire County Council and the Forestry Commission.

"We're passionate about keeping this unspoilt part of rural England as car-free as possible," said Cllr Barry Rickman, NFDC's portfolio holder for leisure. 

"This regular bus service takes away the need for travelling by car, as it covers the most popular route on the visitors map. 

For many, they'll be able to hail down the bus from right outside their accommodation - so we're working with local accommodation providers to offer guests money-off coupons to use the service. 

There's no better way to experience the magnificence of the New Forest than from 20ft up," he said.

Launching on 4 April with a daily pick up at 10am from the centre of Lyndhurst, the number 49 double-decker tour bus will meander a continuous day-long loop through the New Forest's hot spots.

There are more than 25 'official' stops on the tour, including Lyndhurst, Beaulieu village and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, Lymington pier and ferry terminal (to link with the ferry service to the Isle of Wight) and Brockenhurst train station - where it will meet the frequent train services from London, Manchester and Newcastle. 

Other stops include the Forestry Commission campsites of Denny Wood, Hollands Wood and Matley Wood, as well as a number of pubs, hotels and b&b's.

What's likely to appeal to visitors is the 'hail a ride' option.  This means the bus, unmissable in its bright orange and yellow livery, will stop on request at any point where it is safe to do so.

For free-wheeling cyclists the bus features a lockable cycle carrier that will store up to nine bikes - so those who run out of peddling puff can flag down the bus, then hop and ride in comfort to the next cycling beauty spot.

The service is expected to be a great success, so although initially there will be just one bus to service the route, another vehicle may be introduced in the peak summer to cope with demand.

Valid all day, the hop-on, hop-off ticket is £6.50 for adults with concessions for children under 16, pensioners and Farepass holders at £3.25 for children and £17 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 kids).