Mark Sunday 15 June in your calendars, block out the weekend for some great fun and adventures in the heart of the New Forest this year. Treat your male role model to some time surrounded by luscious woodlands on an outdoor adventure, share memories together on our coastline and feast upon some fine local dining at one of our eateries. Read on as we share some of the highlights you can enjoy this Father’s Day.
Take a trip to Exbury Gardens
Across Father’s Day weekend, Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway will be hosting their Days of Steam exhibition, featuring a fascinating array of model railways on display. Be in awe at the scale models before hopping aboard the gardens’ very own miniature steam train as it whisks you around the beautiful floral displays. Take a stroll through the 200 acres of gardens, from woodland meanders to riverside pit-stops. Plus, on Father’s Day itself, admission is half price* for any dads! (*gardens/exhibition only. Excludes steam railway tickets).
Image - Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Plan some outdoor experiences together
Create memories together whilst spending time in our beautiful National Park. If Dad loves anything water-related then he’ll be sure to find plenty of enjoyment out of a Father’s Day Paddle to the Pub with New Forest Activities. Spend time paddling together through the stunning Beaulieu River Nature Reserve as a family, ending at the Master Builder's pub on the riverside where Dad can wet his whistle with a nice cold beer.
Image - New Forest Activities
Equally, if Dad fancies testing out his balancing skills – book to tackle the giant inflatable obstacle course at the New Forest Water Park.
Hone Dad’s inner Robin Hood by perfecting the art of archery, axe-throwing and crossbows in the Medieval Trio experience hosted by Insight Activities. This experience is available for ages 12+ so is an ideal activity for teens and their dads. Other activities are also available for younger guests and their families.
Book onto one of the Go Adventure Activities’ sessions being run at the Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre - the perfect experience for the young and the young at heart. From high ropes and climbing to archery, bushcraft and time on the lake - there are plenty of options to choose from.
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
Plan a day out to Beaulieu
Spend a day out over Father’s Day weekend at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. You are sure to have an amazing day spent checking out some iconic cars from across the years. On also during this weekend will be the Icons of Formula 1 exhibition and on Father’s Day itself, the Custom & American Show will be held: with hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment.
Soak up our seaside
From budget-friendly coastal walks with Dad, through to sandcastle building at Lepe beach or a spot of birdwatching at the Lymington & Keyhaven Marshes Nature Reserve, there are plenty of adventures to be had along the New Forest coastline.
You could even choose to have a family-friendly coastal getaway, with a hot-tub lodge or caravan holiday at Shorefield Country Park – literally a stone’s throw from the pebbled beach of Milford on Sea. Or perhaps choose one of New Forest Cottages’ coastal properties for stunning views and perfect escapes, where you can rustle up your own feasts for Dad in one of their cosy cottages.
Sample some good old New Forest food and drink
Cherish memories and taste the flavours of the New Forest across Father’s Day weekend. You’ll find plenty of our pubs and restaurants will be serving up special menus on Father’s Day – take a look at our Father's Day page and our events listings for details of some of the Father's Day menus being offered. Pre-booking is strongly encouraged to avoid disappointment.
Image - Montagu Arms Hotel
Grab a picnic and head out into the forest for a memorable day out beneath the tree canopy. Listen to the birdsong and soak up the fresh, New Forest air as you feast on some local delicacies. See our top New Forest picnic spots.
Alternatively, pick up some New Forest produce from one of our farm shops or artisan stores. Fudge from the Burley Fudge Shop or a New Forest ice cream always go down a treat too!
