Hooray – spring is finally here! With warmer weather, longer days and flowers blooming, this is a truly wonderful time of year, and where better to spend the season than in the New Forest?
With spring now upon us, we’ve come up with ideas on the best way to spend spring in the New Forest…
1. Wildlife watching – Spring in the New Forest promises the joy of adorable newborn animals. Look out for the little cuties when you’re out and about in our magical National Park. Watch precious foals, fawns and donkeys taking their first steps, playing and snuggling with their mothers; it’s a truly heartwarming experience. As well as newborn animals, there is so much other wonderful wildlife to enjoy at this time of year, including stunning birdlife!
Please follow the New Forest Code and do not touch or feed any free-roaming animals in the New Forest – and especially keep your distance from mothers and their newborns.
2. Wander the pathways – Lace up your walking boots and set off on a walking adventure through the New Forest. Crisscross along our excellent network of paths, discovering stunning spring nature along the way within our constantly changing landscapes, making every walk a discovery of new floral blooms, greenery and wildlife.
3. Cycle through the beauty – With miles of cycle routes, spring makes for the perfect time to head to explore the New Forest on two wheels. Our scenic cycle tracks through woodland, heathland and grassland offer an unforgettable cycling experience for all abilities and ages. Plus, we have an excellent choice of local bike hire centres!
4. Picnics amongst nature – Pack a picnic and enjoy this fun way of eating, surrounded by the gorgeousness of spring in the New Forest. Spring is the perfect time to try our phenomenal local produce, so head to a farm shop to fill up your basket, then find a spot to graze and enjoy a memorable dining experience outdoors!
5. Enjoy the benefits of sunshine and serotonin – It’s been long awaited, but the beaming, warm sun will finally return in the spring! Your serotonin will be topped up and will make you feel invigorated. Plus, you’ll be able to capture those special spring moments with the perfect lighting the sun provides for your photographs for free.
6. Visit gardens and other reopened attractions – Bursting with colour and life in the spring, our local gardens are absolutely stunning at this time of year! Many other local attractions also swing their doors open and welcome back visitors this season. Get hands-on with adorable animals at farms, or take a ride on a thrilling rollercoaster!
7. Look for bluebells – Later in the spring, glorious bluebells are the main stars of the show! The floors of New Forest woodlands are flooded with a carpet of purple and blue hues; it’s a seasonal highlight not to be missed!
8. Delight in an afternoon tea – Spring is the ideal time to indulge in an afternoon tea. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and cakes, accompanied by tea or even a glass of bubbly. Choose from picturesque garden terraces or beautiful indoor conservatories.
9. Camp under the stars – With stunning clear skies over our National Park and beautiful wildlife all around, there is nowhere better for a camping trip than the New Forest. Spend your nights under the starry sky, listening to the sounds of nature, for a truly immersive experience.
10. Be beside the seaside – Whether for a walk to enjoy the fresh sea air, building sandcastles, or an early-season dip, a day at the beach is excellent for the body and mind and is even more enjoyable with the blue skies of spring.
However you choose to spend your spring, we hope you have an excellent time in the magical New Forest!