Step into the beautiful New Forest this Eastertime, where bluebells adorn glades of woodland and where ponies roam freely.
This Easter, you can not only witness the seasonal changes in our National Park but take part in a whole host of events and activities to keep all ages entertained. Read on as we delve into some of our Easter highlights.
Soak up time together in the great outdoors
Spending time together in the New Forest and create memories to last forever. From cycling on the family-friendly gravel tracks through woodland inclosures to strolling along the coast path and soaking up the views and sounds of the sea.
New Forest Walks has a selection of self-guided walks suitable for the whole family this Easter. Each route has easy-to-follow directions and points of interest along the way, as well as all the essential information you need. Look out for new routes including Lyndhurst Explorer and Holmsley, as well as more familiar trails. Plus, download some of the free activity sheets to keep the little ones entertained along the way.
Looking for a unique family adventure this Easter? Insight Activities' "Medieval Trio" activity is an authentic outdoor experience that offers three medieval activities on one 2.5-hour session, and is perfect for creating lasting family memories. The "Medieval Trio" is more than just an activity; it's an engaging experience featuring archery, axes and crossbows. It's a chance to connect with history, learn new skills, and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the New Forest. Please note, this activity is suitable for ages 12+ but ages 6+ can participate with archery whilst others in the same family can do the Trio.
Image - Insight Activities
Avon Tyrrell’s Easter Activity Trail is also back for 2025! Join them on 20th April for just £12.50 per child for 2-hours of eggs-ellent fun, which includes climbing, archery, problem solving, pioneering, outdoor crafts and self-guided activities.
The Beaulieu Inn Hotel’s Bounce Sessions, will return for 14th-18th April, offering little ones a springtime adventure they won't forget in the charming grounds of the hotel. These energy-packed play sessions feature an array of bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle courses and diddy cars, perfectly sized for explorers up to 10 years old. Each session lasts 90-minutes and costs £5 per child (guests staying at any of the New Forest Hotels during the week of 14th-18th April will be delighted to discover that these sessions are offered completely complimentary for their children).
Plan some family-friendly days out
Visit the super family-friendly Paultons Park this Easter and be enchanted by their “Hoppy Easter” event running from 5th-21st April! Giant Easter eggs and bunnies will be decorating the entrance, and ALL of the characters will be out in Peppa Pig World to meet guests throughout the days.
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
At Beaulieu, the cars are the stars this Easter as you hop into spring and enjoy the school break together. See brand-new attraction “We Had One Of Those” opening in time for the Easter break, plus witness the return of the motoring parades. Look out for the new Easter trail that will take you on an adventure around the attraction and get stuck into fun Easter crafts as well as seeing the Easter Bunny over the Easter weekend.
The popular Longdown Golden Egg Hunt is back at Longdown Activity Farm. There are twenty golden eggs to find every day. There are no clues, and they are VERY hard to find, with a prize for those who are fortunate enough to find a golden egg. Added to this, there’ll be a full schedule of animal activities including bottle-feeding the kid goats and calves, and the Animal Encounter Barn, running daily throughout the Easter holidays.
Embark on a global adventure at Marwell Zoo this Easter. Pick up your Marwell Explorer Passport and set off on an adventure trial around the zoo, where you’ll encounter storytellers and live entertainment - all celebrating the diversity of wildlife and culture across the globe. Collect all the stamps on the trail to claim your limited-edition Explorer badge.
Image - Longdown Activity Farm
Enjoy an Easter escape
Plan a family getaway and be amazed by the amount that you and your family can see and do here in the New Forest.
Indulge in the marvellous mix of comfort and convenience with a child-friendly break at The Montagu Arms, where kids stay free this Easter . This luxury family friendly hotel appreciates the little things matter to even the littlest guests, including in-room treats, kids' menus and entertaining activities. Plus, over the Easter weekend, the hotel will be running an Easter trail in the picturesque gardens and special lunch on Easter Sunday.
Bring your home away from home with a stay in a charming New Forest holiday cottage. Choose from ones where everyone, including your four-legged friend are welcome, or those offering peaceful escapes surrounded by nature.
Image - The Montagu Arms Hotel
For families, our holiday parks offer all the fun and action you need, from indoor pools to hands-on activities.
With many of our campsites opening up in early April, you are still in time to grab yourself a camping break, a great opportunity to sit out of an evening, watch the stars and listen to the sounds of the birdlife of the forest.
To find out more about what’s going on this Easter, explore our events listings or sign up to our weekly events’ newsletter.
