With the school summer holidays now in full swing, start planning your family adventures.
Create lasting memories as you spend time together in our unique National Park. From dipping your toes in the water on our coastline, to soaking up the views of our heather-clad landscape on a family bike ride. Discover what you can do with your family in the beautiful New Forest.
Meet Paultons Park’s latest arrival
One of the big family highlights in the New Forest has to be a visit to Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World. From the thrilling rollercoasters ideal for older children to encounters with Peppa Pig and her family – including opportunities to see Peppa’s new baby sister, Evie! Not only will your little (and not so little) ones have a thoroughly enjoyable day, you too can relax in the park’s beautiful landscaped gardens.
For wildlife lovers
Get to know some of the New Forest’s native species by spending time in our National Park. Pop along to Bolderwood (also an ideal spot for a family picnic) and check out the daily deer feeding from the viewpoint at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary.
Follow the walking trails at the New Forest Reptile Centre (open during the school summer holidays) to discover more about our native reptiles and amphibians, including adders.
Meet some of the farmyard animals on a trip to Longdown Activity Farm – with opportunities to feed kid coats and pet some of the farm’s furry residents. Plan a brunch or lunch at Hockey’s Farm, near Fordingbridge, and not only will you get the chance to sample some New Forest fare, you can see the farm’s multitude of animals including pigs, donkeys and guinea pigs.
For animal encounters of the more exotic kind, head to the New Forest Wildlife Park with its Asian short-clawed otters, bison, lynx and much more.
Or, simply choose from one of our suggested family walking routes and you may be lucky enough to spot some of the New Forest’s resident ponies, donkeys, deer and cattle.
Outdoor adventures
Get the kids away from the screens and spend time with them in the great outdoors. Not only are there many known wellbeing benefits, you’ll have great fun in the process.
Why not set yourself the challenge of trying something new as a family? Perhaps a family canoe ride along the Beaulieu River or testing out the high ropes course with New Forest Activities or navigating the giant inflatable obstacle course at the New Forest Water Park.
At Insight Activities, book yourself onto a Medieval Trio session and learn how to master archery, axe-throwing and crossbows (suitable for ages 12+). For younger children, age 6+, they can test their aim on the archery range.
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre offers a range of outdoor activities for families to join in with including high ropes, archery, bike hire and much more. Plus, there’s camping and self-catering accommodation available on site should you fancy making a break of it.
For a fun day out, navigate our gravel paths and off-road cycling network on a family bike ride. We have several bike hire centres dotted around the New Forest, many of which can supply bike trailers for the little ones (or your four-legged friend) and bikes in a variety of sizes.
Other top New Forest family days out
Beaulieu is a must-add to your itinerary. From learning about the special history of Palace House and the Abbey ruins, to stepping back into the history of motoring with some iconic motorcars from across the decades. Look out for special events happening during school holidays as well as the ‘Simply’ car meets which happen at regular intervals throughout the year.
Step into a swashbuckling adventure on a day out to Hurst Castle. This Tudor castle was built by King Henry VIII and can be accessed by a short ferry trip from Keyhaven. Alternatively, walk the 2-mile stretch along Hurst Spit for some great views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight (you can then catch they ferry back if you don’t fancy the walk again!).
Little ones will also love exploring the peaceful Furzey Gardens. With countless hidden fairy doors to find, an outdoor play area plus seasonal family trails. Finish off your day out here with a bite to eat in the garden tea room.
Another great way to travel around the New Forest in the summer months is aboard the New Forest Bus Tour. This open-top bus runs three separate routes throughout the New Forest National Park with bus connections from Southampton, Salisbury and Bournemouth too. Take in the panoramic views, hop on and off wherever you like and switch between the three routes with your ticket.
Save money on your family days out
We all know that days out with the family can add up. We’re here to help. Purchase a New Forest Card for just £10 and you’ll have access to save money on places to eat, days out, accommodation and much more. Take a look at the offers available. Not only will you be saving money, you’ll help support our local businesses.
