Sun, beach, wildlife and heaps of fun… we have it all in the New Forest! Step into a forest of magical experiences and unforgettable moments on a super summer staycation this year. There’s an abundance of beautiful wildlife, stunning nature and breath-taking views to discover.
Image - Free-roaming pony in the heather / Credit - Bramble and Beach Photography
The New Forest is the perfect location for sunny days out, from hikes with friends to family beach days (on our secret coast!); picnics amongst the natural landscape and dining alfresco at local eateries! Guided walks and bike rides also make idyllic ways to explore the forest and see our free-roaming animals wandering and grazing through the National Park.
And, it’s not just a forest, we have a long list of fun things to do here too! Cool down with wicked watersports, get the adrenaline going at theme parks and doing extreme outdoor activities, or relax on a luxury yacht. Don’t forget the New Forest Tour, an open-top bus winding along our forest roads during the summer – our very own forest safari!
Image - Canoeing on Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities
Not only do we have plenty of incredible days out, but we are also home to amazing places to stay for your dream staycation in the forest.
Sleep beneath the stars and get close to nature on a camping holiday! There is no better way to get the real forest experience. There are over 30 amazing campsites to choose from that are dotted around the New Forest – from very basic options, to locations with showers, electric, shops on site and even play parks. So, pick your campsite, pack your tent and unwind in our ancient woodlands for the ultimate relaxation…
Image - Red Shoot Camping Park
Want to feel the benefits of resting up within wonderful wildlife, but don’t think of yourself as a camper? How about a glamping trip? Think groovy festival vibes with tipees and yurts, or fall in love the countryside from a shepherd’s hut – glamping is a comfy way to camp! Many of our places to glamp also have pop-up dinner options and bars to unwind in after a day of exploring.
Planning a family break, group trip or a romantic getaway? Take a look at our phenomenal holiday parks. Full of exciting experiences with onsite entertainment, swimming pools and other fun-filled activities, including archery, alpaca walks, segways and more. Plus, our holiday parks have unmissable places to eat and drink onsite, from outdoor pizza bars to brand new restaurants, all with excellent menus to suit everyone’s taste. If you are really looking for something different, check out some of their unique accommodation! You can make a treehouse your home for the week, chill out in a boujee chalet or take some time to rejuvenate in a secluded woodland lodge.
Image - Sandy Balls Holiday Village
You’ll find a home away from home at our holiday cottages and self catering properties in the New Forest! With options to accommodate from 2 to 18 people, we have loads of brilliant self catering holiday options here, all with a different unique selling point! Some have hot tubs and pools; some offer a games room; or book a cottage with an outdoor cooking area, perfect for those warm summer evenings. It’s a quirky way to stay!
For some laid back luxury, book a break at one of our local hotels. Hotels are the ideal option for a place to stay with everything you need at your fingertips – award-winning restaurants, delightful afternoon teas on terraces, spa facilities, lavish bars and beautiful gardens. It’s the location of our hotels which are unbeatable, from country house hotels being surrounded by green trees and roaming ponies in the middle of nowhere, to boutique hotels being located within the hustle and bustle of our towns and villages!
Image - The Montagu Arms Hotel
If you want to get to know the area quickly, our B&B Owners are local experts! Our quaint bed & breakfasts are top places to stay for both active trips away, being located within short walking (or cycling) distance to our 140 miles worth of paths and tracks, and more mellow getaways, being surrounded by the birds, trees and lovely animals in the New Forest. Plus, one of the best things about staying at a B&B is the delicious, hearty breakfast served every morning, packed full of local produce from businesses and producers in the forest!
There is no need to leave anyone behind when you come on a staycation to the New Forest, with many places to stay being uber dog friendly, with some places offering dog beds, treats and even a doggy welcome-hamper. Most of our places to eat, attractions and activities are also dog friendly too – plus our woodlands and heathlands are perfect for dogs to explore and discover new smells and sights.
Image - Family Dog Walk in the New Forest
It’s well known that being in the great outdoors is super beneficial for everyone, but especially for little ones who are learning and growing every day – and this makes the New Forest the best place for a family vacation! Walk through the tall trees, watch adorable animals and enjoy exciting days outs free of worries, knowing you have somewhere amazing to go back to at the end of each day for the kids to sleep comfortably for the night, ready for another day of exploring when they wake up, with loads of family friendly accommodation.
Image - Furzey Gardens
So, what’s stopping you? Book that summer staycation you’ve been dreaming of!
And make sure you book direct for the best rate guaranteed and for an extra treat! Take a look at places to stay with our Green Leaf award too, for a more eco-friendly break in the New Forest.