The final bank holiday weekend of the summer is fast approaching, now’s the perfect time to start planning your adventures to the New Forest.
From family days out and activities, through to foodie events and live music, discover what you can do this August bank holiday weekend in the New Forest.
Family events and days out
Catching the tail end of the school summer holidays, there’s still plenty going on. Follow the Fairy and Dragon Trail at Beaulieu or join in with their summer holiday fun which includes colourful characters, living history parades, phantasmagorical rides, and captivating new exhibitions. Events are running across the bank holiday weekend.
Image - National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Younger visitors will love following in the The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s many footsteps at Marwell Zoo. Wind your way through a giant apple, pear archway and plum tunnels in a series of supersized 3D installations. Plus, lookout for a the varieties of exotic species that you can find here.
At Furzey Gardens, follow the interactive story trail celebrating fairytales and the power they have to spark our imagination. Fairy Tails at Furzey also runs across the bank holiday weekend (pre-booking is strongly recommended).
Meet Peppa Pig and her friends at Paultons Park and try out the new water ride, Splash Lagoon, which opened up earlier this year. With rides for younger and older children, you’ll be sure to have lots of fun on a day out here.
Image - Marwell Zoo
Music events and festivals
Exbury Festival of Music continues on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend with Motown by Music. Get ready for a magical evening of Motown by Moonlight, sundown soul, and disco at dusk and put on your dancing shoes for a fantastic evening in beautiful surroundings.
The Vibrant Tap in Lyndhurst will be hosting the Vibrant Beer Festival from the Friday-Sunday of the bank holiday weekend with live music, plus 24 different beers pouring.
The Drift Inn at Beaulieu Road will also be holding a Summer Sounds evening on the Friday night, with live music from 7pm.
On the Sunday, Lime Wood hotel sees the return of its Summer Sessions on its lawns, with plenty of sunshine, a glass or two of something chilled and some real talent worth slumping into a deckchair for.
Image - Lime Wood Hotel
Get involved in some New Forest adventures
This August bank holiday weekend, embark on an unforgettable cycling adventure with Cyclexperience. Their bike hire centre offers a wide range of bikes for all ages and abilities, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Explore the scenic trails, discover quaint villages, and maybe even spot the famous New Forest ponies. Perfect for families, friends, and solo adventurers.
Or, if you fancy taking the stresses of navigating our cycle paths away, then why not opt for a guided cycle tour with New Forest Cycling Tours? Choose from their Roar of the Dragon Tour which includes the New Forest Reptile Centre and Bolderwood or their Old Railway Line Cycling Tour, which follows sections of the disused railway and takes you right through the heart of the New Forest National Park. New Forest Cycling Tours has availability on the Saturday and Sunday of the bank holiday weekend.
Image - Cyclexperience
Learn how to shoot an arrow or throw axes at Insight Activities. Try your hand at archery, crossbows, axe throwing or bushcraft sessions, with availability across the bank holiday weekend.
Take a paddle down the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities, or join in with some of their other outdoor activities such as laser tag and high ropes.
Or, if you want to do your own thing, do take a look at the various walking and cycling routes on our website and plan your own days out in the New Forest.
Late availability for bank holiday August breaks
There’s still time to grab a last-minute break over the August bank holiday weekend. Check out our accommodation listings for information on hotels, campsites, glamping, holiday parks and holiday cottages.