As we delve further into spring, the New Forest takes on a different vibe. Immerse yourself in vibrant colours as the leaves begin unfolding and some of our forest floor becomes adorned with bluebells and other spring flowers.
Spend your Easter weekend in the New Forest
With Easter weekend happening early in April, there will be plenty of events taking place this month. From Easter egg hunts to Easter crafts workshops, plus a great selection of family days out.
Read more about what’s going on this Easter in our recent blog.
Image - Paultons Park
Soak up the colours of nature
Grab your camera and head out into our bluebell woods for a spring walk. See the stunning carpets of blue and purple at locations including Roydon Woods, Brockenhurst from mid-April onwards.
Another popular place for bluebells is Exbury Gardens. Make a visit this month and be impressed by the beautiful spring colours at every turn. Plus, on 30 April you are in for a treat as the gardens will be holding a Seasonal Spotlight Tour focusing on the rich displays of rhododendron and azalea (spaces for this tour are limited so pre-booking is strongly advised).
Image - Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Look out for Dartford warblers, fallow deer, butterflies, wildflowers, fungi, and a host of other seasonal species on a guided walk in the heart of the forest on 1 April. Wild New Forest Guided Tours will lead this relaxing 5km walk and highlight some of the amazing nature and history on off here in our National Park.
Get up close with some of our native animals on a Photography Experience Day being held at the New Forest Wildlife Park on 24 April. Join in with a guided tour of the park with a Keeper Host with planned stops to take photographs and the opportunity for up-close encounters.
Sample a Great New Forest Marque breakfast
If you are passionate about supporting the local community and local fare, then be sure to join in with this foodie initiative from the New Forest Marque. From 18-30 April, several venues across the New Forest will be serving up a traditional breakfast featuring a host of local suppliers. Confirmed venues so far include Hockey’s Farm Shop (on 18 April), Balmer Lawn Hotel, New Park Manor Hotel and Shappen Café. Read more about this initiative and some of the local suppliers being used here.
Image - Hockey's Farm
Explore our forest towns
Take some time out to explore our forest towns this April. From browsing the boutiques and market stalls of Lymington to delving into the heart of the New Forest at Lyndhurst. Meet some of our locals, absorb some of our unique ways of life and history and take in some culture at some of our exhibition spaces including the St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery and the New Forest Heritage Centre.
Enjoy some evening entertainment
Whether you love live music, cinema or theatrical performances, you’ll find a selection of evening events happening this month. For a night of classic rock and pop, head along to The Commoners Bar & Kitchen in Brockenhurst on 12 April.
The Essential Party Band will be returning to Back of Beyond Touring, Camping & Glamping Park on 18 April for a night of live music for guests staying overnight at the campsite – with some pitches and glamping remaining.
Take a look at what else is on, or sign up to our weekly events newsletter to be kept in the loop.
Embark on a coastal walk
With the weather turning milder, April makes a great time for a coastal walk. Take in the sweeping views of the Solent over to the Isle of Wight from the 2-mile Hordle Cliffs route. Spot birds and take in some of the New Forest’s WW2 history on the 5.9-mile Lepe Loop walk or follow the shingle spit from Keyhaven as it leads you to the Tudor fortress that is Hurst Castle.
Stop for an ice cream at one of our local cafes or pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.
Image - Hurst Castle
Discover other coastal routes in the New Forest.
Find out more about April adventures in the New Forest
Whether you are planning a short break and are in search of places to stay, or are looking for further inspiration on days out, walking or cycling routes and much more – explore our website to give you other ideas for what to do here in the New Forest this month.
