As the forest flowers begin to unfold, April brings with it many welcome delights to the New Forest. Spend time this April, in our majestic landscape, unravel our stories and get to know the ins and outs of this remarkable part of the country.
This April, you can expect an array of springtime delights, from Easter trails and events to walks through woodlands adorned with carpets of bluebells. Read on as we unfurl what you can see and do this month in the New Forest.
Spring delights in the New Forest
Synonymous with new life, April brings with it the arrival of one of the most iconic creatures of the New Forest, the New Forest Pony foal. It doesn’t often take too long to spot some of the foals roaming on the open heathland - a beautiful sight to behold (although please do keep your distance and do not touch or feed the foals or the other animals).
Hire a bike from one of our bike hire shops (there are several dotted around the National Park) and explore the New Forest on two wheels. Follow tried and tested routes from our interactive cycling guide or join in with some of the guided cycling rides being offered by the New Forest Off Road Club or guided e-bike rides with Jaunt-e bikes.
Continue the spring colours by a visit to one of the New Forest’s picturesque gardens. Both Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway and the gardens surrounding Beaulieu are delights during April, with vivid displays of spring flowers.
Image - New Forest Off Road Club
Join in with a variety of events
You’ll find plenty happening across the New Forest during April, including our popular street markets at Hythe, Ringwood, Lymington and New Milton.
Why not soak up the views of the Beaulieu River on an organised boat trip on 5 April? And see if you can spot some of our amazing wildlife along the way. Or, book onto a New Forest Discovery Walk on 9 or 23 April and be guided through some of our ancient inclosures, with opportunities to learn more about, and possibly even see, some of the New Forest’s diverse and fascinating wildlife.
If you love a spot of live music then book a stay in at the exclusively for adults, Back of Beyond Touring Park. During April, there will be two music evenings; The Vernon Principle (5 April) and The China Wolf Band (12 April).
Plan a break with your four-legged friend
With milder temperatures, April can be a pleasant time for outdoor adventures with your four-legged friend. With over 140 miles of safe, off-road tracks, the New Forest is a doggie paradise.
Choose from one of our top dog-friendly suggested walking routes, or take your dog on a New Forest day out to some of our dog-welcoming attractions. One such opportunity is to go on a swash-buckling adventure to Hurst Castle (opening for the 2025 season on 1 April). Here, dogs are very welcome and can either set sail on the Hurst ferry from Keyhaven to get to the castle or take the 2-mile walk along the shingle spit.
On 9 April, dog walkers are encouraged to assemble at The Montagu Arms Hotel for their Spring dog walk. Starting at the hotel, this walk will head to the historic Buckler's Hard. There will be complimentary tea, coffee and dog treats to start the day, ensuring all dog walkers and pooches are fuelled up for the walk ahead. And on the way back, you can enjoy similar beverages.
Image - The Montagu Arms Hotel
Easter in the New Forest
With Easter falling so late into April, there’s plenty of time to get planning your Easter escape to the New Forest.
There will be plenty to entertain all ages, from canoe trips with Easter egg hunts thrown in, Easter trails and lots to do for younger visitors.
Our Easter page explores more of what’s happening over the school Easter holidays, and keep an eye on our blog for Easter highlights too.
If you are planning on a short break over Easter, be sure to explore our accommodation pages for inspiration on where to stay.
