Soak up spring and make your way to the New Forest this April. Whether you are planning some family adventures or a couple’s retreat, there’s plenty for you to see and do here this month. Take a look at some of our highlights…

Explore our gardens

Our gardens will be awash with colour as the spring flowers will be in their glory. Seek out the hidden fairy doors in the nooks and crannies of Furzey Gardens or take a long walk around the extensive Exbury Gardens.


Image - Furzey Gardens

At Exbury, you can also take part in some interesting events including the 'What's the Score?' exhibition – an eclectic, colourful and unique collection of pieces (predominantly in quilt work) exhibiting at Five Arrows Gallery. If you just love spring flowers, then be sure to book onto the Sustainable Spring Flower workshop on 21 April which is also being held at Exbury Gardens.

The gardens and grounds of Palace House, Beaulieu come to life during spring with colourful displays of daffodils and other spring flowers. At the end of the month, BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair descends upon Beaulieu bringing with it floral displays, planting ideas and lots more gardening inspiration! Plus, don’t forget to check out the BBC Good Food Market within the show for lots of tempting foodie treats.


Image - BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair

Love cars? Head to one of Beaulieu’s car meets

Beaulieu’s popular car meets restart in April with Simply Aston Martin, Simply Audi and Simply Italian all taking place this month.

Bring your car along or take a wander through the grounds to see a variety of cars. Perfect for combining with an explore of the National Motor Museum too! A must-see for any petrolheads.


Image - National Motor Museum 

Take part in some amazing outdoor activities

With the (hopefully) warmer weather, it’s a great time to enjoy our big outdoors.

Choose to cycle some of our off-road tracks. Bring your own bikes and join onto a guided cycle tour or rent one out from one of our cycle hire centres and pick your own routes.

For something a little different, why not take a tranquil donkey walk through the New Forest? Brockenhurst Donkey Tours will take you on a gentle stroll through parts of the National Park with their big-eared, big-hearted creatures!

Or how about choosing from archery, kayaking, high ropes and lots of other outdoor activities with local companies Insight Activities and New Forest Activities?


Image - New Forest Activities 

Bring along your four-legged friend

You’ll find lots to do here in the New Forest for your dog. Go walkies with some of our walking routes – whether you opt for a forest walk or a coastal walk, you will be spoilt by some amazing scenery.

Several of our attractions are dog-friendly including Exbury Gardens (your dog can even ride aboard the miniature steam train!), the National Motor Museum and Hurst Castle. Find out more about other dog-friendly days out.


Image - Hurst Castle 

If you fancy trying something a little different with your dog then why not join in the Muddy Dog Challenge being held at Breamore House on 22 April? Navigate your way through the 2.5k or 5k obstacle race with your dog by your side, plus it’s all in aid of charity.


Image - Muddy Dog Challenge 

Hone your photography skills on a photography workshop

If you’ve always fancied improving your photography skills, whether with a DSLR or a smartphone, then Forest Arts Centre are running a photography workshop on 1 April. As part of the workshop, you’ll be taken on a tour of New Milton on a leisurely walk.

Start planning your Easter break

Of course, looking ahead to April means there will be lots of Easter-themed activities and events taking place across the New Forest. Take your pick from Easter trails, craft workshops and lots more. We’ll be exploring all the Easter activities further in an upcoming blog but in the meantime, you can check out lots of Easter activities on our website.

Find out more about the New Forest

From where to stay to further ideas and inspiration on days out, places to eat and much more take a deeper look at our website and get planning your April break today.