The mad rush of the school summer holidays will soon be behind us and now it’s time to settle into the start of the autumn months. What better way to do this is there than with a visit to the New Forest this September?
September is a beautiful month to visit the New Forest. You’ll often find the New Forest is quieter yet you can still enjoy the wonder of longer days and the beginnings of autumn starting to appear on the trees.
This September, there’s plenty going on across the New Forest. Take a look at some of our highlights:
Autumn walks
Take a stroll through the forest with one of our interactive walking routes. Choose from long or short routes, those that are accessible and those suitable for dogs. Take some time to soak up the scenery and look out for some of the New Forest’s wildlife residents. Towards the end of September, you may even see some of the New Forest’s pigs snuffling on the forest floor in search of fallen acorns – part of pannage season here, a tradition which goes back several centuries.
Spend time outside this September
Whether you fancy sitting on the lawn at Lime Wood and catching the soothing sounds of music as you sip on some drinks for their last Summer Session of the season (8 September). You can also keep the summer vibes going at Lime Wood this September with their D'estate set lunch menu, which celebrates the season with dishes inspired by an Italian summertime. Best enjoyed with family and friends, soaking up the laid-back atmosphere whilst sipping on something chilled! Book with code DESTATE for tables of up to 8 people.
Head out to learn the art of foraging on a course with Wild Food UK (13 September), September brings with it lots of opportunities to spend time outside.
Hire bikes and weave your way along some of our cycle paths, spend time birding at some of the New Forest’s nature reserves or book onto some outdoor adventures at some of our activity centres.
Soak up some history
Step abord the Steamship Shieldhall for its Heritage Open Day cruise on 14 September. This cruise will take in some of the sights of Southampton water including where the Titanic was berthed.
Head to Hurst Castle, open daily during September. This castle was built by King Henry VIII and has a fascinating history including as being the place of incarceration for Charles I in 1648. For an extra special way of getting to Hurst Castle, travel by boat from Keyhaven Quay. Alternatively, walk the 2 miles from Milford on Sea along the shingly spit.
Image - Hurst Castle
Bikes, cars and an international autojumble
There’s plenty going on at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu during September, including the return of their International Autojumble on the weekend of 14-15 September.
Image - National Motor Museum
Added to this, there will be two car shows; Simply BMW (22 September) and Simply British (29 September). Whether you have a car to bring along or you just love everything automotive, you’ll be sure for a good day out.
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum also has a busy line up with their Autumn British Bike Bash (1 September) and the Kickback Custom Classic Bike Show (8 September). The museum is also open throughout September and contains around 500 rare and exotic motorbikes from around the world.
Plan an early autumn getaway
Take some time out and make a short break to the New Forest this autumn. Plan a tranquil escape at a New Forest holiday cottage, catch some September nights under canvas at some of our campsites or book an indulgent hotel break at one of our luxury spa hotels. Take a look at our accommodation pages and keep an eye on our social media for late availability and special offers and make the most of your time in the New Forest this September.
Image - Stanwell House Hotel
Don’t forget to share your September pictures with us too at @thenewforestuk on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! We’d love to see your early autumn adventures.