Spring is officially nearly here! This means it’s a fantastic time to visit the New Forest with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy, some amazing nature and some tip-top events and activities to get involved with.

Here are some of the highlights you can enjoy this April here in the New Forest:

1. Hone your inner James Bond at Beaulieu

If you are like 007 and love your Aston Martins then be sure to head to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu on 5 April for Simply Aston Martin. If you own your own Aston (all ages and models of Aston Martin are welcome), or are simply an enthusiast then you will love the amount of Aston Martins on display on this special day. All participants have the opportunity to be chosen as the winner of the People's Choice Award, selected by public vote. Prizes will be awarded to the winner and runners-up. Plus, there’s plenty of things to see at do at Beaulieu so you won’t be short of entertainment this day.

2. Leave the ‘buoys’ at home for a ladies-only paddle on the Beaulieu River

Ever wanted to give kayaking a try? Why not book onto a ladies-only paddling session on the Beaulieu River on 15 April with New Forest Activities? You will be taught how to paddle from one of the team’s female instructors before heading on a two hour evening kayak exploring the Beaulieu River nature reserve.

3. Lots and lots of Easter fun

There will be plenty of events taking place over Easter here in the New Forest. Take a look at our what’s on listings and keep an eye out for our Easter blog (coming soon) which will highlight some of the ‘eggscellent’ events happening here.

4. Learn how to forage in the New Forest

Come along and discover the foods you can eat on the forest floor with a foraging workshop. This 2.5 hour workshop will give you an introduction to what is and what isn’t edible and starts from the Red Shoot Inn, near Ringwood.

5. Enjoy motorbikes galore at the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

A great museum to visit for motorcycle enthusiasts at the best of times, but even more so from 10am on 25 April as the museum hold their Adventure Bike Ride In. If you have your own adventure bike then why not join the ride in? Entry to the event is free (museum admission charges apply). Plus, the tea room, gift shops and craft areas will all be open too.

6. Bounce your way around the grounds of Somerley House

If you want to keep fit with a difference then book your place at the Inflatable 5k event taking place at Somerley House, near Ringwood on 25 April. There will be lots of inflatable objects to negotiate your way around and this year the event will be extra fun as participants have to run through a large foam zone complete with the world’s largest foam cannon.

7. Spot the spring arrivals

From late April, you will often begin to see the early emergence of bluebells within our woodlands. Take your camera and photograph the carpets of pretty flowers in the wild or within the beautiful Exbury Gardens or Furzey Gardens.

Spring is also a time that you can see some of the area’s new arrivals including New Forest Pony foals.

8. Clear your mind in the New Forest

Breathe in the fresh, spring air by taking a walk along our coastline, in our forest or across the heathland. With the warmer days, April can be a great time to practice some mindfulness. So come to the New Forest and ditch the stresses and strains of modern-day life.

Book your spring break to the New Forest

Make the most out of your visit to the New Forest this April by booking a place to stay. Whether you prefer home comforts, the little luxuries in life or perhaps the closeness to nature of camping, we’ve lots of accommodation styles to choose from. We recommend you book early, particularly over the Easter school holidays and the Easter weekend to avoid disappointment.