Possibly one of the most beautiful months to visit the New Forest, October is a fantastic month for an autumn break or a day out exploring the great outdoors.
October is the perfect time for an autumn walk. Choose your route and crunch your way through the fallen leaves while you are surrounded by the rich colours of autumn.
There is plenty more to see and do throughout October. Take a look at some of our highlights…
The New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival
Continuing with the walking theme, October sees the return of the New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival. This year running from 14-28 October, expect a variety of themed guided walks and rides across the New Forest National Park. The full programme of events is yet to be announced so watch this space for more details.
Pig spotting
There are not many places in the country that you can count pig spotting as an activity! But here, in the New Forest, pigs are released during the autumn months as part of the annual pannage.
Look out for the pigs searching for fallen acorns – up to 600 pigs are released during this time however it can be tricky to find them!
You can also find out more about the role that the pigs and other New Forest animals play in the National Park on a New Forest Commoning Discovery Walk on 21 October.
Join onto The Old Railway Line Tour
Ever wanted to explore the New Forest more by bike? This guided cycle tour with New Forest Cycling Tours will take you on a four-hour round trip along the disused railway line. Taking place on Saturday 14 October, bring your own bike or hire one from nearby Cyclexperience.
Image - New Forest Cycling Tours
It’s pumpkin season!
Synonymous with autumn, pumpkins will be adorning the fields at Sunnyfields Farm, Totton on selected dates from 7-29 October.
There will be some impressive displays of pumpkins, opportunities to pick pumpkins and many a photo opportunity. Great fun for all the family, dogs on leads are also welcome.
Half term and Halloween fun
It may feel like it’s not been long since the children have gone back to school, but the last week of October sees the arrival of half term.
There’s lots of fun to be had at our family-friendly attractions including, to name a few, Paultons Park, Longdown Activity Farm and the New Forest Wildlife Park.
Image - Paultons Park
New Forest Activities will be running some Halloween-themed activities across the October half term including a Halloween treasure hunt aboard Canadian canoes on the Beaulieu River. Or, if you prefer to be on dry land then try your hand Halloween Archery Pumpkin Shooting at Hazel Copse Farm, Beaulieu.
Children can learn new skills (and have lots of fun in the process) at the Foxlease Half Term Holiday Camp. For £35 per child per day, they can try out all sorts of adventures including zipwire, archery, climbing and bushcraft and many more.
Image - New Forest Activities
If the weather’s not playing ball, then step inside St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington over half term. In St Barbe, you’ll find self-led family fun activities around the ‘Parallel Lives’ exhibition. Take a closer look at the artwork and then create your own original piece. Plus, there will be an extra ghoulish trail around the museum to win a trick or a treat!
A treat for all car enthusiasts; on the night of 28 October, Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum will be hosting a Night at the Museum - an amazing opportunity to sleep the night amidst the vehicle collection of the museum!
Get creative
With Christmas looming in the distance, now’s the perfect time to get learning new skills and honing your creativity to make gifts for your loved ones. Look out for various arts and crafts workshops taking place at St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery throughout the month including a lino cut workshop (8 October), jewellery workshops (14 October) and textile printing workshop (24 October).
Image - National Motor Museum
Find out more about October breaks
As always, this is just a sample of what’s on in October. Take a look at our events listings or sign up to our weekly newsletter for other events taking place.
Enjoy a seasonal break to the New Forest with a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Keep an eye on our special offers too for any last-minute deals.
Have a fantastic time exploring the New Forest in October and be sure to tag us @thenewforestuk on social media.