As the forest leaves continue to turn to rich golds, yellows and oranges, October makes the perfect time for an autumnal explore of the beautiful New Forest. See if you can spot pigs snuffling on the forest floor as part of our annual pannage tradition, look for (but don’t touch!) colourful fungi doing their part in helping conserve our special ecosystem and embrace the elements for some amazing autumnal adventures.
Read on as we take a delve into some of the highlights you can expect on a trip to the New Forest this October.
Spend time in our scenic surroundings
Crunch through fallen leaves or take in the bracing sea views on a guided walk of the New Forest. Wild New Forest are running several guided nature walks throughout October. From fungi walks (where you can help ID a variety of species) to wader walks giving you the opportunity to learn more about some of our wetland species of bird.
From mid-October (dates TBC), the annual New Forest Walking Festival takes place. Join in with a variety of guided walks with various themes. From walks uncovering some of the unique history of the New Forest to those suitable for young families, it’s a great way to learn more about and explore our unique landscape.
Delve into our folklore
From the witches at Burley to smugglers’ hideouts and ghostly goings on, explore some of the folklore of the New Forest this month. Spend time in some of our haunted buildings such as Palace House, Beaulieu and Hurst Castle and learn about some of our ancient traditions and sometimes curious ways on a trip to the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst or at some of our local museums.
Taste some seasonal produce
Make the most of harvesttime with a pit stop at some of our New Forest farm shops. Sample some fresh, local produce, pick up some unique gifts for loved ones or grab yourself some local ales, spirits and wines. Be sure also to look out for food and drink displaying the New Forest Marque; awarded to produce which has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, produced or processed within the New Forest.
If you want to make a day of it, Hockeys Farm Shop, near Fordingbridge makes for an enjoyable few hours out. With a farmhouse café serving up some of the local produce and the chance to meet some of the farm’s resident animals.
Get your spook on with some of our Halloween adventures
From pumpkin patches to spooky-themed rides at Paultons Park, there is plenty to see and do in the New Forest over Halloween.
Coinciding with the October half term, you will find plenty of activities aimed at families.
Try your hand at some pumpkin target practice with an archery session with New Forest Activities or a spooky paddle with them along the Beaulieu River – if you dare!
Plan a short break at Sandy Balls Holiday Village in October for their 31 Days of Halloween activities. With things to do including pumpkin carving, slime making, live shows, and potion making fun, to name just a few.
Keep your eye on our events listings or sign up to our weekly events newsletter to keep up-to-date with other events taking place over October half term and Halloween.
Discover the New Forest by two wheels
Follow sweeping cycle paths as they navigate through our autumnal landscape. Breathe in the fresh air and feel exhilarated and rejuvenated on a bike ride here.
Hire bikes from one of the bike hire centres at Burley, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst, Milford-on-sea or Beaulieu and follow some of our tried and tested cycle routes. Alternatively, if you don’t feel like navigating for yourselves, book onto a guided cycle ride with Jaunt e-bikes or The New Forest Off Road Club.
Share your autumn adventures with us
Follow us on our socials as we showcase some of the delights you can expect this autumn, and don’t forget to tag your content with @thenewforestuk for your chance to be featured. We’d love to see your autumnal moments!
