Let your imaginations run free this half term. The New Forest landscape is inviting you in, to spend time in nature and to create memories to cherish for years to come.
Make time this May half term for some amazing outdoor adventures. Enjoy walks together through bluebell woods, be captivated and spark curiosity with our nature and join in with a number of exciting half term events.
Discover a wealth of mythical creatures
From hidden fairy doors at Furzey Gardens, to following the Fairy and Dragon willow sculpture trail at Beaulieu, step into the magic of the New Forest on these family-friendly days out.
Not only has Furzey Gardens got around 40 hidden fairy doors, your little ones will love the play area, wildlife spotting and the garden tearoom – perfect for a post-exploration spot of cake!
At Beaulieu, the magic doesn’t stop with the sculpture trail, make time to explore Little Beaulieu – the outdoor play area, the National Motor Museum and step back into the past at Palace House. Added to this, if you are free on 25 May there’s the Simply VW event and on 1 June, Simply Porsche – perfect for any one with a passion for cars.
Image - Furzey Gardens
Spend some lazy days at the seaside
Feel the sand between your toes as you step onto the beach at Lepe. Take on the challenges of the inflatables sessions at Lymington Sea Water Baths or check out the shallow waters around the fossil beds of Barton on Sea.
For a different seaside adventure, catch the ferry from Keyhaven over to Hurst Castle. Built by King Henry VIII, the castle will be running a family trail with a focus on the VE Day 80th anniversary throughout the May half term. The castle offers spectacular views of the Solent and over to the Isle of Wight.
Image - Hurst Castle
Book some exhilarating experiences
Hone your inner Robin Hood on an archery adventure at Insight Activities this half term. Receive expert tuition and go up against your family members to see who’s got the best aim.
Take to the waters on a paddling adventure with New Forest Activities. From family canoe trips to bushcraft skills or high ropes, there are countless opportunities for some outdoor fun here.
If you love water fun then the New Forest Water Park offers an inflatable aqua park, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and open water swimming.
Find more outdoor activities in the New Forest.
Image - Insight Activities
Enjoy some amazing family days out
If your children love animals, then be sure to visit some of the New Forest’s animal attractions. The New Forest Wildlife Park has some exotic creatures including giant otters, bison and wallabies plus, some native species including badgers, foxes and hedgehogs. Added to this, there are great play areas for burning off steam.
Close by you will also find, Longdown Activity Centre. This working farm gives you a great chance to see some farmyard animals. With opportunities to feed kid goats, calves and other baby animals. Plus, there are indoor and outdoor play areas and at peak times, tractor/trailer rides.
Image - Longdown Activity Farm
Just outside the New Forest, is Marwell Zoo. Home to hundreds of species of animal from the big (tigers, rhinos and giraffes) to the tiny. Over May half term, Marwell will be hosting a ‘Love Your Zoo week’ with a variety of activities designed to inspire and engage visitors of all ages.
Paultons Park offers thrilling rides for all ages. From the big rollercoasters perfect for teens through to Peppa Pig World – ideal for the younger visitors. Plus, don’t forget to have a turn on Paultons’ newest ride – Ghostly Manor!
Image - Dogstival
At the end of the May half term holiday, Dogstival will take place again at Burley Park. This 2-day event is as you guessed it, all about dogs, but makes for a great family day out. Bring your four-legged friend along for an amazing time, with dog agility shows, live music and Dan the Hat’s Barking Mad Family Area with six different family-friendly shows each day.
Take a look at what else is on this May half term, including a family walk with Wild New Forest and the return of BrockFest. Check out our event listings for more information or sign up for our weekly events newsletter and be in the loop on what else is happening.
