Kicking off with a bank holiday weekend, May half term is packed full of fun adventures for all ages to have in the New Forest. From thrilling new rides to budget-friendly ways to spend time together as a family, we’ve got plenty of top events and things happening in the New Forest.
Step back in time at some of our attractions
Gen up your history with the kids this half term with some top historical events. At Beaulieu, Horrible Histories will be onsite from 23-31 May. Delve into facts about Beaulieu’s Victorian history, including some facts you may just wish you’d never learned! Plus, spend time in the newly opened Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story gallery as part of the National Motor Museum.
Take a journey back in time to Hurst Castle. Catch the regular ferries from Keyhaven (an amazing experience in itself) and take part in some of the hands-on fun as part of Family Fun Week at the castle. With a history dating from the days of King Henry VIII – you’ll be sure of a fun-filled day out here.
See plenty of tractors from yesteryear at Longdown Activity Farm on 30-31 May. Longdown’s Tractor Time event will give visitors the opportunity to see a variety of tractors from years gone by featuring names such Ferguson, Fordson and Nuffield. Added to this, there will be opportunities to feed some of the baby animals, handle some animals and let off steam at the farm’s play areas.
Image - Hurst Castle
Face the wrath of Drakon at Paultons Park
Paultons Park’s most thrilling ride yet, Drakon, is set to open on 16 May – just before the May half term break. Will you be brave enough to face the ride’s inverted drop?
Prepare for an epic adventure as a new land has arisen. Valgard: Realm of the Vikings is now open at Paultons Park! Face the wrath of Drakon - the park's most thrilling coaster yet and the first to take you upside down - as it intertwines with Raven, another legendary coaster reborn. You can also swing into battle on the UK’s first Vild Swing, explore a Viking themed playground, and feast like true warriors in the Feasting Hall.
Although these rides are suited more for older children, there’s plenty of fun still to be had for younger children with Peppa Pig World plus the other rollercoasters and themed rides that the park has to offer.
Image - Paultons Park
Enjoy some animal fun
Come along and meet some of the exotic and not so exotic creatures in the New Forest this May half term.
At the New Forest Wildlife Park, get up close to a number of native and non-native species. Look out for daily keeper talks on one of the park’s newest arrivals, the Wolverine (running daily during May half term) and spend time playing on the park’s adventure playgrounds.
Take a day out to Marwell Zoo, a short hop from the New Forest for the chance to see a whole host of exotic species including giraffes, meerkats and snow leopards. Step into the warm in the Tropical House and look out for the resident sloth and hop aboard the land train* as it takes you on a tour of the grounds (*additional charges apply).
And if you have your own four-legged friend (or just simply love everything dog-related) then be sure to pop Dogstival into your May half term plans. This year’s uber dog-friendly festival will take place on 30-31 May at Burley Park bringing with it arena displays, a dog beach, live music, fun dog competitions and much more.
Image - Dogstival
Get active in the forest
Head to some of our activity centres to create family memories together. From paddling along the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities to navigating the Mega Aqua Park at New Forest Water Park, there’s plenty of activities to try here in the New Forest.
Why not hire some bikes from one of our bike hire centres and follow some of the family routes offering off-road cycling adventures?
Image - New Forest Water Park
Budget-friendly days out
If you are feeling the pinch at the moment, there are still many ways to maximise your time and money in the New Forest. Enjoy some of our family-friendly walking routes and see which animals you can spot along the way. If you are lucky, you may even see some of the newly born New Forest Pony foals – just please keep your distance and follow the New Forest Code.
Plan a visit to Hockey’s Farm and meet the farm’s resident animals such as alpacas, sheep, horses and guinea pigs. On-site you’ll also find a café and farm shop for some tasty treats.
Or why not spend a day at Moors Valley Country Park? With free entry (just pay for parking and any extra activities you want to do), kids will love following the play trails, taking in the views from the tree top walk and picnicking by the lake.
Image - Hockey's Farm
Book a family break
Now’s your chance to book a New Forest getaway for the May half term. Whether you fancy staying in one of our holiday parks with swimming pools and entertainment or are after a late-spring camping break, you’ll find plenty of accommodation types to suit all budget types and tastes.
