As the heather begins to bloom turning our landscape into shades of purple, August marks the peak of summer in our beautiful New Forest national park. One of the truly magnificent experiences you can do during August is to catch the breath-taking sunrises or sunsets across the carpets of heather. Breathe in the fresh air and spend time enjoying a mindful moment with all of the New Forest’s nature surrounding you.
This August, whether you are travelling to the New Forest as a family or are planning some days out over the August bank holiday weekend, there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained. Read on to find out some of August’s highlights.
Family days out
You won’t be short of days out or family-friendly events during August. Look out for family theatrical performances, family activities, children’s trails and school holiday camps in our events listings.
If you are looking for ways to be active this month, then take a look at our family walks. With routes suitable for toddlers to ways to get your teens away from tech for a little while. Our walks will lead you through cooler woodland routes and on coastal jaunts (where there’s likely to ice cream stops along the way!).
Choose to hire bikes from one of the New Forest’s bike hire centres and follow some tried and tested routes which are suitable for families – many of the hire centres are also able to hire out doggy trailers so your four-legged friend can join in the fun too.
For some adventurous days out, head to ever-favourites Paultons Park (with Peppa Pig World) and Beaulieu. And be sure to catch Beaulieu’s Supercars Weekend (2-3 August).
Spend time on the New Forest coastline this August
Follow the shingle spit to the historic Hurst Castle offering amazing views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, grab a picnic and rest upon the beach at Barton on Sea or head out onto the waters for some aquatic adventures.
Take in the views of the New Forest’s coastline by hopping aboard one of the sightseeing boats from Lymington Quay or step back in time on one of the historic coastal sailings being offered aboard the SS Shieldhall during August.
Discover some of the New Forest’s history
Delve further into what makes the New Forest special this August. Not only can you find out about the traditions and ways of life that keep the New Forest so unique on a visit to the New Forest Heritage Centre, Lyndhurst, there are some interesting historical events coming up this month too.
On 2 August, find out more about the death of King William Rufus and the famous Rufus Stone on a Rufus Stone 925th anniversary ghost walk (suitable for ages 13+).
On various dates in August, the Friends of the New Forest Airfields Heritage Centre will be hosting open days. This is your opportunity to discover more about the twelve historic airfields of the New Forest, and their roles during WW2.
Give glamping a go
Ever wondered what glamping is? All the fun of camping but with some of life’s comforts. Why not give glamping a go here in the New Forest. Plan a break and spend time outside with some alfresco dining – perhaps even rustled up over a campfire. We have a variety of glamping options available to visitors including family-friendly Gambledown Farm with its stylish safari tents to adult only Back of Beyond, with its onsite bar.
Find out more about what’s on this August
This is just a taster of what’s on offer this month. Sign up to our weekly events newsletter or check out our events listings for further information on what’s on offer when you plan on visiting.
