The summer holidays are in full swing, there’s a bank holiday weekend to enjoy and the weather is (hopefully!) very much playing ball. That’s it, August is just around the corner!
Make the most of your August by putting the New Forest top of your agenda. We’ve got some fabulous events taking place over the coming month plus loads of great summer days out to be had.
Here are some of the top things to do this August in the New Forest:
Amazing shows and festivals
Catch the last day of one of the New Forest’s biggest events, the New Forest & Hampshire County Show at the very start of August. From agricultural shows to rural craft demonstrations, you won’t be short of things to see and do.
Be sure to put The Ellingham Show (10 August) on your to-do list. This traditional country show brings with it main arena attractions, animal shows and a wealth of food and shopping opportunities. Taking place at Somerley Park, just outside Ringwood, early bird tickets are on sale, with children under 16 entering for free.
Image - New Forest & Hampshire County Show
Channel your inner magic on a trip to the New Forest Fairy Festival (10-11 August) at Burley Park. The weekend will include enchanting entertainment and magical workshops for the whole family.
This August sees the arrival of the first ever New Forest Food Festival (17 & 18 August). Rich in local produce, artisan foodies and makers, plus internationally renowned chefs and restaurants, unique skills and intricate crafts all showcasing the best of the New Forest. Pre-book your tickets now to save £s (under 16s are free).
Image - New Forest Food Festival
Children’s events and activities across the school summer holidays
Plan some days out to maximise your time in the New Forest. Visit some of our big-named family attractions such as Paultons Park and Beaulieu for lots of treasured memories and take a look at the other family-friendly places to visit in and around the New Forest.
You’ll find some fantastic kiddie-friendly events happening too including a Fairy and Dragon Trail (Beaulieu, throughout August), the Hungry Caterpillar at Marwell Zoo (throughout August) and Fairytails trail at Furzey Gardens (throughout August).
Image - National Motor Museum Beaulieu
Soak up the area’s history with Tudor Tuesdays and Fun Fridays at Hurst Castle or meet the donkeys on one of the Donkey days at Exbury Gardens (6, 12, 21 and 26 August).
Outdoor events this August
The Beaulieu Supercar Weekend is set to return (3-4 August) bringing with it a whole host of supercars. Be enthralled by the various cars on display, a must for all supercars fans!
Join Wild New Forest for some of their New Forest Discovery Walks (various dates) across the month. From guided birding walks along the New Forest coastline through to dusk walks and family-themed experiences, this is a great opportunity to connect with the nature of our national park.
Exbury Gardens is seeing three dates of live music from 22-24 August. Starting with 21st century ABBA, then the Upbeat Beatles and finally, Motown by Music. Grab your picnic blanket and low-backed chairs and enjoy the live music in the stunning surroundings of the gardens.
Image - Wild New Forest
Join in with some outdoor activities
This August, why not aim to spend more time together outside? Get away from screens and book onto a Sunset Chaser Paddling session with New Forest Activities (various dates). Take a gentle paddle along the Beaulieu River and look out for wildlife such as kingfishers.
Budding Robin Hoods will love the Medieval Trio experience run by Insight Activities – your chance to learn the skills involved in archery, crossbows and axe-throwing.
Try and navigate your way around the inflatable obstacles at the New Forest Water Park or join in with a guided cycle tour of the New Forest with one of our local cycling companies.
Book your stay this August
Maximise your time by booking a stay here. Opt for a spot of camping or glamping, choose from our holiday cottages and seek out hotels, holiday parks and guest houses. Take a look at our accommodation pages to find out more.
Image - New Forest Water Park