After what has felt like quite a gap since the Christmas holidays, we are now seeing the approach of February half term. With Hampshire’s schools breaking up from 17th-21st February, there will be plenty of family fun to be had both indoors and outdoors across the New Forest.
Plan your days out over February half term with these family-friendly events and activities…
Join in with some fabulous outdoor activities this half term
If you’ve felt like the kids have been cooped up over winter, now’s the time to get booking some amazing activities and get them outside soaking up the vitamin D.
Choose your adventure style and book onto a Go Adventure session at Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre costing just £15pp, activities available include archery, climbing, high ropes and much more. Also available is their Tree Top Trail, 90 minutes of obstacles and zip wires in the trees again for just £15pp. Make a day of it on-site with free parking, bike hire, café explore, self-guided activity pack and play areas.
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
Learn new skills at Insight Activities, whether trying your hand at archery, a spot of axe-throwing or some crossbows. A great, fun activity for older children.
February half term is your last chance to grab some New Forest Activities’ action at winter pricing! Embrace the beauty of winter and see some fantastic wildlife (with a courtesy hot chocolate to keep you warm) on their Winter Paddling and Winter Archery sessions.
Image - Insight Activities
The Woods Cyclery based in Lyndhurst high Street is a rider owned bike shop specialising in gravel and adventure bikes. They have a full range of rental bikes from kids bikes to gravel bikes and E-bikes! The Woods‘s Coffee shop is dog friendly and on Sundays they hold a social shop ride that is aimed at anyone from the seasoned gravel cyclist to a total newbie, it’s friendly, inclusive and free! If you don’t have your own bike, don't worry, just grab one of their hire bikes!
Image - The Woods Cyclery
Spend some time at Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu
The historic maritime village of Buckler’s Hard makes a great day out for some swashbuckling adventures. Delve into the village’s history this half term and for a family-friendly walk, take the Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard (predominantly off-road) walking route to the village.
Opening on 15th February, Buckler’s Hard’s new exhibition Beaulieu River: In Focus will showcase a stunning collection of photographs submitted during previous Beaulieu River photo competitions. The exhibition will feature tranquil riverside scenes, wildlife, and atmospheric views. What’s more? The exhibition is free to enter.
At Beaulieu, step back in time as history comes to life across the attraction with exciting historical hands-on activities across February half term. Meet many living history characters, learn about their important jobs with hands-on activities and collect their living history cards along the way. Plus, let off steam in Little Beaulieu adventure outdoor play area. It’s all included in a general admission ticket.
Follow the Creature Cases Trail at Marwell Zoo
Get ready for a wild February half term with The Creature Cases Trail at Marwell Zoo! One of the penguins’ prized pebbles has gone missing and we need you to join CLADE – the Covert League of Animal Detective Experts - and crack the case.
Step into the shoes of a junior detective as you follow the trail around the zoo, cracking clues and uncovering secrets to help track down the culprit. This event will be running daily from 15th-24th February.
Image - Marwell Zoo
Bounce around at the Beaulieu Inn
The popular Beaulieu Inn Bounce is making its return this half term, offering families a fantastic way to keep little ones entertained, whatever the weather.
Set within the charming Beaulieu Inn Hotel, this action-packed indoor play session features everything active children love. From bouncing their energy away on the bouncy castle to pedalling around on bikes, diving into the ball pit, or exploring the soft play area – there's something to delight every young adventurer.
Image - Beaulieu Inn
Plan a family escape
Rest those weary legs on a New Forest escape. Rather than just doing a day trip, book in for a break at some of our family-friendly places to stay.
Luxurious Chewton Glen Hotel is running a ‘Little Explorers’ Package’ over February half term which includes kids staying free, complimentary access to the kids’ club plus every child receives a gift. Added to this, the hotel will be running a variety of events throughout half term including slime making, treasure hunts, crafting and outdoor games.
Look out for lots of family adventures at the uber child friendly New Park Manor Hotel, near Brockenhurst. With its creche, cinema room and pool, this hotel offers lots to do for little ones and their grown ups.
Image - New Park Manor
Go for a woodland adventure or join in with all the entertainment at some of our holiday parks, whether staying at Sandy Balls Holiday Village or planning a break close to Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World at Green Hill Farm Holiday Village.
Plan your family-friendly break today.
What else is happening over February half term?
Keep an eye on our events listings or sign up to our weekly events newsletter for up-to-date information on what’s happening across the New Forest over half term. From dance workshops to theatrical performances, events will be added in the lead up to the holiday. Plus, don’t forget to share your adventures with us on socials @TheNewForestUK