As we head towards the longest day of the year, soak up the bright summer colours of the New Forest this June and be captivated by our nature and varying landscapes. Discover what you can do this June here in the New Forest, from lazy beach days through to enlightening nature walks.
Enjoy the Summer Solstice
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a magical Summer Solstice gathering at Four Acre Farm. As golden sunlight bathes the land, you’ll be welcomed into an evening of connection, joy and seasonal celebration. Soak up the midsummer atmosphere with live folk music, seasonal storytelling, and a closer look at St John’s Wort – the sun’s own flower. Enjoy the farm’s first-ever wild herb and seasonal fruit drinks bar, or sip on a warming herbal tea around the fire. This is a heartwarming community event for all ages, where everyone is welcome - whatever the weather, and whatever your budget.
Plan some days out to our coastline
Make the most of the long days spending time on our beautiful coastline.
Take a walk along the Solent Way, a long-distance footpath that follows from Milford on Sea to Emsworth. Whether you fancy doing the whole walk or want to break them down into smaller chunks focussing on the New Forest area, this route allows plenty of opportunities to take in the New Forest’s coastal landscape – from wetland marshes complete with migratory waders through to some of our seaside towns and villages.
Spend a day learning about Tudor history at Hurst Castle – a coastal stronghold built by King Henry VIII located close by to Keyhaven. On 10 June, the castle will be hosting a Tudor experience including a history talk, Tudor craft activities, a cream tea and castle entry.
Summer adventures
Plan a summer getaway this June. Hire bikes from one of our cycle hire centres (or bring your own) and discover the New Forest in a sustainable way, on two wheels. Many of our hotels, campsites and cottages are welcoming of cyclists and can offer suggested routes and places to keep your bikes.
Image - The New Forest Inn
Spend lazy days or evenings in some of the New Forest’s pub gardens. For some, such as The New Forest Inn and The Fighting Cocks, which sit within the National Park boundary, you may even spot a pony, donkey or other wildlife close by as you sip on a cooling summer’s drink. Please keep your distance from free-roaming wildlife – don’t touch or feed them!
Visiting here with a dog? Be sure to check out the last day of this year’s Dogstival (1 June) – festival for dogs. With plenty to see and do for all the family, but in particular for your four-legged friend!
Image - Dogstival
Enjoy some nature walks
Spending time in nature has proven to be beneficial to our wellbeing. And where better to spend time is there than the New Forest? Choose from some of our wildlife walking routes and soak up the vibrant colours of the forest. Stimulate your senses on the Tall Trees Trail as it passes by the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive or take a stroll around Bolderwood for the deer watch trail (a great option for those with little ones).
If you prefer to be guided, then join Wild New Forest for some of their fascinating nature walks, including a Birdsong Walk on 5 June.
Book your Father’s Day experiences
Get planning for Sunday 15 June, and treat dad or another male role model to some amazing experiences in the New Forest. From outdoor activities such as high ropes, archery and bushcraft through to pub lunches or visits to some of our fascinating museums. Or, if you are looking to do some Father’s Day fun on a budget, why not grab yourself some tasty food and find out our top spots for a picnic?
Image - Buckler's Hard
Want to know what’s on this June?
Take a look at our events listings this month, there’s plenty going on across the forest including theatre, talks, exhibitions and much more. Or, be kept in the loop by signing up to our weekly events newsletter.
If you are looking to stay in the New Forest this June, be sure to explore our accommodation pages to find places to stay to suit your tastes and budget.
