Whether you are planning on heading to the New Forest with family, on a couple’s break or for a solo adventure, there’s plenty happening this July to keep you entertained. From tip top festivals and shows to leisurely beach days, now’s a great time to start putting together your itinerary. Here’s some inspo on what are the best things to do this July here in the New Forest…
Lymington Seafood Festival
Returning on 12-14 July, the Lymington Seafood Festival is set to pack a punch when it comes to showcasing the area’s seafood delights. Added to this, you can sample local gins, ales and wines, catch cookery and drinks demonstrations plus join in with the festival cookery school. Expect live music across the weekend, with tickets just £10 for an adult, £3 for 6–16-year-olds and 5s and under free.
Image - Lymington Seafood Festival
Cycling in the New Forest
With longer days, July can be a fantastic time of year to go cycling in the New Forest.
Rent bikes from one of the New Forest’s hire centres and spend time in the great outdoors. Our hire centres will be happy to advise on suitable routes, or, plan your journey ahead with our cycling pages. If you fancy taking the stress away of navigating, then why not book onto a guided cycle tour? We have several cycle tour companies and cycling communities who can help you make the most of your New Forest adventure.
Coastal walks and lazy beach days
Spend time this summer along the New Forest coastline. Embark on a long-distance walk along the Solent Way or a shorter stroll around some of our coastal towns where you can expect stunning scenery and views over the Solent.
Image - Lepe Country Park
The New Forest is also home to several beaches, ideal for family days out. Lepe Country Park is one of our sandy beaches and is a fantastic spot for sandcastle building, children's activities and a spot of food in the Lookout café.
Plus, be sure to spend time visiting Hurst Castle. Dating from Tudor times, this castle offers spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight and oozes in history.
Image - Hurst Castle
New Forest & Hampshire County Show
Arguably the biggest event in the New Forest’s calendar, the New Forest and Hampshire County Show will be here from 30 July – 1 August.
Check out the cattle and sheep rings, watch showjumping in the equine arena, explore the countryside arena with falconry, ferret racing and much more plus be sure to spend time in the local produce area for cookery demonstrations, food samples and the opportunities to purchase some amazing local fare.
Top tip: early-bird tickets are available to purchase now and save money on on-the-day prices.
Image - New Forest and Hampshire County Show
Festivals and live music
If you love nothing better than some live music, then you are in for a treat this month. You’ll find live music at several locations around the New Forest, including Lime Wood with their regular Summer Sessions on Sunday 14 and Sunday 28 July. Browse our events listings for what’s coming up around the time of your visit.
Spend time at Beaulieu this July
Beaulieu will be hosting several car and bike meets across July: Bikers’ Day (6 July), Simply Land Rover (7 July), Simply Audi (14 July), Simply Italian (20 July) and Simply Japanese (21 July).
Spend time in Beaulieu’s Palace House, hop aboard the monorail, explore the indoor and outdoor exhibits and let the little ones burn off energy at Little Beaulieu (the outdoor play area).
Image - Simply Land Rover, Beaulieu
Family fun across the school summer holidays
There will be plenty happening across the school summer holidays in the New Forest. Plan your visit today to some of our family attractions including Paultons Park (with Peppa Pig World), Longdown Activity Farm and The New Forest Wildlife Park.
At Furzey Gardens, there’ll be lots of fairy-based fun with the Furzey Fairytale Adventures interactive story trail. Added to this, little ones will love seeking out the gardens’ hidden fairy doors and houses.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be making a visit to Marwell Zoo across the school holidays bringing with him a series of supersized 3D installations as well as some augmented reality elements.
Image - Marwell Zoo
At Exbury Gardens, younger visitors will not only love the miniature railway but should also keep an eye out for the gardens’ Donkey Days on 25 and 30 July.
Take a look at our events listings to see what else is taking place across the school holidays.
Book a camping break
Spend time in the beautiful surroundings of the New Forest this July. Campsites will be open throughout the month for the opportunity to stay right in the heart of our National Park, near to our coastline or just outside the forest.
Image - Camping New Forest
Or, if you want to add a touch of glam, check out the various glamping sites found in the area.
Plan your visit this July
Accommodation is likely to be very busy in July, particularly around the time of the New Forest & Hampshire County Show so we always recommend booking as early as possible. Browse our accommodation pages for ideas on where to stay.
If you are looking for ways to save some £s this summer, then take a look at the Go New Forest Card which can save money off stays, days out, food and drink and much more.
Above all, we hope you have a wonderful time here in the New Forest!