The summer months are well and truly underway and whether you are looking for summer holiday ideas this July or for a pre-school holiday getaway, there’s plenty to entertain you this July in the New Forest.
Spend those warm and balmy days exploring our timeless landscape, from relaxed days upon our beaches through to family forest walks. Let the New Forest unfurl and reenergise you. Here’s what we recommend as some top things to do this July…
The return of the New Forest & Hampshire County Show
The New Forest & Hampshire County Show is arguably the biggest event on the New Forest’s calendar, this iconic agricultural show is set to return on 28-30 July.
Offering three days of fun including livestock competitions, entertaining performances, children’s events and the ever-popular shopping, food and drink tents. Early bird tickets and membership options are currently available – so book now to save £s off your day out and enjoy the ultimate New Forest Show experience.
Image - New Forest & Hampshire County Show
Make time for our beaches and coastline
What better a time of year is there than to explore some of our seaside towns and beaches? Spend a day out in Lymington; walk along the Solent Way and take in the scenes of the harbour and across to the Isle of Wight. Catch a boat ride to explore the coastline in a different way or take a dip in the sea water baths. And if you happen to be in Lymington on 10-12 July, you can catch the annual Seafood Festival (pre-booking is advised).
Head to some of the New Forest’s beaches whether it’s taking a dip beside the fossil beds at Barton on Sea or exploring all that Milford on Sea has to offer with its beautiful beaches, wonderful village centre and nearby walking paths.
Image - Barton on Sea
And if you fancy a good stretch of the legs, why not follow the 2-mile shingle spit from Milford on Sea out towards Hurst Castle? If you don’t fancy doing the walk both ways, you can catch one of the regular ferries back to Keyhaven - also a great opportunity for some wildlife spotting along the way!
Image - Hurst Castle
Plan a glamping adventure
With longer days and (hopefully) some warm weather, July can be a great time for a glamping trip. Sit around a firepit toasting marshmallows and watching the stars above before relaxing in the comforts of your glamping accommodation. Choose from family-friendly glamping spots where all the gang can stay or glamping spots at adult only sites, where peace and tranquillity can be expected.
Image - Gambledown Farm
Enjoy a day out on the New Forest Tour Bus
A great car-free way to explore the New Forest this July is aboard the New Forest Tour Bus. Operating from 4 July, choose from three different bus routes depending on where you fancy going. Sit on the top deck of the open topped double decker and take in the sweeping views of the New Forest as you relax. A hop-on, hop-off service, stops along the route include Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and towns and villages including Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and Lymington. The tour bus also stops at some of the New Forest’s popular holiday parks including Sandy Balls, Hoburne Bashley and Shorefield Country Park.
Image - New Forest Tour
New Forest summer holiday fun
With the New Forest’s main summer holidays kicking off from around the 23 July, you’ll find plenty of things to do this July to keep the family entertained.
Delve into the grimy history of the Victorians by exploring the Horrible Histories exhibition at Beaulieu (as well as checking out Beaulieu’s amazing car collection at the National Motor Museum), enjoy summer garden games on the lawns at Exbury Gardens and head on a space-themed journey of exploration at Furzey Gardens.
If you are looking for low-cost ways to spend your July days, take a look at our family walking routes – with routes suitable for littler legs or bring along your bikes and head out onto some of our gravel tracks for a cycling adventure.
Other top events happening in July
Ahead of the schools breaking up, there are some other great events taking place in and around the New Forest.
On 5 July, bring your four-legged friend along to Exbury Gardens for their Devoted to Dogs Day with some free activities for your dog. Check out the annual scooter gathering at Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum on 12 July or the various car meets taking place at Beaulieu at various points in July.
On 11-12 July, Beaulieu will be transformed into the English Civil War period for the Royal Hunt event. Expect live re-enactments and living history stations – a great day out for any history buffs or those looking for a fun family day out.
Want to know what else is on this month? Check out our events listings or sign up to our weekly events newsletters.
