As Midsummer begins to descend upon the New Forest, make the most of the longer, balmy summer days. June is the perfect time for outdoor adventures – from nights under canvas at one of our campsites to days spent strolling through the vibrant woodland or spent sipping something cool in a pub garden.
Find your perfect things to do this June in the New Forest…
Take time out in the great outdoors
Maximise your time outside this June and explore all that the New Forest has to offer. Take a summer walk to see wildflowers and listen to the sound of birdsong around you. Choose your own favourite walks from our wide selection or book onto a wildlife walk to find out more about our special flora and fauna with local guiding company, Wild New Forest Guided Tours, who offer a variety of themed wildlife walks throughout the month.
Spend time at Exbury Gardens this month, whether at the Exbury Wellness Festival (13-14 June) or if you are feeling more energetic, by participating in the Exbury Gardens 10k (28 June). Or, simply plan a visit there to while away time taking in the beautiful vistas and colours of the gardens.
Or wander the stunning Furzey Gardens, with its cottage garden adorned with a vibrant display of colours.
Image - Furzey Gardens
Cool off with some of our water-based activities
For the perfect way to cool off on those warmer days, take part in some of our water-based activities. From taking a dip in the seawater baths at Lymington to navigating the inflatable obstacle course of the New Forest Water Park, there are plenty of options available.
If you are looking for something a little more sedate upon the water, then why not take a river cruise from Buckler’s Hard along the Beaulieu River? You may even get to spot the flash of a kingfisher or perhaps even some of the area’s resident seals.
Alternatively, head out onto the Solent for a day’s sailing with Escape Yachting, who offer different sailing options including sunset sailings. Based in Lymington, this is a great way to see some of the New Forest’s coastline as you head over towards the Isle of Wight.
Images - New Forest Water Park
Father’s Day fun
Celebrating Father's Day on Sunday 21 June? Make a day (or even a weekend) of it here in the New Forest. Look out for lots of special things to do with dad, grandad or your male role model including a Father’s Day Paddle to the Pub with New Forest Activities, half price entry for dads to Exbury Gardens and much more.
If you’d like to further treat dad, then book a table at one of our restaurants or pubs - many of which will be serving up special menus for the occasion.
Image - New Forest Activities
Browse our markets
Whether you are after a bargain or simply love to look for local produce on a trip, a visit to some of the New Forest’s markets is a must.
With around 90 stalls, Lymington’s regular Saturday market is one of the area’s largest. Expect local produce and artisan products as well as your usual market staples.
You’ll find other markets in some of our towns including Ringwood, Hythe and New Milton – as well as pop-up markets dotted around the forest – keep an eye out for these in our weekly events newsletters by signing up here.
Enjoy delicious food
There are so many idyllic pub gardens and restaurant terraces in the New Forest. Sit back, relax in the sunshine and enjoy the best food and drink the south has to offer.
Balmer Lawn Hotel have a very special 2 for 1 drinks offer Monday-Thursday from 5pm-7pm until 30th June 2026. Including Cosmopolitans, Espresso Martinis, Smokin' Deer Ale & Lager and much more. Plus, they've just launched their summer menu, available across the hotel, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while you're there!
Image - Lymington Market
Book your first camping break of the season
Feel close to nature on a New Forest camping trip this June. Take your pick from a wide range of camping options, including those right in the heart of the New Forest National Park, where New Forest ponies and other wildlife roam freely amongst the camps, to those offering family escapes with campfire (perfect for making some late-night s’mores) and campsites offering five-star facilities. Choose your perfect pitch today for a perfect midsummer escape.
Image - Camping New Forest
Share your summer adventures with us
We’d love to see what you get up to this June in the New Forest – share your experiences with us on socials. And do keep a look out for our other blogs, highlighting other things happening in and around the New Forest.
