Marking the start of the Hampshire spring half term is the second May bank holiday on Monday 27 May.
You’ll find lots to see and do across the New Forest, from family activities through to live music and much more. Whether you are visiting for the day, for the Bank holiday weekend or for an extended break, you’ll be sure to find lots to keep you entertained.
Here are some of our highlights for May half term in the New Forest:
Brockstock Music Festival
Check out 11 different acts over two days, plus much more at BrockStock Music Festival. This festival takes place on the Saturday and Sunday of the bank holiday weekend with food, drink and lots of fun for all the family.
Image - BrockStock
Pop to Beaulieu and Sammy Miller’s for their car and bike events
Love your VWs? Then be sure to pop along to Beaulieu for the return of the Simply VW event on Sunday 26 May. Whether you have your own VW to show, or you are simply an aficionado, you are sure to be in for a good day out.
On Sunday 2 June, towards the end of the half term week, the Simply Porche event will also return for what promises to be a superb day out for both Porsche owners and enthusiasts.
At the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, there will be an Off Road and Adventure Bike Day on Saturday 25 May with various motorcycle traders on site and on Sunday 2 June, a VJMC and Japanese Bike Bonanza takes place. Be sure to visit the museum afterwards too!
Image - Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
Nature events
On the bank holiday Monday, join Wild New Forest for a 2-hour family walk at Whitefield Moor. With activity sheets to keep little ones entertained, this is a lovely way to learn more about the New Forest on a family day out.
On Thursday 30 May, there will be a Poulner Lakes Bug Hunt for little ones being run. Help identify different insects with one of the New Forest National Park Rangers.
Join in with some New Forest outdoor adventures
With spring underway, why not come and explore the New Forest by bike? Flowers and trees will have sprung and spritely foals will be leaping through the grass taking their first steps. Cycling is a brilliant way to become immersed within the countryside. Cyclexperience, in Brockenhurst, offers a great base to begin your bike rides.
Why not book onto a have-a-go session at Avon Tyrell Outdoor Centre on Friday 31 May? For just £10 per person, a 2-hour session will give you opportunities to try climbing, archery, their challenge course and lake activities.
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
If you are looking for something a little more sedate, then hop aboard the Lazy Dayz for a scenic cruise along the Beaulieu River. This 2.5-hour cruise will take you from Buckler’s Hard to the Solent and back and also takes place on Friday 31 May.
Or, take a look at some of our family walks. From short strolls to buggy-friendly routes, walking is a great way to experience the New Forest at its finest.
Bring your four-legged friend along to Dogstival
All the family, and especially your four-legged friend, are invited to Dogstival. Returning to Burley Park on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June, this festival is packed full of canine approved entertainment.
Check out the arena displays, the Barkour adventure playground as well as live music and street performers. Tickets are now on sale.
Image - Dogstival
Join in with some seaside fun
On Saturday 25 May, Lepe Country Park will be hosting its Spring Fair. Join them on the clifftop for buckets of fun in the sunshine with a bouncy castle, face painting, merry-go-round and alpacas. Afterwards, take a stroll along the beach and make sandcastles and happy memories.
We are hoping for lots of sunny weather across the half term so make the most of our other New Forest beaches too. Whether pebbly or sandy, you’ll be sure to find lots of adventures… plus many an opportunity for ice creams!
Join in with Hurst Castle's D-Day 80th Anniversary celebrations this half term and become a D-Day Hero! Test your map plotting skills with a Battleship-style HIT OR MISS activity trail. Taking place between Saturday 25 May and Sunday 9 June!
Book your half term break
If you want to make the most of the spring half term, then in the New Forest then we’d recommend booking your accommodation quickly as it’s likely to fill up quickly.
Take a look at our places to stay and find holiday parks, holiday cottages, campsites and hotels to find your perfect New Forest break.