As we approach the third Bank Holiday of the month, from May 27-29, it’s good to know there are all kinds of wonderful things lined up for you to enjoy in our beautiful part of the world.
So, why not make the longer weekend count by getting outdoors for an all-new adventure in the magical New Forest?
There are a whole range of exciting things to learn and try, on land or on the water with New Forest Activities. Gather your friends and family and shoot for gold at their well-equipped archery range. Or explore the stunning Beaulieu River by canoe, paddling peacefully amongst the wonderful local wildlife.
Image - New Forest Activities
Meanwhile, at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre, you can try a host of amazing experiences. Their Go Adventure sessions are just £14pp for 90 minutes of outdoor fun, where you can choose from paddle boarding, climbing, high ropes and much more! It’s a great way to get the family or some friends together and experience a new challenge.
You can also take in the New Forest on two wheels by hiring a bike from Avon Tyrrell for as little as £12pp for a whole day.
And, if you’d like to linger longer – or get the kids away from home for a short break -
you can stay at one of their self-contained 6, 12 and 14-berth lodges, or camp out under the stars on their forest or lake-side pitches. There are electric hook-ups available as well as hot shower facilities and plenty of self-guided activities on-site.
Image - Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
Insight Activities near Fordingbridge can also sort you for a fabulous family day out. Their most popular package is their Medieval Trio – 2.5 hours of archery, rifle, crossbows and axe-throwing from £36.50 per person.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finding a new favourite activity. So, get moving and try something new this spring half term. Whether you’ve always wanted to give climbing, kayaking, or paddleboarding a go, or you’re looking to revisit an old favourite, Calshot Activities Centre has a wide-range of fun-filled activities to inspire your next adventure.
And, if you don’t mind getting wet, why not check out New Forest Water Park? Set in 50 beautiful acres, they have launched an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional boat watersports. Their five-pylon wakeboard cable – a bit like a ski lift system – is one of the newest in the United Kingdom. High and taut, it’s perfect for learning, as well as perfecting tricks. They also have a System 2.0 straight line cable, ideal for beginners and first lessons, and then there’s their giant inflatable obstacle courses, where sessions last from an hour onwards.
Image - New Forest Water Park
The New Forest’s big-ticket attractions also have lots of lovely stuff on, too, over this Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum will be unveiling its new Motopia exhibition, which will look at visions of the motor car – past, present and future - and it will also be hosting the outdoor Adventure Cinema. All you have to do is pack your picnic, blanket and folding chairs and join them at the Beaulieu Estate. More details here: https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/whats-on/outdoor-cinema-experience-at-beaulieu-p1908041
Image - Outdoor Cinema Experience at Beaulieu
Spring Bank Holiday is the perfect time to take in the jaw-dropping perfection of the rhododendrons and azaleas at Exbury Gardens – as well as ride their miniature steam train. For even more rides, head over to Paultons Park - voted the UK’s family favourite, it’s also home to the UK’s only Peppa Pig World.
Don’t forget, too, that you can use your extra day off to explore the New Forest on foot or by bike. Spring is the best time to see the new foals and baby donkeys as they wobble and skip through the heather and, if you’re lucky, you may also see a faun or a baby bunny. Photo Trek guided walk at Gritnam Woods will help you get the most from your camera.
And, because we have some of the UK’s best accommodation – from the 5* luxury of the Chewton Glen Hotel, to camping under the stars, or luxury hot-tub lodges, courtesy of our beautiful holiday parks – there are hundreds of ways to stay, to extend that Bank Holiday a little further.
Image - Chewton Glen Hotel