In just a couple of weeks’ time, February half term will be here. It’s a great time to relax and make precious family moments in the great outdoors. Plus, what better a place to visit than the New Forest?

Below you will find some fantastic ideas for days out and short breaks you can enjoy this half term.

Outdoor adventures

Make the most of the fresh air and plan some fun-filled outdoor adventures together.

The Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre at Bransgore will be running their ‘Be Outdoor Days’ from 21-24 February. Drop your children off for a full day’s adventures where they can safely experience a whole day of exciting outdoor challenges and environmental discovery (pre-booking required).

Alternatively, book onto one of the ‘Go Adventure’ sessions being run by the centre (various dates and times throughout February) for climbing, kayaking, bushcraft or archery.

At Calshot Activity Centre, you can try your hand at a range of experiences, such as ringos, aero-trek and take off all under one roof. There’s also an on-site café for those all-important refreshments.

Have a go at winter paddling along the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities. Select from a kayak or canoe adventure and see what wildlife you can spot along the way.

Hire a bike from one of our cycle hire shops and pedal your way along the cycle tracks which criss-cross the forest. Take a look at our cycle routes for some inspiration or ask the hire shop for their recommended routes. 

Plan a trip to some of our family-favourite attractions

Whether you fancy the thrills and adventures of the various theme park rides at Paultons Park or the excitement of spotting your favourite motor cars and enjoying gardens and the brilliant play park at Beaulieu, there is plenty to choose from this half term.

Younger visitors will love Peppa Pig World (within Paultons Park), Longdown Activity Farm and New Forest Wildlife Park and all ages enjoy spotting the animals at Marwell Zoo.

Enjoy creative events and theatre this half term

Ever thought what might happen if Little Red Riding Hood had hunted the wolf? Or Jack hadn’t bothered to climb the beanstalk? What about if Cinderella had been too tired to go to the ball…?!

Join Forest Forge Theatre for a day of drama and creativity as we delve into the magical and messed up world of twisted fairy tales! Running on 21 February, this event costs £30pp.

On 27 February, Forest Arts Centre will see the arrival of ‘Messy’, a magical and visual story complete with original music, puppets, tap dancing and even a trip to the moon! Tickets are £7.50pp.

Taste some yummy New Forest food

Take home some sweet treats such as tempting fudges from Burley Fudge. Or order a special hamper from The Forest Foodie. Their half term menu is family-orientated and alpine themed but with a New Forest twist (using New Forest pancetta, New Forest Lyburn Cheese, New Forest chocolate from Miss Witt, New Forest strawberries and New Forest microgreens from Lightfoots Farm).

Children will also love a trip to Hockey’s Farm Shop where you can meet some of the farm’s resident animals.

Book your half term stay

It’s not too late to book your half term stay. Look out for last-minute availability at hotels, cottages, B&Bs and more.

Inglewood Cottage, a family-friendly self-catering cottage, currently has 18-25 February available. We recommend you booking early to secure your half term getaway. For other availability, we recommend using the search box on our accommodation pages.