Spring is in the air, it’s time to make the most of the longer days and get outdoors. Where better a place to do so than the New Forest!

Spot the spring blooms

Discover borders laced with daffodils, primroses and other spring flowers as you make a trip to some of our gardens. Beaulieu’s grounds are open all throughout the month and offer peaceful walks which criss-cross the estate’s grounds. Spot wood carvings along the way and the abundance of wildlife around. Any younger visitors with you will love the Little Beaulieu adventure play area too.

At Minstead, Furzey Gardens is a tranquil woodland garden with a tea room. It comes to life in March with the colours of daffodils and crocuses dotted around the garden.

From 29 March, Exbury Gardens re-opens its doors for the 2022 season. Take a wander through these large gardens or sit back and absorb the views from the on-site miniature steam railway.

Embark on a spring walk

Now the weather is feeling warmer, it can be an ideal time for walking. Browse our extensive lists of walking routes, plan your own route or join Wild New Forest for one of their New Forest Discovery Walks (various dates and locations throughout March).

Wild New Forest are offering lots of different walks during March, including Bolderwood and Bratley Explorer Walk (5 March) and Oxey Marsh Dusk Explorer (11 March). Both walks offer opportunities to see some of the wildlife that can be found here.

However you choose to walk, keep your eyes open for the New Forest Pony foals. Just be sure to keep your distance from them and their mums and follow the New Forest code.

Visit our coastline

Although we are famous for our woodlands and forest, the New Forest coastline is well-worth adding to your plans. Why not pay a visit to historic Lymington, with its well-loved street market, independent shops and its marina. From here you can also take boat trips out or catch the ferry over to the Isle of Wight.

Another popular choice, and ideal on a warm March day, is the beach at Barton on Sea. Here, you can fossil hunt, go on a cliff walk or simply stop for a well-deserved cup of tea and cake.

If you are travelling with children, then add Lepe Country Park to your itinerary. Here, you will find sandy beaches and ample footpaths to explore. On 12 March you can also join onto a Bird Aware Solent walk with one of Lepe’s rangers to learn about some of the birds that can be found here.

Enjoy some musical entertainment

If you are looking for some evening entertainment whilst staying here in the New Forest, or you simply fancy a night out, check out some of the concerts and events taking place by looking through our listings.

On 5 March, Lymington Town Band will be holding their Spring Concert at St John’s Church, Hythe. On 10 March, The Lookout at Lepe Country Park is transformed for Live at Lepe. Join Sound Level Events for an evening of live music with the beautiful views of the Solent and food served by the Lookout team.

You will also find various concerts and performances at Forest Arts Centre throughout the month, including Hazel O’Connor (16 March), Clive Carroll (17 March) and Mitchell and Vincent (19 March).

Looking for ideas for Mother’s Day?

We will be adding a new blog to our website dedicated just for Mother’s Day very soon, so please check back and we’ll give you lots of ideas of how you can spoil your mum this Mother’s Day here in the New Forest.

More to discover

There’s plenty more to discover here, we highly recommend checking our events listings regularly as new events are added all the time.

Keep an eye out as well for our last-minute availability on places to stay, with hotels, B&Bs, cottages, camping and much more.