The spring month of May will soon be upon us bringing with it longer days, more spring flowers and a well-deserved Bank Holiday weekend! Read on to find out what you can enjoy here in the New Forest throughout the month of May…


Image - Beaulieu Grounds & Gardens

May Bank Holiday Weekend

The start of May sees the Early May Bank Holiday weekend, with the actual Bank Holiday being Monday 2nd. As you are probably aware, there are normally two Bank Holidays in May however the second one has moved for 2022 into June to form part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations (more about that in an upcoming blog).

On the Saturday and Sunday of the Bank Holiday weekend, you can catch the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu. What better way to inspire your gardening year than by attending this spring event.

The Bluebells are out!

Early May is a fantastic time to see the carpets of bluebells in some of our woodlands. Sandleheath (near Fordingbridge), Bank, Exbury Gardens and Furzey Gardens are all great places to spot them. Take a read of our page on New Forest bluebells to find out more about these locations, and discover other places you can find them here in the New Forest.


Image - New Forest Activities

Take part in a range of outdoor activities

From 1 May, New Forest Activities begin their regular Sunset Chaser Paddling Tours. Bask in the warmth of a beautiful sunset on the Beaulieu River – just don’t forget your camera!

We touched on some of our bluebell woods above, so why not take time out to explore them by embarking on one of our walking trails or picking a cycle route to take you through the forest? You can even hire bicycles from several hire centres dotted around our National Park.

For water-based activities, look into what’s on offer at Calshot Activities Centre or take to the waters with The New Forest Paddle Sport Company. If you are after something with a bit of luxury added in, sail away across the Solent with Escape Yachting.


Image - Beaulieu Autojumble

Autos, boats and more

If you love any form of transport, then you are in for a treat this month!

On 7 May, Royal Lymington Yacht Club will be celebrating their 100 year anniversary with their Centenary Vintage and Classics Exhibition. The event will feature a fascinating display of classic yachts and dinghies, vintage cars, motorcycles and bicycles, what’s more – it’s free to enter!

Beaulieu’s Spring Autojumble is back for 2022. With hundreds of stands packed with spare parts, books, automobilia, model cars and much more motoring miscellany, this event is a popular addition to the Beaulieu Calendar. This year, it runs on 14-15 May. Can’t make that weekend? Beaulieu is running other events for motoring enthusiasts during May including Simply Ford (22 May) and Simply Electric (29 May).

Another great thing to do in May is to hop aboard Steamship Shieldhall. It departs Southampton’s Western Docks on various dates in May for your opportunity to see cruise liners and ships along the Southampton Waters as well as take in some of the scenery of the New Forest coastline.


Image - Burley Food & Drink Festival

The Burley Food & Drink Festival returns

Returning for 2022, this festival takes place from 27-29 May in Burley Deer Park. Over the weekend, an array of music, food, drinks, craft, and family entertainment will be on offer to keep you entertained and bring out the festival Burley fairy in you.

Plan your May getaway

With the warmer weather and so much to see and do, make the most of your New Forest visit by staying over. Take a look at our places to stay to find a wide-range of accommodation options to suit all kinds of tastes and budgets. So whether you fancy 5* luxury, or a rustic camping break, you’ll be amazed at what you can find here.