With a month to go until the school summer holidays, it’s time to start planning for some family fun. Whether you are hoping to book a couple of weeks away or are looking for a short break, you’ll be in for a treat with lots of adventures to be had.

Days out perfect for summer

Make the most of the great outdoors… we’ve plenty of it! Grab your buckets and spades and head to our beaches; Lepe beach makes a great sandy spot to try, whilst the shallow waters around the fossil beds at Barton on Sea allow for some safe bathing.


Image - Milford on Sea Beach

If the sun is getting a bit too much then head for the forest! Here, you’ll find trails and pathways which criss-cross the woodlands. Take on some of our walking routes (we’ve got routes to suit all ages and abilities) or hire or bring along your bike for some off-road cycling.

See if you can spot some of the New Forest’s wildlife. From our famous ponies, which roam the heathland to the deer at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, near Lyndhurst, where the deer get fed daily between the months of April and September. It is here that you will find herds of fallow deer regularly gathering around as they wait for a ranger to come and feed them. If you are lucky and time it right you can watch them being fed from the viewing platform. The feeding takes place anytime (when a ranger is free) between 12.30pm-2.30pm.


Image - Deer

We’ve got some big-name family days out here including Paultons Park with its thrilling rides and Peppa Pig World for smaller visitors and the world-famous National Motor Museum Beaulieu. Petrol heads will love the World of Top Gear and the cars from years gone by. Find out more about family days out.

If you want the kids to burn off some energy then consider booking on to some activities with New Forest Activities (think archery, kayaking and much more), try the high ropes course at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre or book onto some water or land-based activities at Calshot Activities Centre. These are just some of the activities that are on offer here, take a look at our activities pages to find out what else you can do to make your New Forest break extra special!


Image - Calshot Activities Centre

Theatre, shows and much more

Look out for events for all ages taking place across the forest. You’ll find outdoor theatre, concerts, hands-on activities and much more. A big event in the summer calendar, is the New Forest and Hampshire County Show. Taking place from 26-28 July, this show offers agricultural displays, show jumping, shopping opportunities and lots more, it’s great fun for all the family. Or head to Ellingham Show, taking place at Somerley Estate on 13 August, another brilliant day out at a New Forest event. Browse our events listings for what’s on when you plan on visiting.


Image - New Forest and Hampshire County Show 

Accommodation to suit all needs

Whether you are travelling with children, a dog or as a couple, you will find plenty of accommodation options to suit all tastes, requirements and budgets.

If you are travelling with kids then look out for family-friendly places to stay including some of our holiday parks or opt to get closer to nature by booking a camping break.


Image - Sandy Balls Holiday Village

If your four-legged friend is also coming on holiday, then you can find a wide-range of dog-friendly options too, and there’s plenty of opportunities for lots of dog walks here! Plus, lots of our attractions and activities welcome well-behaved dogs.

Looking for romantic places to stay? Take a look at some of our luxury hotels, some with spa facilities. Book a cosy B&B or holiday cottage or opt to glamp it up at one of our glamping sites.


Image - New Park Manor Hotel

The summer holiday season is a very popular time of year here in the New Forest so we recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. That said, do keep a look out on our special offers for last-minute breaks too.