Pack your picnics, pick your perfect spot on the beach and find an ideal spot for a sunny siesta – August is nearly here, ready to bring you some summertime adventures in the New Forest.
Whether you are travelling as a family, on your own, with friends or as a couple, there are plenty of things to see and do during the month as well as some tip-top events taking place. Read on to find out more…
Head to the Ellingham Show in its 75th anniversary year
Tickets are now on sale for the annual Ellingham Show. This year, it takes place on 13 August. The show is packed full of things to do including horse and dog shows, livestock and horticultural competitions, steam engines and vintage machinery a shopping arcade and much more. You won’t tire of things to see and do here!
Image - Ellingham Show
Discover the rich natural history of our National Park
Join Wild New Forest for a guided walk around Bolderwood, in the heart of the forest to experience some of the amazing scenery on offer, and the chance to see ponies, deer and other wildlife. You will also hear about the origins the New Forest as a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago, and its modern-day role as a place for nature conservation, responsible recreation, and commercial forestry and farming.
Led by experienced local wildlife experts, this short walk provides a great introduction to the New Forest National Park, and covers 2-3 km in 90 minutes. Walks are run on various dates throughout August.
Image - Wild New Forest
Amazing activities for children (and big children!)
Children won’t be short of things to do during August. We are a very family-friendly destination, with some top attractions including Paultons Park (with Peppa Pig World) and Longdown Activity Farm, some great off-road cycle routes and a coastline with several spots for building those perfect sandcastles.
Image - Paultons Park
If you are here on selected dates, make the most of some of the events planned across the forest.
On 4 August, pop along to Poulner Lakes, near Ringwood for the Big Bug Hunt with some of the New Forest National Park Rangers. Added bonus, this event is free!
Exbury Gardens makes for a great day out regardless, and the young and old will love hopping aboard the miniature team train as it weaves its way through the grounds. In addition to this, the gardens are hosting a range of fun-filled events across the month including Bushcraft (6 August), the return of the popular Donkey Days (2, 10, 18 and 26 August) and Falconry Days (8 and 23 August).
Image - Exbury Gardens
Come face to face with some Saxon Warriors and Roman Soldiers at Rockbourne Rediscovered: A Living History Event, 6-7 August. Learn more about the Rockbourne Roman Villa’s Iron Age past and take a tour of the site with a leading archaeologist. There will also be a display on the history of the excavations of the site, and lots of craft and making activities for children including decorating your own shield and making a mosaic plaque.
Throughout August, Sunnyfields Farm will be running their Summer Time event. With activities including tractor and trailer rides, a willow maze and lots of other activities for children.
Navigate your way through the Maize Maze and enjoy Sunflowers Picking from 13-29 August at Bickton Manor Farm, Fordingbridge. This year Aladdin and the Genie take centre stage, with all sorts of weird and wonderful adventures to be had!
Image - Maize Maze & Sunflowers Picking
Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week
Who doesn’t love an afternoon tea? It’s the perfect treat to indulge in one after a busy morning walking or sightseeing. From 8-14 August, The Bell Inn in Brook is offering their classic Afternoon Tea plus a free glass of fizz on arrival from just £19.95 per person. There are several tea rooms dotted across the forest that also offer afternoon teas. Be sure to share your scrummy photos of them with us on social!
Image - The Bell Inn
Check out classic cars and more at Beaulieu
Love your cars and motorbikes? Then be sure to add Beaulieu National Motor Museum to your agenda this summer. Not only can you explore the large exhibits of some vintage and classic cars, there are also some fantastic car and bike meets happening including: Beaulieu Supercar Weekend (6-7 August), VW T Chill featuring classic campervans (12-14 August) the Graham Walker Memorial Run with vintage motorbikes (14 August) and Simply Mercedes (21 August).
Image - Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
Take to our waters
You may not think of the New Forest as having a coastline, but in fact, we have a large stretch of coast that’s perfect for days out. A great way to appreciate our coastline is taking to the water. Whether you hop on an excursion boat from Lymington, you try some stand-up paddleboarding, you charter your own boat or perhaps you book onto a cruise aboard Steamship Shieldhall from Southampton. On 21 August, the Steamship will be cruising to The Needles on the Isle of Wight passing Hurst Castle and our wonderful New Forest coastline.
Image - The New Forest Paddle Sport Company
Why not visit Lepe Country Park, a fantastic place for the whole family? Explore the shores and take a dip in the sea, or adventure around the playground. If you fancy a bite to eat or a chargrilled burger, you can hire out your own BBQ site for groups up to 60 people!
Book your August stay
The events we mention above are just a selection of some of the exciting things you can do here in the New Forest. To maximise your visit, we’d recommend staying for a few days. You can find plenty of accommodation options to suit all requirements and budgets so whether you fancy camping under the stars or a spot of pampering at one of our luxury hotels – take a look at our places to stay and book your break today.