Ideas

Coming to visit The New Forest and need some ideas on how to spend your stay? Not to worry, we’re here to help! We have a great selection of ideas to help you make the most of your time in the New Forest, whatever the season or weather may bring.

The New Forest throughout the year
 

The summer months are a great time to come and visit the New Forest. We have some amazing family-friendly attractions including the ever-popular Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Take the opportunity to go camping and get close to our nature or to make the most of the indoor and outdoor activities at our Holiday Parks.

The New Forest isn’t just a summer destination though. Yes, we have miles of beautiful coastline and lots of outdoor activities that are ideal for those balmy summer days however our area is perfect for visits outside of the summer months too.

During the autumn months our forests change as the leaves turn from bright green to the rich reds, oranges and yellows. It’s a photographer’s dream! With temperatures often a little cooler, it is a great time to embark on one of our walking trails or to join in with the annual New Forest Walking Festival, organised by the New Forest National Park Authority. Autumn is also the time to look out for the pigs roaming the forest floor as part of the annual pannage - an old tradition which helps to protect our New Forest ponies for future generations.

As winter descends, the New Forest continues to provide a wealth of things to do. Many of our attractions are open year-round including Beaulieu and Exbury Gardens. Look out for opportunities to get involved in seasonal festivities from Christmas hotel breaks to fireworks displays, carol concerts and festive markets. Make a visit to our pretty towns and villages to pick up some special gifts for your loved ones and stock up on our local produce, perfect for rustling up a storm in the kitchen.

Spring brings vibrant colours back to the forest, with the bright acid green of the leaves emerging on our beech and oak trees and the carpets of woodland flowers including beautiful bluebells during May. This is the time of year to see some of the new arrivals including newly born foals. Get out and about on your bikes to cycle some of our off-road cycleways, take a paddle along the Beaulieu River on a kayak or canoe or try your hand at some of our other watersports. Many of our campsites open for the season in March and don’t forget to look out for a host of events and activities taking place for families over the Easter holidays.

Don’t let the rain stop your fun
 

Okay, so the United Kingdom isn’t always known for its sunshine but that shouldn’t stop your enjoyment here, after all, a spot of rain helps to keep our forest healthy! We have some great ideas for what you can do on those rainy days including some fantastic indoor attractions and activities. Why not give an escape room a try? Or try your hand at indoor climbing? Or just avoid the rain by indulging in a spa treatment at one of our luxury spa hotels, a perfect way to forget about the outside world.

Let us inspire you
 

So, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, or if it’s due to rain on your visit then we have some great ideas for you to look at and follow, to guarantee that you’ll have a fantastic time in the New Forest.

Don’t forget to also check out our blog, where you can get some fantastic ideas and inspiration for days, out where to stay, where to eat and lots of ideas for seasonal things to do. Take a read as well of our ‘Top 10s’ - we’ve put together lots of handy tips and information to help you make the most of your break to the New Forest.