Spring

With the days beginning to get longer and warmer, spring is the perfect time to visit the New Forest. Watch the forest come back to life as the spring months progress. It starts with the bluebells; cobalt blue on acid green, pouring their scent into the air from the forest’s floor. Spot them at Clayhill Heath near Lyndhurst and Broomy Inclosure north of Linwood in late April or early May.

Then come the leaves of delicate, vibrant, green throughout the Ancient and Ornamental woodlands, the flare of the yellow gorse on the heath (not forgetting the veritable riot of colour from the azaleas and rhododendrons of Exbury Gardens).

Enjoy some fresh air on an active break
 

If you have found yourself staying indoors a lot over the winter then spring is an ideal time to get active again and where better to do so than in the New Forest.

Pack your walking boots and embark on one of our many walking trails. Whether you just fancy a short stroll around one of our towns or villages or perhaps a long distance trail which takes you into the heart of the open countryside, there is plenty of choice on offer. You will love seeing the fresh greens of the leaves and the sounds of nature, the perfect antidote to modern day life. Why not pick a route which passes you by some of our ancient bluebell woods? A photographer’s dream!

Hire a bike from one of our cycle hire shops that you will find around the National Park and wind your way along some of the off-road cycling routes. For families, the ride to the Old Station Tea Rooms from Burley along the disused railway line is a popular choice.

Take to our waters by kayaking along the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities - perfect for a bit of wildlife spotting or learn how to use a stand up paddleboard from Milford on Sea with the New Forest Paddle Sport Company.

See if you can spot some of our new arrivals
 

Quite often during spring you can spot some of the newly born New Forest pony foals wandering around the forest, a welcome sight but please keep your distance, as their mothers are very protective!

However a real hands on animal experience can be had at Longdown Activity Farm, younger visitors can enjoy meeting chicks, calves and kid goats with opportunities to hand-feed some of the animals at selected times.

Stay under canvas
 

If you love the outdoors then there’s nothing better than to go camping. Many of our campsites open up for the season in early spring, so why not book at stay at one and explore all that the New Forest has to offer? Think starry nights, cooking over a gas stove and wildlife literally on your doorstep and you’ll get the picture.

Take in the colours of our gardens
 

Exbury Gardens is an ideal place to visit during spring. The gardens here are internationally-renowned for their beautiful displays of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas. Pinks, reds, oranges and purples… just don’t forget to bring your camera along! The miniature steam railway is another great addition to the gardens and is a relaxing way to take in the sights.

Furzey Gardens also bursts into life in the spring with a large display of crocuses, daffodils and bluebells followed by a colourful collection of rhododendron and azalea. Book onto one of the monthly guided walks for an explore of the gardens with Furzey Garden volunteers for some top tips on what you can find here.

The Wilderness Garden at Beaulieu is awash with colour during the spring; starting with masses of snowdrops. Later in the season look out for displays of daffodils and crocuses before the nectarine blossom. Late April - May is the perfect time to see the stunning wisteria and laburnum tunnel in the Victorian Flower Garden.

Take in some of our family-friendly attractions
 

During spring, many of our family-friendly attractions open up for the season. Anyone with an interest in nature should head to the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst. Take a look at the pods that contain grass snakes and other reptiles and speak to the friendly wardens and volunteers about nature in the New Forest.

The thrilling rides at Paulton’s Park and Adventure Wonderland are great fun for those who like to get their adrenalin pumping

Starting in April is the daily feeding of the fallow deer by the Forestry Commission rangers at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. Head to the deer viewing platform between 12.30pm-2.30pm to see the feeding take place. There are a number of scenic walking trails that you can also take from the main car park at Bolderwood.

Treat yourselves
 

What better way to treat yourself than enjoying one of our luxurious spa days. Pamper yourself in some gorgeous surroundings and soak up the relaxing surroundings of the New Forest.

If you are just here for a day trip then treat yourself by having a spa day (most of our spa hotels will offer day passes for non-residents) or why not indulge in an afternoon tea and one of our cosy tearooms?

If the weather doesn’t play ball…
 

Then don’t let that put you off visiting the New Forest in spring. You will find plenty of things to do indoors including visiting our museums and historic houses, solving the clues required at ClueCrypted Escape Room or enhancing your culinary skills at one of our cookery schools. Take a look at our rainy day ideas for more inspiration.