Summer Ideas in the New Forest
The New Forest really does come alive in the summer and what's more, it offers a huge range of activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for family-friendly holidays with plenty of things to do in the outdoors, or a leisurely holiday where you're being pampered and enjoying some of our alfresco dining, we promise that you'll be in safe hands with us. You'll find an endless list of activities and experiences you can take part in, with stunning walks and bike rides through our nature trails, watersports with picturesque views, or if you want to take part in one of our many festivals and events. Whatever you're looking for this summer, you'll find endless opportunities to create some unforgettable memories here at the New Forest.
Activities and Things to Do
Long, lazy days. Warm nights. Bright mornings and endless evenings, what’s not to like about summer in the New Forest?
The New Forest is the place to go to get outside in the great outdoors and enjoy yourself all year round, but never more than in summer when the sun is blazing and the forest is thriving. Take a walk along our many waymarked paths through gladed woodlands, across the purple heather-clad heathland or along our beautiful coastline.
See if you can spot our adorable, free-roaming new-born New Forest pony foals and baby donkeys (although please just look, feel free to take photos from afar but keep your distance and don’t touch them - their mothers are very protective).
Cycle some of our off-road trails, ideal for families and those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of our towns and villages and roads. If you haven’t brought your own bike along then that’s not a problem, there are several places where you can hire bikes within the New Forest and our cycling pages give lots of information on suggested routes you can take.
Take to the sea from one of our 43 miles of stunning coastline for a true, open-water swim or, if that’s too cold, try a little yoga or mindfulness on the beach. Or how about a coastal picnic watching the sunset?
Family-Friendly Fun This Summer
There is a huge amount of family fun to be had in the New Forest during the summer months. The area is a popular holiday destination for the summer, with our campsites in the New Forest and our holiday parks in the New Forest buzzing with activity, many of which offer children’s entertainment and family activities and opportunities for lots of outdoor fun. Plus, they're the perfect places to see the evening sky dazzling with stars, as we have very little light pollution here in the New Forest!
It goes without saying that summer is one of the best times to enjoy our world-class attractions. Learn more about some of the interesting history of the New Forest while on our stunning coastline, which is a real sun trap, at Hurst Castle. A great day out for all ages and interests!
Animal lovers are super lucky in the New Forest - not only are we home to a huge amount of free roaming and wild animals, but we also have an excellent selection of nature and animal based attractions. Wander around New Forest Wildlife Park and fall in love with animals large and small. Or take a trip to Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park and enjoy a Heavy Horse carriage ride, interactive feeding tours, an amazing adventure park and so much more.
Paulton’s Park, with its roller-coasters and thrill-rides is a firm family favourite. The ‘Lost Kingdom’ is ideal for dinosaur fans and younger members of the family will no doubt enjoy exploring Peppa Pig World. New attractions are added each year and be sure to look out for summer holiday events.
Food, Drink and Alfresco Dining
Summer in the forest is a time for long drinks on the terraces and in the gardens of our award-winning hotels in the New Forest and also loads of restaurants in the New Forest. Sip champagne in the gardens at Montagu Arms Hotel, or luxury Lime Wood, or try taking afternoon tea outdoors at the five star luxurious surroundings of the Chewton Glen Hotel.
For full relaxation after a day of exploring the New Forest’s winding paths, head to one of our wonderful pub gardens. Serving chilled local drinks and the perfect food for refuelling, it’s a summer experience not to be missed.
Taste some New Forest ice cream from one of the ice cream vans you will find dotted around the New Forest or in our coastal towns and villages. Sample the sweet tastes of summer at Burley Fudge Shop (with seasonal specials each month as well as your usual favourites) or tempt yourselves to some homemade cakes at one of our cafes or tearooms in the New Forest.
Summer is also a time for fun, festivals and events; from Lymington Seafood Festival to New Forest Food Festival. There are many foodie events taking place all over our National Park that are perfect for foodies, or why not head to one of our regular markets to pick up some fresh seasonal produce? Ideal for rustling up a feast if you are staying here on a self catering break!
Outdoor Adventures
Take to the waters of the New Forest for the ultimate outdoor adventures. Kayak or canoe along the Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities, wakeboard or take on the inflatable challenge at the New Forest Water Park. Our water sports will leave you feeling both energised and relaxed!
Use the summer months to indulge in some forest bathing, the Japanese art of appreciating the world around you. Research shows that even just being in a forest improves your mental and physical health.
Planning Your Holiday to The New Forest
When it comes to planning your holiday, one of the most important decisions you'll be making is choosing the right place to stay, but don't worry because our range of accommodation has you covered. If you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or even a bit of both, we'll have something which will make your trip that bit extra special.
Our holiday parks are an excellent choice for families and groups looking for a fun-filled experience. Our parks also have a range of amenities, with swimming pools, playgrounds, and organised activities suitable for your whole group, If you're looking to relax, you'll be happy to know we also have a range of options so you can pamper yourself, especially while the kids are having fun. Whatever you're looking for, our holiday parks are suitable for any group or budget, and perfect for exploring the outdoors.
Our range of hotels is also another excellent option for your next trip. With a wide range of options covering luxury hotels with extensive services, to budget-friendly option as well, there really is something for everyone. You'll find our selection of hotels are placed excellently, making sure you're close to everything you may need, with easy access to the outdoors too! For more information, you can find our range of accommodation here.
Summer inspiration...
Top ten things to do in summer in the New Forest
1. Go fly a kite! So long as your kite is under 2m then you’re good to go in the New Forest National Park. Best spots for this type of aerial activity are Stoney Cross Common and Wilverley Plain.
2. Swim in the sea (or at least go for a paddle). From gentle family beaches such as Milford on Sea, to the wild coastal beach of Lepe Country Park, to the tiny, secret scraps of sand and shingle near Lymington where you’ll be the only ones there, we have 43 miles of stunning coastline for you to enjoy. And, if you’re very, very lucky, there are a few places where you may just get to enjoy the day with the New Forest ponies as they like a dip, too.
3. Bring your dog along for a New Forest adventure. Don’t leave your four-legged best friends at home! The New Forest truly is a dog’s idea of paradise, with a whole world of new smells, sights and sounds to discover and enjoy. Plus we’re home to a huge choice of dog friendly attractions, activities, eateries, places to stay and our very own dog festival… Dogstival!
4. Get your foodie on at local festivals. From Lymington Seafood Festival, where you will find 100 stalls full of everything from fried calamari, oyster po-boys and divine chocolate hand-made in the New Forest - to New Forest Food Festival, a 2 day festival celebrating all of the incredible local producers of food and drink in the New Forest. Or head to the New Forest & Hampshire County Show and try delicious samples of local food while watching the country pursuits taking place in the main arena!
5. Watch the sunset. Take a blanket and some warmer layers and head out in the New Forest just before dawn, pick the perfect panoramic location and watch the sunsetting behind the extraordinary landscapes in the New Forest and see the nighttime nature come to life. It’s an experience you will never forget.
6. Walk across the stepping stones. Getting from one side of a stream to another is one of life’s simplest pleasures. Enjoy this at the brook near Rockford Green near Ringwood. But bring a change of shoes – just in case!
7. Enjoy fun outdoor adventures and activities! With New Forest Activities or Insight Activities! Ever wondered what it's like to canoe on the beautiful Beaulieu River, paddleboard on our calm seas or to throw an axe at a target or take on a tree-top adventure? Book loads of fun-filled activities with our local activity centres and providers, including New Forest Activities, Insight Activities, The New Forest Paddle Sport Company, Calshot Activities and Foxlease Activities Centre. Perfect for a family day out, or a couples adventure.
8. Head out on an open top bus tour! Forget a safari in Africa… hop on an open top bus and enjoy a tour of the New Forest. Spot roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys and see if you can spot any hiding deer or unique flora or fauna. Whizz around our quintessential villages and hop off at local pubs, cafes and viewpoints. Then hop back on to carry on the fun - The New Forest Tour is the best way to get around our National Park during the summer!
9. Cycle through our woodlands. With over 140 miles worth of approved off-road cycle paths, the New Forest is the perfect place to get out on your bikes and discover our stunning wildlife and nature.
10. Dine al-fresco. Whether you pack a picnic – just drop into some of our food stores to find locally-produced fare – or check out some of our hotels, restaurants and inns with fab outdoor eating spaces, you won’t want to miss out.