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Whether you have a young family, older children, or simply want the entire family to spend a day together, you will find the perfect option in the stunning New Forest National Park and surrounding district.

From world-class museums to top visitor attractions, to a 40-mile ‘secret coast’ and 193,000 acres of forest and heathland to explore, there’s more than enough to keep the young ones entertained for a day or a week - or two!

Animal attractions

Feed some adorable animals, enjoy a tractor ride or cuddle a baby rabbit at Longdown Activity Farm. See if you and your family can spot the native reptiles that can be found at the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst and get close to a big variety of species at the New Forest Wildlife Park including otters, deer, wildcats and owls.

Spot birds of prey and other animals at Liberty’s Raptor, Owl and Reptile Centre in Ringwood and meet some of the Shire horses at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, near Verwood.

Slightly further afield but within easy reach of the New Forest is Marwell Zoo, set in 140 acres of Hampshire parkland, near Winchester. The zoo is home to zebra, penguins, snakes and many more species of animal.

Theme parks and show-stopping days out

Visit the world-famous National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Find Mr Bean’s famous green mini, ride the monorail and take a spin on 'Wheels'; a pod ride journey taking you through 100 years of motoring and make sure you also check out the World of Top Gear. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits. Look out for family events taking place in the school holidays and themed car days, including the popular Supercars weekends.

And of course any family, just has to make a visit to Paulton’s Park, which is also home of the ever popular Peppa Pig World! Enjoy over sixty rides and attractions, including a fantastic 4D Cinema, meet and greet with Peppa and Friends, ride the thrilling edge, or how about go back millions of years to when dinosaurs were around in the new Lost Kingdom! There are also some animals and birds that you can discover including the popular penguins. New rides are often added each year so even if you’ve visited before, it’s well-worth returning to discover what’s new.

At nearby Bournemouth you will also come across Adventure Wonderland, another popular day out with the family, with lots of rides and attractions staring all your favourite Alice in Wonderland characters..

Discover our fascinating history

Go back in time and visit Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum where you can learn all about the history of this fascinating ship-building village. Look out for family events and trails during the school holidays and book onto one of the Beaulieu River cruises that leave from the village’s jetty.

Head to the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst with loads of interactive and fun games and activities in the great museum explaining all how about the amazing New Forest works and the locals that live here. Equally, at the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery in Lymington, families can take part in a wide-range of events and activities in the school holidays, focussing on the New Forest’s maritime heritage and coastline.

Discover Hurst Castle, built by King Henry VIII to protect the south coast from invasion. Here you can also find out about the castle’s use as a prison and also during WW2. There are lots of events and activities for all the family and Hurst Point is a great place to watch passing ships and boats. It’s well worth taking the Hurst Castle Ferry from Keyhaven as well for some great views and a bit of bird spotting along the way. Children will also no doubt enjoy playing on the pebbly beach which leads from Milford on Sea, to Hurst Castle (along Hurst spit).

Enjoy the great outdoors

How about taking a walk through the beautiful gardens at Exbury Gardens? Keep your eyes peeled for wonderful wildlife, and enjoy the spectacular wealth of beautiful flowers and plants. Make sure you take a trip aboard the Exbury Steam Railway, a 20 minute 12 ¼ inch gauge journey through the gardens, a popular addition for both younger and older visitors!

Look for fairy doors and have fun in the children’s play area at Furzey Gardens in Minstead and explore the hidden secrets in this enchanting informal woodland garden. Take to the forest for some outdoor fun at Moors Valley Country Park on a Family Fun Trail with the Highway Rat!

Make a trip to Lepe Country Park with its family-friendly beach. Embark on some of their nature activities or simply have fun building sandcastles! Other beaches can also be found along the New Forest coastline, making great places for a day out.

Hire bikes from Burley, Brockenhurst, Lyndhurst and other places within the New Forest and explore our extensive cycle paths, there are over 100 miles of great off-road and traffic-free routes that the whole family can enjoy.

Take a walk on the wild side and see some of our fascinating wildlife. New Forest ponies roam freely across the open moorland, how many can you spot? Embark on one of the family-friendly trails at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and check out the deer viewing platform. You may even be lucky enough to see one of the Forestry Commission rangers feeding the deer if you visit at the right time.

Hone your riding skills whether you are an advanced horse rider or have never been on the back of a horse at one of our equestrian centres, such as Burley Villa School of Riding. Seasoned riders can also have the opportunity to go on a countryside hack.

If water sports are your thing then be sure to check out the New Forest Water Park with its kayaking, wake boarding and inflatable fun or Insight Activities or New Forest Activities for their family-friendly kayaking (as well as many other outdoor activities!).

Whatever you decide to do whilst you’re here, the whole family are guaranteed to have a fantastic, fun time in the New Forest. Take a look at all our family attractions below to discover more!

Saving money on family days out in the New Forest

A great way to save money off days out, activities, accommodation and places to eat and drink is to purchase one of our Go New Forest cards for just £10. These cards give you some great money-saving discounts which will help make your money go further.

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Number of results: 32

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
7254 reviews
Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World

Romsey

Paultons Park, home to the UK's only Peppa Pig World, has more than 70 wonderful rides and attractions included in the admission price.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
5741 reviews
National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Beaulieu featuring the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family and Abbey Ruins containing an exhibition of monastic life.

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54 reviews
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company

Milford On Sea

Come and experience the Joys of Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking in a truly stunning location!

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
675 reviews
New Forest Activities

Beaulieu

We organise a range of activities in The New Forest area. Book online for popular activities or call us on 01590 612377 to make the most of your trip. Visit our office and information centre in the heart of Beaulieu village.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
505 reviews
Fairweather's Garden Centre

Beaulieu

Using passion and expertise Fairweather’s have created a unique Plant and Garden Centre in the heart of Beaulieu.

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Eling Tide Mill Experience

Totton

Eling Tide Mill has stood at the centre of life in Eling for centuries. For 900 years millers have been harnessing the power of the tides in Eling Creek to grind wheat into flour.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
39 reviews
Rockbourne Roman Villa

Fordingbridge

Rockbourne Roman Villa is a unique archaeological site and museum, situated in a peaceful part of Hampshire near the historic town of Fordingbridge, on the edge of the New Forest.

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Burley Villa School of Riding

New Milton

Rides for novice and experienced, adults and children. Beginners welcome. Western and English saddle Forest Rides. BHS approved. Children over 4 can enjoy pony rides on the premises, over 10's can ride in the Forest.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
589 reviews
Insight Activities - Archery New Forest

Fordingbridge

Insight Activities run authentic woodland activities from a gorgeous private woodland in the New Forest - We specialise in Archery, Rifle Crossbows, Axe Throwing and Archery Combat Tag. Everybody welcome....pre-booking essential.
We are a small…

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Buckler's Hard

A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson's Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic 18th Century cottages, riverside walk, SS Persia Exhibition, St Mary's Chapel and optional river cruise.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
676 reviews
New Forest Activities | Parties, Groups & Corporate Events

Beaulieu

Let New Forest Activities take the hassle out of organising your next party, get-together or corporate event. With a range of safe, exciting activities for all ages, all supervised by our qualified instructors, we'll help you plan an event you'll…

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2683 reviews
Marwell Zoo

Winchester

Marwell Wildlife, set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire parkland, has an incredible range of exotic and endangered species.

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St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery

Lymington

St Barbe is the focal point for arts and heritage in this area. It has a modern museum telling the story of Lymington and the surrounding area, and the highest standard galleries that exhibit unique exhibitions.

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1220 reviews
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

Verwood, Wimborne

Wanting to please the WHOLE family? This Award winning park is home to the magnificent Rare Breed Heavy Horses. The expert team carry out daily tours, displays and presentations running throughout the day for both Adults and Children encouraging…

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New Forest Wildlife Park

Longdown, Ashurst

In the beautiful natural setting of the New Forest woodland, our park is home to our large collection animals and owls from the enormous European Bison to the tiny Harvest Mouse. From Easter to October 31st the Tropical Butterfly House is open…

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Adventure Wonderland

Hurn

It's really three parks in one, with Adventureland and Wonderland outside and the Wild Thing! Aztec play centre inside. It's an all inclusive experience which combines the timeless fun and games of the Alice in Wonderland story.
Special Offers
- 'Take off' with Adventure Wonderland
  Children visiting Adventure Wonderland this season can get FREE same day entry to the Aviation Museum opposite.
  Visitors can sit in the cockpits of the aircraft and helicopters, fly a plane around Dorset on a simulator and also climb on board the big yellow bus and sit in the driver's seat or go on the top deck and enjoy the panoramic view of Bournemouth Airport.
  Aircraft at the Aviation Museum include a Vulcan bomber, a sleek black Hunter jet fighter and a supersonic Lightning fighter.
  Visitors to Adventure Wonderland just need to show their ticket receipt at the Aviation Museum and children will be admitted free of charge on the same day.
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- Kids get £5 OFF in fancy dress
  Children dressed as Alice, the Mad Hatter or any other Alice in Wonderland character will get £5.00 off entry* to Adventure Wonderland when accompanied by a full paying adult this May Bank Holiday weekend, 4th-6th May.
  Plus, there will be the chance for them to win a child's season ticket with a daily fancy dress competition, judged by the park's very own resident Alice and Mad Hatter. There will be two categories, Under 5's and 5 & overs.
  And, if that isn’t enough, Alice and Hatter will be hosting a FREE tea party every day at 4pm with Queen of Hearts jam tarts and squash.
  There's also loads of outside rides and attractions and visitors can meet some pint-sized ponies in the new Shetland World, where they’ll have the opportunity to pat and stroke them.
  Inside, the kids can let off some steam in the vast Aztec adventure play centre, Wild Thing! including the brand new interactive Jungle Zap Zone and enjoy (new show, Alice at the Musicals in the Happydrome Theatre)(storytime twice a day).
  Plus, new for 2019, children visiting Adventure Wonderland can get in for FREE at the Aviation Museum opposite!
  *Terms and Conditions apply. £5 discount applied to full price single admission only & cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or discounts.
  More offers like this - Things to Do Special Offers
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Longdown Activity Farm

Ashurst

Fun for all ages with hands-on activities every day - small animal handling, bottle-feeding calves and kids, duck feeding. Indoor and outdoor play areas. Tearoom, and farm produce shop.

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New Forest Water Park

Fordingbridge

Learn to waterski or wakeboard. Experience the inflatable banana and tyre rides. The South's 1st WakeBoard Cable System.

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New Forest Reptile Centre

Near Lyndhurst

A Date with Nature based at the New Forest Reptile Centre, near Lyndhurst is open seven days a week. Come and learn about the native animals of the Forest and see some of them in our 'pods'. Everyone is welcome - open March - September.

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Hanger Farm Arts Centre

Totton

Hanger Farm Arts Centre is an inclusive, community hub that brings the arts to everyone in Totton, the Waterside and beyond while supporting people with learning difficulties.

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TWITTER UPDATES

TheNewForestUK

The New Forest UK

And the winner is... Trudi Palmer - congratulations Trudi!!! We have contacted the winner to claim the prize 😄 Keep… https://t.co/Py6BRV2RFU

20 Jun 2019 11:25:08

Quaint cafes, little gift shops, gorgeous hotels and being surrounded by the forest with loads of walking & cycling… https://t.co/L6YQV1AdRN

20 Jun 2019 11:15:10

Our New Forest Activities & Montagu Arms Hotel Competition is now closed! Many thanks to everyone for entering & go… https://t.co/pEwQwAT6TX

20 Jun 2019 11:00:25

RT @InsideOutHants: Looking for ideas on what to do in the #NewForest? There's a weekly whats on guide, sign up using the link below fr… https://t.co/aZVVL3re52

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Family Friendly

Animal attractions

Theme parks and show-stopping days out

Discover our fascinating history

Enjoy the great outdoors

Saving money on family days out in the New Forest

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The New Forest UK

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