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Festivals and Country Shows

If you are planning on visiting The New Forest then you won’t want to miss some of our festivals and country shows that take place throughout the year.

One of our not-to-miss events has to be the annual New Forest and Hampshire County Show. Taking place towards the end of each July, this three day festival offers agricultural fun and entertainment in the heart of The New Forest at Brockenhurst. See show jumping, meet prize-winning livestock and browse the large retail sections and marquees. There’s also local crafts, some tasty food and drink as well as cookery workshops and a family-fun area. This event brings the New Forest National Park all together and is a fantastic celebration of the traditions and culture of the local area, plus a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience it. For 2019, the dates of the New Forest and Hampshire County Show are 30-31 July and 1 August.

Calling all foodies

Keep your diaries free for the New Forest Food and Drink Week, taking place to venues around the forest at the end of October. There is also the annual Hampshire Food Festival, taking place at various places around the county, including several within The New Forest each July. This is a great opportunity to sample local produce, discover more about local food via cookery workshops and talks and tours. In previous years venues have included the luxury 5 star Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa as well as many other hotels found across the forest.

Keep up with the updates from the Milford on Sea Food Week, which takes place over a week usually in late March or early April, in previous years TV stars and celebrity chefs, including previous winners of MasterChef have made appearances with food demonstrations.

Or, enjoy delicious Local Produce at Lymington Seafood Festival which has just celebrated its second year. This festival takes place over a weekend in August and brings with it innovative food and drink, lots of music and lots of opportunities to taste some of the seafood that is caught nearby. If you aren’t keen on your seafood then that doesn’t have to stop you visiting, there are plenty of food and drink options available to suit a range of tastes.

On the edge of The New Forest, the town of Christchurch comes to life with its annual Christchurch Wine and Food Festival. The Festival attracts over 70,000 visitors and includes cookery demonstrations, a food and drink weekend and much more. There are usually celebrity chefs that make appearances including Lesley Waters and Dean Edwards.

Celebrate the arts and culture of The New Forest

Whether it’s enjoying music at one of our festivals or admiring art and sculpture, there are any ways to celebrate the arts and culture of the New Forest.

The New Forest Folk Festival is a small, family-run festival which punches high with some of its folk acts. In 2019 it’s due to take place from 3-7 July at Plaitford, just on the edge of the New Forest National Park.

Visit resident artists, ceramicists and sculptors in the Hampshire Open Studios - taking place for two weeks in August each year. There are many exhibitors who are based in the New Forest who will open the doors of their studios where you can see them at work. There are also opportunities to buy the works - perfect if you are looking for something as a memento to your stay in the New Forest. Other venues include exhibition space at Lepe Country Park, the St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, Forest Arts Centre and the Salt Marsh Gallery in Lymington.

The Curious Arts Festival is set to return to Pylewell Park in Lymington on 19-21 July. This festival brings with it novelists, historians, comedy and lots of music. Camping and glamping opportunities to stay in the grounds of the festival are also possible with pre-booking.

Led by the New Forest National Park Authority, the New Forest Arts Festival brings with it storytelling, workshops, poetry, exhibitions and talks at various locations around the National Park.

As you can see, there are lots of ways to immerse yourself in the culture of The New Forest. Take a look at the listings below for more details of what’s on including other smaller festivals that we may not have mentioned. Alternatively, use the date search on this page to search for what’s on when you are planning on visiting.

With entertainment and workshops for all the family, the New Forest Fairy Festival in Burley Park brings with it music, artists, exhibitions and a healing area. You will also find lots of fancy dress and opportunities to buy new costumes and accessories.

Get active with us

If you love to get outside then why not join us for the annual New Forest Walking Festival in October? Organised by the New Forest National Park Association, you can take part in guided walks throughout the Forest, a perfect way to meet likeminded people, to keep fit and to experience parts of the Forest that you are perhaps unfamiliar with. Walks vary in length and location, this is a fantastic way to explore our national park.

If you fancy something faster paced then there’s the annual New Forest Marathon (with shorter running races as well) plus a variety of cycling events taking place.

Visitors staying over the festive period can watch the traditional New Forest point-to-point which takes place on Boxing Day. It featured in the Channel 4 TV series, a Year in the New Forest.

Although not technically in the New Forest, Cowes Week is one of the major events on the Isle of Wight’s calendar. You can see many of the yachts and boats that are taking part on the Solent from the seawall at Lymington.

Keep an eye on our listings below for details of any other upcoming sporting events.

Calling all petrol heads

If cars are your thing then Beaulieu is the place to go. Look out for various car rallies and car festivals taking place throughout the year from amazing supercar weekends through to classic cars and campervans.

Motorcyclists are not left out either, Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum at New Milton regularly has bike meets and bike events.

Anyone with a VW camper should keep a look out for the Hythe Dubfest. With music, family entertainment and a celebration of this iconic vehicle!

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Number of results: 21

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Little Helpers and Junior Keeper Experience

Southampton

Join our popular Little Helper and Junior Keeper Experiences for children for a fun-filled time looking after our animals.
We'll do our best to make sure you have an exciting time, getting up close to our animals and learning all about...

Dates

From:

3 Jan 2018to3 Jan 2019

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Adult Keeper Experience

Southampton

Roll up your sleeves, put on your boots, get your hands dirty and join our animal keepers at New Forest Wildlife Park for an hour, 2 hours, or a half or full day.
We'll be happy to vary your Keeper Experience, depending on the time you want...

Dates

From:

3 Jan 2018to3 Jan 2019

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Explorers Trail at Marwell Zoo

Winchester

Pick up your Explorers Trail at our info cabin for a suggested donation of £1. We suggest families bring a pencil to complete the name and activities of children taking part, but the trail can be done without a pencil by collecting all nine stamps...

Venue

Marwell Zoo, Winchester

Dates

From:

7 Mar 2018to31 Dec 2018Open 10:00 - 16:00

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The Tropical Butterfly House

Ashurst, Southampton

The Tropical Butterfly House is open to end of October 2018.
In the pupae emerging box you can watch the pupa wiggle and move until the pupa split open to allow the adult butterfly to emerge. It takes many hours for its wings to dry and be ready to...

Dates

From:

1 May 2018to31 Oct 2018

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Woodturning Tuition day courses

Sandleheath, Fordingbridge

Situated on the outskirts of the beautiful New Forest National Park, my workshop is situated in a wonderful quiet rural location. I cater for complete beginners to wood turning, and improver's wishing to fine tune their skills.

Dates

From:

20 May 2018to23 Dec 2018Open 10:00 - 04:30

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Barry Peckham - A Retrospective Exhibition

Lyndhurst

Enjoy the work of one of the New Forest's best artists in this retrospective exhibition celebrating 50 years.
A New Forest native, Barry paints in oils and watercolours and prefers to take his inspiration directly from the nature surrounding him...

Venue

New Forest Centre, Lyndhurst

Dates

From:

15 Sept 2018to28 Oct 2018

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Autumn Colour at Furzey Gardens

Lyndhurst

Enjoy a visit to Furzey Gardens this autumn as the leaves on the trees turn to glorious shades of burgundy, red, yellow and orange. The collection of plants at Furzey includes trees that have been specifically selected to provide a splash of colour...

Dates

From:

1 Oct 2018to10 Nov 2018

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New Forest Walking Festival

Lymington

World War Two remains, wild play activities and fascinating wildlife are just some of the treats awaiting walkers in this autumn's New Forest Walking Festival.
The festival boasts more than 70 guided walks led by knowledgeable local experts and...

Dates

From:

13 Oct 2018to28 Oct 2018

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South Coast Ski & Snowboard Show

Hurn, Christchurch

From Friday the 19th to Sunday the 21st Snowtrax is hosting the annual South Coast Ski & Snowboard Show!
With the opportunity to test out the latest equipment from some of the biggest brands in winter sports, the chance to meet two winter...

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2018to21 Oct 2018Open 19:00 - 22:00

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Pumpkin Picking Patch

Fordingbridge

PYO Pumpkins and Make Your Own Halloween Crafts.

Dates

From:

19 Oct 2018to28 Oct 2018Open 09:30 - 16:00

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Boo at the zoo!

Winchester

Our resident wizard is putting trainee flyers through their paces to earn their Level 3 broomstick license. Sessions last 20 minutes and take place each day in the 'flying arena' on the front lawn of Marwell hall on a first come first served basis...

Venue

Marwell Zoo, Winchester

Dates

From:

20 Oct 2018to28 Oct 2018Open 10:00 - 16:00

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October Half Term Paddle Boarding & Kayaking Tasters

Keyhaven

Why not get the family on the water over October Half Term with our ever popular 1 hour taster sessions kayaking or paddle boarding.
Sessions are 1 hour and cost £15 per person with an optional wetsuit hire of £5.
Wetsuit hire FREE to Go New...

Dates

From:

20 Oct 2018to28 Oct 2018Open 09:00 - 12:00

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New Forest Autumn Foraging Course

Linwood, Ringwood

This course is a simple foraging walk where we will identify a number of edible and poisonous wild mushrooms, fruits and plants.
There are not many better places around to learn about the wonderful wild foods that are available in the UK.
Our...

Dates

From:
26 Oct 2018Open 12:00 - 15:30

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Winter Paddling

Beaulieu

Still looking to head out and enjoy the great outdoors this Winter? Why not go and explore the stunning Beaulieu River on a Winter Paddle with New Forest Activities? Choose from either open-top Canadian canoes or stable touring kayaks and enjoy a 2...

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2018to31 Mar 2019

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Winter Archery

Beaulieu

Take advantage of our great value Winter Archery sessions and enjoy a 90 minute, fully instructed Archery experience. Your guide will teach you the correct way to handle a bow and arrow before you step up to the firing line to test your aim....

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2018to31 Mar 2019

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New Forest Fireworks Display

Lymington, Southampton

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
This year New Forest Firework Display is back and better than ever! We have teamed up with 'Fantastic Fireworks' to guarantee one of the best displays of the year!
Attractions include:
-Firework display provided by the two...

Dates

From:
2 Nov 2018Open 17:30 - 22:00

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New Forest Eats 'n' Treats

Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst

New Forest Eats 'n' Treats - Try, buy and learn about local food, drink and craft. Come along to this unique event which includes a food and craft market, chef's demos, live music and a pop-up food court. Browse a wide variety of artisan stalls and...

Dates

From:
4 Nov 2018Open 10:00 - 16:00

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Ringwood Aqs & Decorative Arts Market

Ringwood

A hidden treasure in the vibrant New Forest Town of Ringwood.
Have you been down to the Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair held on the 2nd Saturday of the month on the Gateway concourse you will be very surprised what you will find this boutique...

Dates

From:
10 Nov 2018Open 09:00 - 16:00
From:
8 Dec 2018Open 09:00 - 16:00

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Christmas at Marwell

Winchester

Join us at Marwell for our Enchanted Christmas. Watch out for some exciting updates for this event. Pre-booking is required for this event.
Just one of many reviews from our event in 2017
"Having participated in a large number of Christmas events...

Venue

Marwell Zoo, Winchester

Dates

From:

17 Nov 2018to24 Dec 2018Open 10:00 - 16:00

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CADArts Christmas craft fair

New Milton

Festive Christmas Craft Fair with over 50 local exhibitors. Free Parking. Refreshments available. Admission £2 to include a ticket for the Draw with cash prizes (£200, £100 & £50) and other prizes

Dates

From:
18 Nov 2018Open 10:00 - 16:00

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