Things to do in the New Forest

The summer season is here and the little ones have broken up from school. This can only mean one thing… six weeks off. Finding the right entertainment to balance differing ages and varying weekly budget can be a difficult task- we get it.

So with a little helping hand from our New Forest partners we’ve put together a list of the New Forest National Park’s go-to attractions. Fun for the whole family without breaking the bank.

Furzey Gardens

Furzey Gardens welcomes visitors from far and wide to explore their 10 acres of woodland gardens, beautifully framed by a spectrum of flora and grand lake, 16th-century thatched cottage tea room and of course their fairy doors too. There truly is something for the whole family. Family entrance is £25, with little ones under 5 going free

Buckler’s Hard

Located on the banks of the Beaulieu River, Buckler’s Hard is a small hamlet with heaps of maritime history running through its stoney paths and Georgian cottages. Buckler’s Hard is free to attend, with a museum, shipwright’s cottage, river cruise, workshop and living history for the whole family to explore. The River cruise is £7.50 per grown up, £5.50 for a little one or £21.50 for a family pass.

New Forest Heritage Centre

A free-entry museum, gallery and reference library situated in the heart of Lyndhurst, the New Forest Heritage Centre is dedicated to sharing the history of the New Forest.

Beaulieu Motor Musuem

Submerge yourself in the history of motoring with over 280 vehicles to explore. From F1 cars to land speed record breakers even on-screen cars, tour yourself through the National Motor Museum and World of Top Gear before heading outside to stand in the specter of Beaulieu Abbey and walk in the footsteps of medieval monks.

Exbury Gardens

Exbury Gardens is one of the leading woodland gardens in Europe, with over 200 acres of stunning gardens, miles of pathways and beautiful woodland glades to explore. Showcasing the season’s ever-changing palette and spectrum of flora and fauna, throughout summer admire the harmonious display of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, whilst in autumn wonder at the buzzing frenzy as damselflies and dragonflies hover around the ponds.

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Bolderwood is one of the best places to spot New Forest deer as there is a purpose built platform which overlooks a large meadow. The platform is just a short walk from the car park. This is a great place if you’re looking to get some great photo opportunities of the natural surroundings of the New Forest as well as the wildlife that surrounds the area. There is also information panels giving you more information about the deer found in the New Forest.

Woods Cyclery

Located in the heart of Lyndhurst, Woods Cyclery is a one stop shop for all things bikepacking. Shop, hire and enjoy the countless cycling routes throughout the New Forest with a variety of bikes for all abilities- think hybrid, gravel, premium suspension, little ones and mountain bikes. All day and part day hire is available, however part-day hire is seasonal. They truly are the experts and will be able to point you in the right direction to maximise your cycling adventure.

New Forest Waterpark

Think wake boarding, inflatable water slides, kayaking and open water swimming and you have yourself New Forest Waterpark. An action packed day for the whole family, the Water Park is located in Fordingbridge.

New Forest Activities

Located on the Beaulieu River Bank, nearby Palace House and the quaint Buckler’s Hard, New Forest Activities has been delivering smiles and adventures for more than 20 years. Throughout summer they are offering a whole host of family friendly activities, such as Fmaily Canoeing and Kayaking and Battlezone, which are guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained.

Paultons Park

With over 70 exciting rides and attractions, Paulton’s Park is the UK’s number 1 family theme park rated on Google. Set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest, here you can enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, water splash parks, entertainments and an impressive collection of birds and animals. Paulton’s is also the UK’s exclusive home to Peppa Pig World, featuring 9 Peppa-themed rides as well as the star herself (and George, too!)