Described as the gateway to the New Forest, Ashurst is a must-see when visiting this magnificent part of the world. It’s located halfway between Lyndhurst and Southampton, and in case you were wondering, it has a plethora of activities for both the young and young at heart to enjoy at all different times of the year. Here are just a few ideas…
Now, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, given its location. The main thing to do in Ashurst is enjoy the great outdoors and that means walking, cycling and becoming one with your natural surroundings. One of the main reasons people come to Ashurst is to walk. There are a variety of easy-to-follow mapped out trails to suit any ability and skill, not to mention glorious scenery and fantastic wildlife to enjoy whilst on your bike or on foot as you’re navigating this part of the New Forest.
If it’s a family-orientated day out you’re after and your kids are animal lovers, then you’re not going to want to miss out on exploring the New Forest Reptile Centre or Longdown Activity Farm. Both provide visitors with the opportunity to get up close to fascinating animals.
In under 15 minutes you can reach the New Forest Reptile Centre, featuring rare snakes, amphibians and lizards. The centre’s main aim is to encourage the re-introduction of these animals across the country and they do this via fun and educational activities such as volunteer educational talks, walking and cycle routes in the nearby area. There’s also the opportunity to witness unique wildlife in ‘pods’ at the centre, including the reptiles and amphibians native to the New Forest.
Get ready to get your hands dirty as you become a real farmer at Longdown Activity Farm! This family-run establishment is packed with fun farming activities such as the chance to bottle feed the baby goats and calves and meet the farm’s sheep, donkeys and alpacas. There are also five indoor and outdoor play areas to enjoy after the animal activities, trampolines, sand pits and the farmer’s straw den. For the older kids there’s go-karts, ping-pong and even a tractor ride.
If it’s a couples weekend away or a boys’ trip then a round of golf should definitely be on the cards. There are a variety of golf courses to tackle around the New Forest. And it’s not only golf you’ll enjoy as these courses are steeped in history and as some of the UK’s oldest such as The New Forest Golf Club and Bramshaw Golf Club. There are courses to suit all abilities, not to mention great clubhouses, pubs and restaurants nearby to celebrate those great scores afterwards!
Calling all animal lovers! This is a must-see if you’re in Ashurst as it’s only a five-minute drive away. Passionate about conservation and wildlife there are amazing animals to see, birds to spot and educational and keeper experiences to enjoy. What’s more, there’s an onsite gift shop, restaurant and additional play area for the little ones to enjoy during your visit.
Now, if we’ve done our job and convinced you to visit, the next question on your mind will be where to stay and don’t worry we’ve got that covered too. You’ll stay with us of course, as we have not just one but three options as part of the New Forest Collection that are in the Ashurst vicinity. There’s Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst – a beautiful townhouse, Beaulieu Inn which is delightfully quirky and dog-friendly and finally, the nearby Bartley Lodge which is a Grade-II listed 18th century country house.
Ashurst Cycle Hire, Ashurst Cycle Routes, Ashurst Events, Ashurst Fishing, Ashurst Golf, Ashurst Shopping, Ashurst Taxis, Ashurst Walks
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