On holiday, it’s the ideal time to try new things and challenge yourself. Many visitors seek out thrilling local activities to get their adrenaline pumping, which is why RockReef’s Bournemouth Pier Zipline is so popular. This thrilling attraction is a highlight of Bournemouth Pier, attracting both tourists and locals. The PierZip zips you from the top of the pier down to the beach, offering an exhilarating ride over the sea and breathtaking views of the Dorset coastline.
Dog friendly
Dog Friendly Walks
New Forest
Here are some of the top dog walks we recommend (ask our team for more info and maps):
Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard – a two-mile walk along the river
Bolderwood – walks of differing lengths where you can often spot the resident deer of the New Forest
Lyndhurst Parish walk – an eight-mile walk skirting the perimeter of Lyndhurst
The Solent Way – in total this route is 60 miles, however smaller sections can be enjoyed taking you along the New Forest’s coastline
Dog-Friendly Attractions and Days Out
In the New Forest, many attractions welcome dogs, so you can enjoy a day out without leaving your furry friend behind.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway: Explore 22 miles of pathways with your dog. Well-behaved pets can even ride the miniature steam train. The gardens offer dog water stations and staff can suggest dog-friendly walks. Check out the ‘Devoted to Dogs’ days for discounted admission.
Beaulieu: Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, though not inside Palace House, the National Motor Museum, or other indoor areas.
Buckler’s Hard: This picturesque village allows dogs on leads. Enjoy a Beaulieu River cruise with your dog or take a two-mile shaded walk between Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu with scenic river views.
New Forest Heritage Centre: Located in Lyndhurst, this museum and gallery welcomes dogs. Learn about the New Forest’s history and discover local attractions.
Family
Paulton’s Park
Ower, Romsey SO51 6AL
Paultons is the UK’s number 1 family theme park rated on Google — located in Hampshire with over 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park. Paulton’s Park is also home of the UK’s only Peppa Pig World with 9 fun Peppa-themed rides, great for an amazing day out with the kids. Enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, indoor and outdoor play areas, water splash parks, entertainments and an astonishing collection of birds and animals at our amusement park.
Couples
Afternoon Tea
Bartley Lodge, Forest Lodge and Burley Manor
Afternoon tea for couples at New Forest hotels offers a charming and intimate experience amidst picturesque surroundings. These hotels provide elegant settings where couples can enjoy a selection of fine teas, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, and delectable pastries. The serene ambiance of the New Forest, with its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, enhances the romantic experience. Many hotels offer special packages that include champagne or prosecco for an added touch of luxury. Perfect for anniversaries or a delightful day out, afternoon tea in the New Forest creates cherished memories for couples. Website Link
Couples
Bucklers hard River Cruise
Bucklers Hard SO42 7XB
Experience romance and tranquility with a Buckler’s Hard River Cruise. Set sail along the scenic Beaulieu River, surrounded by the serene beauty of the New Forest. The leisurely cruise offers stunning views of lush landscapes, historic landmarks, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a peaceful escape as you glide past picturesque villages and wooded shores. Whether celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply a romantic day out, the Buckler’s Hard River Cruise promises a memorable and enchanting experience for all.
Couples
Wellness Day
Burley Manor Hotel
Experience a serene retreat with a couples’ treatment day at Burley Manor. Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, our historic manor offers a tranquil escape. Begin with a relaxing couples’ massage, followed by a revitalizing facial tailored to your skin needs. Enjoy complimentary access to our wellness facilities, including a heated outdoor pool and relaxation areas. After your treatments, why not savor a delicious lunch made with locally sourced ingredients in our elegant restaurant. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Burley Manor promises an unforgettable day of relaxation and rejuvenation for couples. Website Link
Couples
Romantic Hut in the Forest
Burley Manor Hotel
The Burley Huts in the New Forest provides a unique and romantic retreat for couples. These charming, secluded huts offer cozy accommodations amidst stunning natural surroundings. Enjoy peaceful walks through the ancient woodlands, spot local wildlife, and experience stargazing away from city lights. Each hut is equipped with modern amenities while retaining rustic charm, ensuring a comfortable yet enchanting stay. Couples can relax by a crackling fire, indulge in local cuisine from the hotel, or simply enjoy each other’s company in this idyllic setting. The Burley Huts create the perfect atmosphere for an intimate and memorable couples’ getaway, blending adventure with tranquility. Website Link
Couples
Family
Friends
New Forest Water Park
Ringwood Rd, Fordingbridge, SP6 2EY
New Forest Water Park is set in 50 acres of beautiful New Forest countryside. The Park offers a range of family friendly activities. So whether you come for a few hours or a few days, you’ll love every moment! Activities include Wake Park, Aqua Park, Kayak/ SUP and open water swimming. A great day out for people of all ages. From £20 per person for a 1hour session!
Calshot Activity Centre offers a wide range of exciting water and land-based activities for all ages and abilities. Our historic hangars accommodate the tallest climbing wall in the South, an indoor velodrome, dry slope and so much more. With beautiful beaches, views of the Isle of Wight and instant access to both sheltered and more challenging waters – our unique location, experienced instructors and high-quality equipment means we’re the perfect place for everyone to make the most of the New Forest has to offer.
Give your children the opportunity to experience the thrill of off-roading on our all new specially crafted mini Land Rover course. With a miniature version of the iconic vehicles, they will feel like true explorers conquering Rumble Road, Bumpy Lane, Seesaw Bridge and more. Moors Valley is an award-winning visitor attraction offering a host of outdoor activities for all ages. Discover miles of walking trails, cycle routes and dog-friendly trails, two large adventure play areas, Cycle Hire, Gruffalo and friends’ sculptures, a one mile Play Trail, our Tree Top and Music Trails, and accessible play structure Beehive.
Beaulieu, one of South of England’s top family days out including National Motor Museum, Palace House and Gardens, Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear. There are over 800 years of heritage to be seen, which has been in the ownership of the Montagu family for over four centuries.
Setley Ridge Vineyard was planted during the mid-80s and was purchased by Paul and Hayley in 1999. It is one of the hundreds of commercial vineyards now producing wines across England. We produce mainly still whites, rose and red with an occasional sparkling range with a total annual production of 6000-8000 bottles.
Vineyard tours are approximately 60-90 minutes and include a walk and talk around the vineyard and winery. The tour will be followed by an in-depth wine tasting.
Furzey Gardens is a secret woodland garden nestled deep in the New Forest. With a cosy thatched tea room, rare and unusual plants and over 40 fairy doors there is something for everyone. Every time you visit you are helping us to provide support and work experience for people with learning disabilities. Furzey Gardens is ideal for kids, offering a blend of adventure and learning. Nestled within the enchanting Furzey Gardens, it features whimsical fairy doors and hidden treasures, sparking imagination and curiosity. The vibrant flora, play areas, and thatched treehouses provide ample space for exploration and fun.
Uncover behind-the-scenes of Head Distiller, Mark Williams, Wyrd Gin with a unique Distillery Tour experience in the New Forest. This tour gives you the opportunity to find out more about our unique recipes first-hand with the chance to taste our full range of gins, the perfect way to enjoy your time in the beautiful New Forest. Distillery tours run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday lasting approximately 90 minutes. Each ticket includes a gin and tonic or a soft drink to enjoy on arrival (or one to takeaway for the designated driver), plenty of samples to try and also a free Wyrd Gin glass to take home with you!
The deer viewing platform at Bolderwood is one of the best places in the New Forest to see a herd of deer. Fallow deer gather in the meadow for their daily feed between noon and 3pm, from April to September. Bolderwood is also a great spot for an afternoon walk, too.
Couples
Dog friendly
Family
Friends
Cycle Hire with Woods Cyclery
56 High St, Lyndhurst SO43 7BG
Explore the many off-road, track cycle routes the New Forest has to offer with Woods Cyclery. With a variety of bikes for the different route options, including Adult Premium Suspension for £22, Electric Comfort Hybrid for £5 and Gravel Bike for £40, they are bound to have just the bike for you. All bikes are available for day hire, with part day hire available during off-peak seasons. If you are unsure which bike to hire, simply get in contact with the team and they will be able to advise you.
Super simple to ride, there’s no need to avoid the hills or limit your journey when you have five levels of cheeky pedal assist at your fingertips. Big fat knobbly tyres, and a squidgy seat makes for a super comfy ride wherever you go, be in on or off-road or track. It can handle most terrains, has a nice long battery charge and looks groovy tool!
The New Forest is a fabulous place to explore, most definitely best done on two wheels. Whizz around the New Forest and its coastal villages of Milford on Sea and Lymington, with easy access to miles of off-road tracks and trails, quiet country roads, and stunning New Forest beaches. Please note the min legal age to ride an e-bike is 14. Website Link
Family
Friends
Rockbourne Roman Villa
Rockbourne Rd, Fordingbridge, SP6 3PG
Beaulieu featuring the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House home of the Montagu family and Abbey Ruins containing an exhibition of monastic life. A unique 18th Century village where warships for Nelson’s Navy were built. Maritime museum, historic.
Find great things to do in The New Forest with New Forest Activities; think Canoeing, Kayaking, Archery, Battlezone, Bushcraft and Rope Courses. Activities and packages are suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups. Family bookings we have a 10% discount code offered to guests that book online or over the phone for any activity – A code is released, once you have booked a stay with us.
The New Forest Heritage Centre is situated in the heart of the New Forest and welcomes over 200,000 visitors every year. 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 our wonderful National Park. As an independent museum, the New Forest Visitor Centre relies on the generosity of its users and visitors and welcomes support in helping to create a cultural hub for the New Forest.
Now more than 100 years old, Exbury Gardens is a spectacular collection of woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, formal and wildflower gardens. At over 200 acres, these impressive gardens (created and managed by the Rothschild family) border. Experience the sights and sounds of a working narrow-gauge steam railway by stepping aboard The Rhododendron Line. The narrow gauge engines trains travel on an extended 1.5 mile track through the gardens.
Enjoy a glass of English sparkling wine as you set sail on your beautiful, large, comfortable and modern yacht. After a few hours of sailing on the Solent you anchor off the Isle of Wight for a delicious freshly prepared two-course meal, served on deck, and the opportunity for a swim! Afterwards there is more sailing as you head back to Lymington – getting involved as much as you wish – or just sitting back and relaxing! This is a great day out on your own, as a couple, or with a group of friends and family. You will be on one of our popular shared charters with up to 10 guests on board. Private charters are also available. What better way is there to celebrate a special occasion – a birthday, anniversary, or hen do! Shared Sail with Lunch or Dinner – Escape Yachting
