One of many loveliest spots in England, the New Forest is full of fairly villages, picturesque walks and most excitingly for youthful youngsters, ponies which roam freely – to not point out a number of donkeys.
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In addition to numerous probabilities to get outside and uncover the historical past of the New Forest Nationwide Park – proclaimed a royal forest virtually 1,000 years in the past – there are additionally loads of household sights within the New Forest, from museums and wet day enjoyable to a theme park, animal sights and extra.
Better of all, this actually is someplace which has one thing for the entire household, whether or not it’s toddler-friendly walks and Peppa Pig World, or vehicles, steam trains, distant castles and an opportunity for older youngsters and teenagers to get their coronary heart racing, with my 23 high issues to do within the New Forest with youngsters.
Peppa Pig World & Paultons Park
For those who’re a mum or dad, chances are high you’ll already know of Hampshire’s high theme park, as Paultons Park is the house of Peppa Pig World. However together with the mild rides and likelihood to satisfy Peppa and George when you’re visiting Hampshire with a toddler, there’s a lot extra adrenaline-fuelled enjoyable.
There are greater than 70 rides, acres of grounds and animals to satisfy, in addition to a number of themed areas: Misplaced Kingdom is all about dinosaurs, whereas Critter Creek is nice for youthful ones, so there’s one thing for older and taller youngsters who need some adrenaline thrills in addition to much less scary choices.
Add in playgrounds, a discovery path and different occasions and exhibits, and it’s very straightforward to fill your time out.
Try my ideas for visiting Peppa Pig World and Paultons Park.
New Forest Wildlife Park
For those who’d wish to see a few of Hampshire’s native animals, you’ll love the New Forest Wildlife Park which specialises in British wildlife – some, just like the gray wolves, are previous inhabitants whereas there are additionally deer, badgers, hedgehogs and extra, nonetheless to be discovered on these shores at this time.
It’s additionally residence to 4 species of otter and 7 species of owl, plus some distinctly cute ferrets. Make an observation of the talks and feeding instances all through the day, whilst you’ll additionally discover additional occasions and actions happening throughout holidays – plus there are journey playgrounds to burn off some added power too.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is a good spot to see wildlife within the New Forest for households with younger kids.
The sanctuary has a spacious platform overlooking a meadow the place wild deer typically roam – no ensures although.
The platform is stroller-friendly and when the deer are round, there are some nice picture alternatives, in addition to info boards in regards to the deer and loads of area for youths to play. Bathroom amenities can be found within the automobile park.
You may also discover Bolderwood‘s scenic grounds on one in all three signposted, buggy-friendly walks, the place you may even see much more deer within the space’s lush woodlands – go to within the autumn and also you may even spot a few of the pigs roaming the woodland like we did.
New Forest Reptile Centre
On the New Forest Reptile Centre, youngsters can stand up shut and private with numerous species of reptiles, together with snakes and lizards, whereas studying about their habitats and behaviours.
Dwelling to a collection of uncommon reptiles, the centre works to reintroduce them into the wild and defend their habitats – the probabilities of recognizing them out within the countryside are tiny, so it is a nice alternative to see something from adders and easy snakes to sand lizards.
There’s additionally a simple strolling route ranging from the Reptile Centre automobile park, so it’s straightforward to mix some indoor and out of doors enjoyable right here.
The Centre doesn’t open every single day, particularly throughout winter, so it’s price checking earlier than you set off.
Longdown Exercise Farm
This family-friendly farm is nice when you’re visiting Hampshire with toddlers and youthful youngsters – you may bottle-feed the youngsters (the child goats, that’s) in addition to seeing different small cattle, from ponies and pigs right down to rabbits and guinea pigs.
Youngsters can get correctly arms on holding a few of the smaller inhabitants of Longdown Farm within the animal encounters, plus there are locations to play outdoors and indoors – which is sweet for a wet day in Hampshire – and take tractor trailer rides.
Try my evaluate of Longdown Farm with a toddler.
Biking within the New Forest
Probably the greatest methods to discover the New Forest with youngsters is by bike, taking a cycle experience on one of many off-road trails.
There are over 100 miles of marked routes via the woods, throughout the heathland and by the coast, together with some straightforward, brief trails that are very best in case you have youthful youngsters – the two-mile route from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Arduous is a favorite, and the right option to mix the 2 locations if each are in your checklist to go to.
For those who don’t have your individual wheels, there are many locations to rent bikes within the New Forest, together with youngster seats, tagalongs, trailers and extra for youthful youngsters.
Right here’s what we considered bike rent from New Forest Actions to cycle the path to Buckler’s Arduous
Recognizing the New Forest ponies
One factor the New Forest is most well-known for – and one of the vital memorable issues to see within the New Forest with youngsters – is the wild ponies which roam round.
There are over 5,000 within the forest, so the possibilities are you’ll see a few of the wild ponies (and donkeys) alongside the best way as you discover, however a very good place to identify them is close to Brockenhurst, round Beachern Wooden and the ford.
Beaulieu village is one other good place to seek out them, particularly round Hatchet Pond and Culverley Inexperienced, or alongside the route in direction of Lymington. However Burley, Fordingbridge and Lymington itself are different good locations to attempt.
It’s price remembering that the ponies are semi-wild, even when they’re moderately used to folks, they aren’t tame and might kick and chunk – all the time hold a respectful distance. It’s additionally unlawful to feed them.
Strolling within the New Forest
I feel it’s inconceivable to go to the New Forest and never really feel tempted to tug on a pair of shoes and set off underneath the bushes. Whether or not you’re in search of a delicate amble with a restaurant on the finish of it, or to sort out one thing more difficult, there are some beautiful walks within the New Forest for households.
It’s very easy to mix a few of these walks with a go to to totally different sights as properly: the Reptile Centre Discovery Path or the Bolderwood Deer Watch Path, which is simple sufficient even for little ones, and provides you an opportunity to identify deer too.
Certainly one of my favourites is the Tall Bushes Path, simply off Decorative Drive: there’s a one-mile stretch which takes you previous the Large Sequoias as you stroll via a part of Blackwater Arboretum, or one other barely longer Tall Bushes Stroll with views of two monumental redwoods, and an opportunity to marvel at a few of the oldest Douglas fir bushes in Britain.
You can simply be part of each collectively in order for you an extended stroll with older youngsters – or just stroll to your coronary heart’s content material.
Evidently, there are numerous strolling trails within the New Forest, too many to say right here, so wherever you keep and no matter degree of issue you fancy, there’ll be an excellent choice to seek out. It’s price downloading the New Forest strolling routes app which supplies concepts close to your location too.
Canoeing/Kayaking on the river
Whereas strolling and biking are positively two of one of the best methods to see the New Forest with youngsters, they’re not the one option to get round – you may take a canoe or kayak out on the Beaulieu river or SUP and Kayak on the Keyhaven River.
Beaulieu is among the few privately owned rivers on this planet, and a straightforward one to discover from Buckler’s Arduous – when you’re fortunate you may even spot seals whilst you’re out on the water.
It’s a tidal river, so it’s price getting recommendation from the specialists on one of the best time to exit – we tried New Forest Actions, which was appropriate even for a preschooler (when you had two adults within the canoe).
Youngsters aged 12 and over can take out a single kayak (accompanied by an grownup) or there are double kayaks, in addition to household canoes and guided canoe journeys.
New Forest Water Park
For those who’re in search of a enjoyable household time out within the New Forest with older kids and teenagers, don’t miss the New Forest Water Park in Fordingbridge.
The Water Park has an entire string of thrilling water sports activities for kids aged 10+, together with wakeboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and open-water swimming.
There are additionally two floating inflatable aqua parks for youths of all ages. Nonetheless, the park recommends that children underneath 11 be accompanied by an grownup. All kids should additionally be capable of swim 50m with a buoyancy support.
New Forest Bus tour
For those who’re visiting Hampshire with younger youngsters, or just fancy an alternative choice to strolling (and don’t wish to drive), the open-top New Forest Tour bus is a good way to find the Nationwide Park.
There are three totally different routes and if you’re exploring and not using a automobile, particulars on bus connections to Southampton, in addition to Bournemouth and Salisbury when you’re staying throughout the border in Dorset or Wiltshire.
The hop-on hop-off routes imply you may discover alongside the best way, and every exhibits a special aspect of the forest, from the wilder north-west to the coast within the south and a 3rd linking fairly Brockenhurst and Beaulieu. There are a number of day tickets if you wish to use the buses over your entire keep to discover all through the New Forest with youngsters.
The buses are seasonal in order that they don’t run throughout winter (understandably, because it’s quite a bit much less enjoyable sitting on an open-top bus tour within the chilly and rain!)
Beaulieu Motor Museum
Whereas your ticket contains a number of sights, together with Beaulieu Abbey and Palace Home with its costumed guides, it’s the motor sights which tempt most guests at Beaulieu: the Nationwide Motor Museum and the World of High Gear.
From a few of the earliest motor autos via to F1 vehicles and land pace report breakers, the museum really is a journey via automobile historical past.
There are some probabilities to get arms on too, in addition to having the ability to meet the Beaulieu crash take a look at dummy, discover a Nineteen Thirties storage earlier than heading over to see a few of the extraordinary creations from the whole High Gear collection, together with the problem vehicles.
Bucklers Arduous maritime museum & boat journey
Sitting on the banks of the Beaulieu River, Buckler’s Arduous is an 18th-century shipbuilding village the place most of the ships for Nelson’s Navy have been constructed.
The picturesque village has a number of nice sights for households, together with a historic shipwright’s cottage and an enchanting maritime museum exploring native shipbuilding historical past. There’s a mannequin village, mannequin ships, hands-on exhibitions, and an academic quiz path for youthful guests.
For those who’re visiting between Easter and October, the spotlight of Buckler’s Arduous is a river cruise alongside the Beaulieu river. Departing from the village pier, the 30-minute boat journey takes you to discover the world’s lovely surroundings and wildlife, full with an onboard commentary.
Hurst Fortress
Certainly one of Henry VIII’s forts defending the south coast, Hurst Fortress sits on the fringe of a spit of land by the doorway to the Solent – again then a necessary defence, however today an opportunity to see some improbable views and really feel such as you’re removed from actual life.
The fort has been used as a jail for Charles I, has been a hideaway for smugglers, earlier than being strengthened for battle with Napoleon (though it noticed most motion as a army hospital) and modernised once more as a Second World Conflict defence.
Attending to the fort is nearly as a lot journey as trying round – it’s both a two-mile stroll alongside the shingle spit or a ferry runs from Keyhaven.
St Barbe Museum and Artwork Gallery
St Barbe Museum and Artwork Gallery is a singular little museum in Lymington, that includes a various assortment of artwork and displays associated to the historical past and tradition of the New Forest area.
The museum could be very family-friendly, with info boards for youths, a path led by knitted cattle, themed kids’s costumes to decorate up in, and an interactive reproduction pilot boat.
One other nice choice for a wet day within the New Forest for households.
New Forest Heritage Centre
Positioned in Lyndhurst, The New Forest Heritage Centre is a improbable place to begin for households trying to discover the historical past and variety of the world. The museum covers all the things from wartime tales to the well-known ponies and hyperlinks to Alice in Wonderland.
The central “Household Tree” is full of interactive shows and actions, whereas little ones may also get pleasure from themed costumes, constructing blocks, a puppet theatre, museum trails, and exercise and colouring sheets. Throughout college holidays, additionally they host craft occasions and youngsters’s workshops.
The centre is free to enter (although donations are welcomed), so it’s additionally an excellent place to go to within the New Forest with youngsters on a price range.
Exbury Gardens and Steam railway
If your loved ones loves the possibility to hop on board a steam prepare on vacation, there’s a stunning choice within the New Forest for youths.
The little steam railway at Exbury Gardens follows a 1.5 mile route via the gardens themselves – generally known as the Rhododendron Line!
The grounds stretch for 200 acres in complete, well-known for his or her rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias, in addition to the woodland surroundings, and you may hop off the prepare part-way round if you wish to discover the northernmost a part of the gardens or just benefit from the journey again to the beginning.
Foxlease Exercise centre
For extra adventurous households, the Foxlease Exercise Centre in Lyndhurst has an enormous number of thrilling out of doors actions for kids aged 4 years and older.
Owned by Lady Guiding UK, the exercise centre is open to the general public and affords actions together with kayaking, rafting, climbing, zip wire, abseiling, archery, and extra. There are set exercise days over the college holidays or to e-book a non-public go to, you’ll must contact them immediately.
There’s a lot to do at Foxlease that you might simply spend a number of days right here – luckily, the property additionally has a number of campsites you may e-book, when you’re decided to pack all of it in!
Calshot Actions Centre
Sitting on the shores of the Solent near Southampton, Calshot Actions Centre is among the largest journey centres in Britain, with a improbable number of thrilling land and water-based actions for all talents and ages.
Exterior, you may get pleasure from a variety of paddlesports, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and crusing within the massive lagoon.
Or indoors, you’ll discover a historic velodrome, dry slope snowboarding, excessive ropes, zip lining, and the tallest climbing wall within the south of England. Which implies you’re sorted rain or shine.
New Forest Journey Golf
At all times one in all my daughter’s favourites, mini-golf is a good way to maintain youngsters entertained for an hour or two. And Lymington’s New Forest Journey Golf is one of the best within the area. The course sits on Goodall’s Farmland when you’re planning some pick-your-own-fun (scroll down for extra particulars), so you may simply mix the 2 for a enjoyable household time out.
The family-friendly 18-hole course was constructed to reflect the New Forest, with the likes of Bucklers Arduous and Exbury Gardens depicted in miniature. You’ll additionally must navigate the Lymington and Beaulieu Rivers and experience the transferring Isle of Wight ferry over the Solent – tough!
Lepe Nation Park & Seashore
Lepe Nation Park sits on the most south-easterly level of the New Forest Nationwide Park, with an extended stretch of pebble seashore and gorgeous views throughout the Solent.
The favored nation park makes for a peaceable household time out, with scenic walks via the protected nature reserve and alongside the coast, in addition to historic stays from the D-Day landings, a tranquil sensory backyard with a bug resort, and a number of other journey playgrounds for kids.
The park is free to go to however you’ll need to pay for parking. There’s a restaurant and cafe, a BBQ web site, a small store, and bathroom amenities throughout the park.
New Forest seashores
The New Forest has a number of lovely seashores alongside its shoreline, however Milford on Sea needs to be our favorite.
The gorgeous village has an extended shingle seashore backed by rows of vibrant seashore huts, with plenty of area for youths to run round and discover, paddle within the ocean, and construct sandcastles at low tide. There are additionally some nice unbiased eating places, cafes, and outlets on the town only a brief stroll away, making it the right spot for a calming household day on the seaside.
For one thing extra lively, take a coastal stroll eastwards from Milford-on-Sea in direction of Hurst Spit, residence to Sixteenth-century Hurst Fortress. The stroll takes round 40 minutes every approach.
Different family-friendly seashores within the New Forest embrace close by Barton on Sea with its many fossil beds, and the extra peaceable Calshot Seashore.
Choose your individual fruit and veggies
Time your go to proper and there’s one other pretty choice for a household pleasant time out – visiting a pick-your-own farm within the New Forest with youngsters.
Goodall’s Strawberry Farm in Lymington is a good spot to let kids discover and decide their very own recent fruit and greens. The farm is finest recognized for its strawberries, however you may as well decide raspberries and cherries between Could and August. There’s a stunning little cafe on web site serving cream teas and engaging muffins too.
Or when you’re visiting in October, Goodall’s additionally has pick-your-own pumpkins. Different pumpkin patches within the area embrace the New Forest Pumpkins in Lymington and Fordingbridge’s Choosing Patch.
Days out close to the New Forest with youngsters
For those who’re basing your self within the New Forest with youngsters, it makes an excellent location for some days out exploring Hampshire and Dorset.
Portsmouth
Dwelling to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Mary Rose, in addition to the Spinnaker Tower, it’s straightforward to fill a day within the metropolis when you’re in search of a change of tempo from the New Forest with youngsters.
Actually, it’s straightforward to fill a day on the Historic Dockyard alone, discovering a few of the space’s naval historical past from the well-known Tudor wreck to The HMS Victory, Nelson’s flagship on the Battle of Trafalgar, HMS Warrior, the world’s first iron-hulled warship, in addition to others from the First and Second World Wars, not least a submarine.
However there’s additionally Portchester Fortress on the outskirts, the best-preserved of the Roman forts alongside what’s generally known as the Saxon Shore, plus a string of different enjoyable issues to do for households.
For extra concepts of one of the best issues to do in Portsmouth with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Southampton
The UK’s greatest cruise port isn’t simply someplace to hop on a ship and sail off into the sundown, with plenty of issues to do in Southampton with youngsters.
And town is simply half an hour away from Brockenhust, so it makes a simple day journey from the New Forest with youngsters. There’s improbable historical past to find, from the Mayflower to the Titanic, plus wartime plane and medieval partitions.
To not point out a lot extra probabilities to get outside and plenty of sights for households, together with snowsports and an indoor journey park.
For extra concepts of one of the best issues to do in Southampton with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Winchester
The town of Winchester was England’s first capital however there’s extra to find right here past historical past, together with the just lately revamped Winchester Science Centre, which is improbable for youths.
For those who do fancy travelling again to the previous, you may uncover a couple of thousand years of historical past from the Romans onwards within the Winchester Metropolis museum, spot the legendary Spherical Desk within the metropolis’s Nice Corridor (not truly King Arthur’s but it surely does date again to the thirteenth century), observe the household path via the cathedral and see the ruins of a twelfth century fort.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Winchester with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Marwell Zoo
The 140-acre Marwell Zoo simply outdoors Winchester has over 1,200 animals to find, in addition to a stamp path for youths to observe alongside the best way.
There are sometimes additional household sights and exhibitions when you want an added purpose to go to (or return) – akin to Brickosaurs at Marwell Zoo, Lego dinosaurs dotted amongst the real-life inhabitants throughout one in all our visits.
The zoo can also be residence to 4 journey playgrounds, little highway and rail trains, in addition to the animals themselves – from amur tigers to zebras, to not point out cheetah, pink pandas, penguins and extra.
Itchen Valley Nation Park
With 440 acres of fields, water meadows and woodland to discover at Itchen Valley Nation Park, you’ll find some nice walks for households in addition to getting the possibility to go proper up into the bushes.
On the Go Ape course, the Treetop journey is appropriate for all ages, whereas the Treetop problem is for ages 10+ (and a minimal of 1.4m tall).
Or when you don’t fancy the excessive ropes, there are additionally off-road bike tracks, trails to observe and a number of other play areas, together with an indoor play zone, The Holt, for youths aged six and underneath, in addition to two out of doors playgrounds for various ages.
There’s additionally the Play Path together with an enormous squirrel, climbing body and snail slide – this and the Forest Path are each pushchair pleasant when you’re visiting Hampshire with a child.
Moors Valley Nation Park, Dorset
On the border of Hampshire and Dorset, Moors Valley Nation Park makes one other great spot to get outside with youngsters – and whilst you aren’t in need of walks within the New Forest, there’s an added draw for households.
As a result of lurking within the nation park is a fearsome monster, with a toxic wart on the top of his nostril and purple prickles throughout his again.
One of many areas for the string of Forestry England Julia Donaldson trails, it’s nonetheless residence to each a Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Little one, alongside the youngsters’s Play Path, in addition to different household trails.
Plus, after all, loads of locations to stroll, cycle or watch the surroundings from a slender gauge steam prepare – together with a extra adrenaline-fuelled choice on the Go Ape Junior Excessive ropes course, for anybody who fancies themselves the scariest creature within the wooden.
Bournemouth
For those who’re staying on the western aspect of the New Forest, you’re truly a lot nearer to Bournemouth than you’re to Portsmouth and Southampton, so it’s properly price taking the chance of a time out on this seaside city.
In addition to the lengthy golden sandy seashore, you may even fly over the waves (and make imagine you’re going to maintain going underneath) with the RockReef Pierzip Line, or sort out 28 themed indoor climbing partitions, a vertical drop slide, a excessive ropes aerial impediment course, and an indoor caving expertise on the journey centre.
That’s not the one household attraction to tempt when you’re in search of concepts of issues to do in Dorset within the rain with youngsters.
Proper on the seafront is The Oceanarium, with 12 themed environments the place you may uncover penguins and sea turtles, together with dwarf crocodiles and otters (plus big numbers of fish, after all).
The city can also be residence to the Bournemouth Aviation Museum in addition to Journey Wonderland, a household amusement park themed round Alice in Wonderland.
The place to remain within the New Forest with youngsters
For those who’re in search of self-catering lodging, New Forest Cottages has some pretty family-friendly properties, together with concepts when you’re in search of canine pleasant breaks and even cottages with swimming pools, in addition to areas across the New Forest so that you’ll all the time be near a string of household days out.
Or Sykes Cottages additionally has a string of family-friendly locations to remain within the New Forest.
For those who desire the thought of a New Forest resort with youngsters, there’s all the things from luxurious stays like Chewton Glen, which has a improbable youngsters’ membership, and New Park Manor, which is nice for households with younger kids and infants, to choices akin to Sandy Balls Vacation Village.
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Pictures: Beaulieu, classic automobile, Bucklers Arduous, Hurst Fortress, Exbury Gardens, Lepe Nation Park, Milford on Sea, Bournemouth courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
