The New Forest comes alive with a buzz of fun-filled activity during the summer, providing adventures aplenty for you and your little ones. Whether you’re after action-packed days out or want to find new ways to get in touch with nature, our ultimate summer bucket list has got you covered!
Discover how to make the most of your summer holidays with these fantastic family-friendly activities in the New Forest.
Lymington Sea Water Bath Inflatable Obstacle Course
The open-air lido in Lymington is a summer staple, inviting you to take to the water and make a splash! A portion of the sea baths is dedicated to a 120m inflatable obstacle course that challenges your agility and balance. Run, jump, slide and splash around the course’s ladders, swings, beams and climbing frames – falling in is encouraged! Along with the inflatable course, you can also book sessions for paddleboarding and swimming.
Lymington River Tours With Puffin Cruises
For more waterside fun, why not take a river tour with Puffin Cruises? Here, you’ll explore the Lymington River up close as you glide past picturesque scenes of salt marshes and the quaint marina. Hop aboard the Puffin Billi to soak up this tranquil location and spot wildlife, or take a trip on the Black Puffin for an exciting pirate ship adventure, complete with treasure and a chance to take the helm!
Crabbing at Keyhaven
Head to Keyhaven for stunning coastal walks with some great spots for crabbing and wildlife spotting. As you meander around the marshes and nature reserve, you’ll get that unbeatable feeling of escaping to another world. Take your nets and lines to one of the bridges on the Hurst Spit path and see what you can find.
Paddleboarding
The New Forest’s waterways offer some great paddleboarding spots, ideal if you fancy getting active while enjoying the gorgeous coastline and rivers. Whether you’ve got your own blow-up boards or are hiring from an activity centre, there are loads of great places to set out from. For a great, relatively easy route, head out from Keyhaven to paddle out to Hurst Castle and back. The marshes offer a wonderfully immersive experience, and you’ll get some great views of the castle on the spit too.
For more recommendations, see our guide on paddleboarding in the New Forest.
Beach Days
Would any summer holiday be complete without at least one day at the beach? While the New Forest might be best known for its ancient woodlands, it also boasts a fabulous coastline dotted with brilliant beaches, perfect for wiling away an afternoon strolling in the sand, splashing in the waves and filling up on ice cream. We love the beaches at Milford, Highcliffe and Mudeford for quintessential seaside days out.
Isle of Wight Day Trips on the Kraken Ferry
For adventures a little bit further afield, hop on the Quay 2 Quay Kraken Ferry service from Lymington to Yarmouth. Relax and take in the sights as you journey across The Solent in style. With both open and enclosed seating areas and onboard refreshments, it’s a comfy ride. As well as ferrying you to all the delights that await on the island, you can also embark on The Needles sightseeing trip to explore the dramatic beauty of this iconic coastal feature.
Steam Train Trips at Moors Valley Railway
To travel back in time, head to the narrow-gauge steam railway located in the Moors Valley Country Park. This fun novelty ride takes you through gorgeous countryside with plenty to spot along the way. The railway is home to 19 steam locomotives, which all get shown off at the various annual events. The journeys themselves only take around 20 minutes, offering the perfect mini adventure amidst a day of fun and exploration.
High Ropes Course at Go Ape Moors Valley
If you’ve got a head for heights, you’ll love the Go Ape activities also located at Moors Valley. See the forest from a whole new perspective as you scale the tree-top course, navigating the various ropes and obstacles and whizzing along the tree-to-tree zip lines. With different courses for all ages, it’s a great family day out, especially for the thrill-seekers!
Adventure Golf in Lymington
The adventure golf attraction at Lymington Golf Centre is another must for families who love getting active and embracing a bit of competitive spirit. Make your way around this 18-hole mini golf course, which has been designed to reflect the New Forest itself. Take shots across the mini Solent to explore the golf course versions of all the best places in the forest, from Beaulieu to Lymington. You don’t have to book, so just turn up and have fun.
Exbury Gardens
For an enchanting day out, discover the stunning gardens and grounds at Exbury. The 200-acre site is a riot of colour during summer, inviting you to get lost among the winding woodland paths, sunny meadows and exotic flowers. Keep an eye out for the famous collection of hydrangeas, as well as the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and Centenary Gardens in full bloom.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Car fans won’t want to miss Beaulieu’s beloved Motor Museum. With historic cars, famous vehicles from the screen and interactive exhibitions, it promises a fun-filled day of learning and discovery. The museum always hosts special events and displays during the school holidays, so be sure to check out what’s happening this year. The museum is also right next to Palace House, a Victorian country manor, offering another fantastic family adventure.
Picnic at Buckler’s Hard
Buckler’s Hard is a charming 18th-century boat-building village that sits alongside the Beaulieu River. With stunning riverside views, rich history and a gorgeous two-mile walk to Beaulieu, it makes the perfect backdrop for tranquil afternoons with a picnic. Pack all your favourite treats before heading to one of Buckler’s Hard’s grassy spots or picnic benches along the banks of the river.
For alternative locations and more great cheap days out, see our guide to the best picnic spots in the New Forest.
New Forest Wildlife Spotting
The New Forest’s ponies are one of the region’s most famous features, so make sure to keep an eye out for them on your visit. With a number of popular watering holes and grazing spots, you won’t have to look too far to find them! As they’re free to roam the forest, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot the ponies, along with other local New Forest wildlife such as deer, up to 100 species of birds, woodland creatures and even seals along the coast.
Still planning your perfect summer getaway? Explore our fantastic selection of luxury cottages to enjoy memorable New Forest family holidays. From charming countryside pads to coastal havens, we’ve got something to suit every family.
