With vibrant wildflower blooms, ponies showing off their new-born foals and an array of exciting family activities, the New Forest really comes alive during spring, making it a fantastic place to visit during the Easter holidays.
Discover what’s on this Easter to make the most of your adventure!
Canoe Easter Egg Hunt at New Forest Activities
When: 28 March to 12th April
Price: £38 per adult & £30 per child or £6 for under 5s for 2 hour sessions
Take this year’s Easter egg hunt to the water with the ever-popular New Forest Activities Easter canoe session. Here, you’ll set off for a paddle along the picturesque Beaulieu River, stopping along the way to explore the riverbanks for Easter eggs.
A great adventure for all the family, this is the perfect blend of riverside fun and chocolate-fueled Easter excitement!
Easter Archery Tournament at New Forest Activities
When: Selected dates in March & April
Price: £31 per adult and £24 per child (8-16 years) for 90 minute sessions
New Forest Activities also host an Easter archery event, where you’ll get the chance to learn how to use a bow before embarking on a range of Easter-themed archery challenges and games.
You’ll be guided by the site’s expert instructors and get the opportunity to learn some new techniques. With loads of chocolatey treats on offer and some exciting prizes for archers with the best aim, this themed archery activity provides a fantastic day out for those who like getting a little bit competitive.
New Exhibitions at the National Motor Museum
When: April
Price: Included in general Beaulieu admission ticket (family ticket from £70)
The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu features an impressive collection of cars and motoring museums, with a range of intriguing exhibitions appealing to all ages.
This Easter marks the opening of the museum’s latest gallery, ‘Driven: Britain’s Motoring Story’, which traces the country’s history of cars from early pioneers to modern transformations.
Along with this new display, you can also explore the Top Trumps Trail, which encourages you to uncover hidden cards around the attraction as well as the Disney and Pixar cars exhibition with life-size models of iconic characters!
Meet the stars of Disney and Pixar Cars
When: Until 12th April
A very special pit stop is coming to the National Motor Museum this Easter! Families visiting Beaulieu National Motor Museum will have the chance to see lifesize models of beloved characters from Disney and Pixar’s Cars, including Lightning McQueen, Mater, Jackson Storm and Finn McMissile. Taking a break from the racetrack and global adventures, these fan-favourite racers will be meeting visitors for a limited time, making it the perfect opportunity to snap some photos, get the cameras ready, and say the famous line… “Ka-Chow!”
Easter Crafts at Palace House
When: April
Price: Included in general Beaulieu admission ticket (family ticket from £70)
The Victorian manor of Palace House is located right next to the National Motor Museum and makes for another great Easter holiday adventure. Along with the usual living history exhibitions and grand rooms to explore, the house will be decorated in bright seasonal splendour, bringing some extra spring joy to your visit.
You can also enjoy a range of Easter craft activities and help decorate the Easter tree. If you visit over Easter weekend, you might even see the Easter bunny hopping around.
The Golden Egg Hunt at Longdown Activity Farm
When: 3rd to 6th April
Price: Included in general admission ticket (£14.50 for single ticket and £53 for group of 4)
With its array of friendly animals and family activities, Longdown Activity Farm promises a great day out whatever the season. Along with the usual animal encounters and activities, the site is also hosting its annual Easter egg hunt.
When visiting, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for an elusive golden egg. There are 20 hidden eggs to find on each day of the hunt. The eggs are hidden well and there are no clues, so only the most dedicated of egg hunters will be able to discover them! For those that do find a golden egg, there will be a prize.
If you want to organise your very own Easter treasure trail, check out our top spots for a New Forest Easter egg hunt.
Easter at Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World
When: 28th March to 12th April for Hoppy Easter event
Price: General admissions ticket from £46.75 per person (children under 1 metre go free).
Boasting also kinds of rollercoasters, exciting rides and animal attractions Paultons Park is a must for thrill seekers and adventure lovers. The amusement park caters to all ages, with something for the whole family.
Younger members of the family will love the Hoppy Easter event which gives the chance to meet Bobtail and Betty Bunny, adding to the special seasonal excitement.
Easter Trail at Hurst Castle
When: 3rd to 12th April
Price: Included in castle admission (£9.50 per adult, £6.50 per child or £30 for a family).
Step back in time this Easter with a trip to the fascinating Hurst Castle, a Tudor military fort located on the coastal spit extending from Milford-on-Sea. Along with the usual opportunities to explore the castle and surrounding area, you can enjoy the exclusive Easter trail: ‘Then and Now’.
This trail encourages families to explore the castle with a new lens, uncovering clues to learn what life at the castle was like and how it has changed over time. There is a prize on offer for children who complete the trail, alongside a range of craft activities throughout the day, ideal for keeping them engaged.
For more ideas on keeping the whole family entertained, check out our favourite New Forest school holiday activities.
Staying in the New Forest This Easter
With endless outdoor adventures and plenty of Easter fun happening across the New Forest, it really is a fantastic spot for a family getaway!
Still looking for the perfect accommodation to make your Easter break one to remember? Explore our selection of family friendly holiday cottages in the New Forest.
