Want to ensure you hit all the best spots and make the most of your visit to the New Forest? From countryside treasures and fascinating heritage sites to thrilling theme parks and animal adventures, this little corner of the world really does have it all. And no matter where you’re staying, our holiday cottages in the New Forest are never too far from the action!
Museums & Historic Buildings
Gardens & Parks
Animal Attractions
Theme Parks
One of the New Forest’s most beloved attractions, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, promises a fantastic day out for families and car enthusiasts. Home to over 280 iconic vehicles, the museum pays homage to the high-octane world of motoring history.
With exhibitions on F1, classic cars from the past and famous on-screen vehicles as well as hands-on experiences, there’s plenty for everyone to get excited about.
Just down the road from the motor museum is Palace House, a Victorian country house that sits on the site of what used to be the gatehouse to the nearby medieval Abbey. The grand house perches alongside the picturesque Beaulieu River, providing some lush scenes inside and out.
Here, you can explore rooms as they would have looked in the 19th century with the chance to talk to costumed guides to find out what things were really like. The house hosts various seasonal events throughout the year, with lots of exciting exhibitions and immersive displays, including Victorian Christmas days, Easter egg hunts and ghost tours that transport you back in time.
Also adjoining the grounds and gardens of Palace House are the remains of the 13th-century Beaulieu Abbey. Walk in the footsteps of 800-year-old monks, discovering the conserved ruins and tranquil atmosphere of this historic site.
Learn about the story of the Cistercian abbey at the Domus and Monastic Life Exhibition to continue revelling in the immersive sense of history that permeates the grounds and ruins here.
If you didn’t quite get enough at the Motor Museum in Beaulieu, head to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum near New Milton. Home to over 500 motorcycles from around the world, the museum was born from motorcycling legend Sammy Miller’s personal collection – and the collection is still growing!
Many of the popular bikes are fired up and showcased at events and displays throughout the year, providing a fast-paced, dynamic museum experience. The museum site also hosts a range of craft shops, tea rooms and even some friendly animals, including donkeys, goats and alpacas to say hello to on your visit.
Located on the banks of the Beaulieu River and within a largely unchanged historic village, the Buckler’s Hard Museum provides the perfect picturesque place to while away an afternoon. Learn all about the village’s 18th-century shipbuilding heritage and the strong connection to Admiral Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar.
Immerse yourself in layers of history and find out what life was like back when the village was a bustling place of industry, and then how it transformed into a sleepy, charming hamlet. Once you’ve explored the museum and reconstructed Shipwright’s Cottage, take a stroll around the tranquil village and enjoy refreshments at one of the nearby eateries.
Head to Hurst Spit for dramatic views across the Isle of Wight and the chance to explore the 16th-century artillery fortress Hurst Castle. Commissioned by Henry VIII and playing an active role in both world wars, the castle has a long and interesting military history.
Getting to the castle is all part of the experience, as it’s only accessible via ferry or a 2-mile walk along the spit – there’s plenty to see before you even reach the fortress! Once there, why not enjoy a guided tour and a trip to the castle cafe? The site also hosts various annual events, including Tudor days for families.
Another of Henry VIII’s artillery forts, Calshot Castle, offers an intriguing historical day out. Originally built from the stones of nearby Beaulieu Abbey after the dissolution of monasteries, the castle tells a story of turbulent times in England, also playing a role in the Civil War, Napoleonic Wars and other World Wars.
Explore the cylindrical keep here and admire views out across the Solent. There is also a picnic area within the grounds, providing the perfect spot for an afternoon of fresh air and exploration.
Just on the edge of the New Forest is Breamore House, an Elizabethan manor house offering a window into the past. Here, you can enjoy grand views of the historic house and grounds and embark on guided tours to learn more about the paintings, tapestries, furniture and rooms held within.
Also just outside of the New Forest itself lies Highcliffe Castle, built in the Romantic style in the 1830s. Not only does the historic building offer plenty to do and see, but the lavish grounds and nearby Highcliffe Beach (accessible from the castle) make for a wonderful family day out.
The St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery provides an authentic look into the history of the vibrant market town of Lymington, offering interactive displays and ever-changing exhibits.
See art from local artists and collections that reflect life in the area and beyond throughout the centuries. The gallery also frequently hosts workshops and special events, so there’s always something exciting going on when you visit!
For an outdoor adventure surrounded by the beauty of nature, head to Exbury Gardens, a riot of colour and plant life all year round. Discover 200 acres of woodland and formal gardens, including the famed rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and hydrangeas.
You’ll also have the chance to set off on the Exbury stream train, which takes you on a tranquil trail past the Rock Garden and around Dragonfly Pond, allowing you to admire new views across the gardens at your leisure.
Tucked away in the heart of the New Forest lies the charming Furzey Gardens, providing an enchanting collection of camellias, rhododendron, azalea, cornus and much more.
The gardens are also particularly known for hosting various family-friendly trails, with over 40 fairy doors to discover along the whimsical garden paths. Different seasons bring a range of new, exciting trails, with lots to explore throughout the year.
Offering the best of all worlds, a visit to Lepe Country Park combines leisurely country walks, seaside fun and a chance to explore historic sites in one trip. Take in the fresh sea air on the shingle beach or go for a turn about the Sensory Cottage Garden and learn all about the important habitats within the park.
The park also has some interesting historical sites, including D-Day memorials and a rich smuggling history. Complete with picnic areas, play parks and spots for refreshment, Lepe Country Park is a brilliant all-day attraction.
The entirety of the New Forest National Park is a wonderful attraction in itself, and Blackwater Arboretum in particular promises a lovely day out. Set off from one of the trails and surrender to the tranquillity of nature, basking in the company of ancient trees.
Take a stroll along the Tall Trees Trail to marvel at giant redwoods and towering Douglas firs.
Located along the Ornamental Drive, Bolderwood is home to an array of glorious trees, ancient woodland and rare wildlife. As a dedicated deer sanctuary, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot these elegant creatures. The viewing platform allows for some brilliant photo opportunities and a quiet spot to rest and look out over the park.
Explore various walking trails through the surrounding woodland, including family-friendly circular walks. The large grassy recreation area and picnic spots make this a lovely place to set up for a day of outdoor adventure.
Animal lovers won’t want to miss the New Forest Wildlife Park, a haven for all sorts of creatures, from otters and ferrets to bison, deer and lynx. Get up close with some of these amazing animals and enjoy an action-packed roster of events, animal encounters and keeper talks.
Learn all about the conservation projects the park is dedicated to before letting the kids run wild in the adventure play park or relaxing in the cafe.
There’s nowhere better for a day of farmyard fun than Longdown Activity Farm, a brilliant family attraction that boasts the chance to meet and feed various farm animals, including cows, goats, pigs, horses, alpacas and more.
And if up-close animal encounters aren’t exciting enough, kids will also love the inclusive outdoor play area, trampolines, zip wire and go-karts. The fully stocked farm shop is ideal if you want to take some farm goodies away with you at the end of the day, too.
To see some of the New Forest’s most reclusive residents, head to the New Forest Reptile Centre, a seasonal attraction offering sightings of local snake, frog, toad and lizard species. Peer into the unique viewing pods to see these reptiles and amphibians in copies of their natural habitats.
There is also a nearby discovery trail which takes you on a circular walk through woodland, providing more chances to see the native wildlife out and about. The trail is family-friendly and only about 1 mile.
Located a little outside of the New Forest, the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre is the place to see Shire, Suffolk Punch, Percheron and other gentle giant horses. Escape to the charming countryside and meet a range of rare breed heavy horses, learning all about their important roles throughout history and the centre’s conservation efforts.
Aside from the horses themselves, you can also see vintage displays, other farmyard animals and fun play areas for younger children.
For a day of thrills and action-packed excitement that captures the whole family’s imagination, Paulton’s Park is the ultimate adventure! Get stuck into over 70 rides and attractions, including rollercoasters, playparks, discovery trails, animals and themed worlds for all ages.
One of these themed zones is the beloved Peppa Pig World, the perfect day out for little ones, offering 9 rides to suit younger visitors. Daily shows, meet-and-greets and events also ensure that there’s never a dull moment.
For more thrills – of the water-based variety this time – head to the New Forest Waterpark. With an inflatable aqua park incorporating 150 exciting obstacles and various watersporting opportunities, there’s loads to explore here.
Try your hand at wakeboarding with the two cable systems, including a straight line cable to get your bearings and the main cable with various turns and jumps for those with more experience. There is also kayak and SUP hire available if you’re seeking a more leisurely pace.
With all these brilliant New Forest attractions, you’ll have no trouble filling your visit with endless excitement and exploration, creating some holiday memories to last a lifetime!
Still planning your trip? Check out our family friendly holiday cottages in the New Forest to find the perfect base for your grand adventure.
