The New Forest National Park in Hampshire is located between Southampton and Bournemouth, just 90 minutes from London, offering nearly 140,000 acres of beautiful natural landscapes. Plus, the New Forest is home to a host of family friendly days out, including the UK’s exclusive Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park in Romsey – the UK’s number one rated theme park and number 10 worldwide, according to Tripadvisor.
We have put together a list of ideas to make your summer break bundles of fun!
From comfortable hotels, delicious places to eat and fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy, we have a range of ideas to make sure your summer holiday is the best it can possibly be!
Hotels
Chewton Glen, New Milton
Chewton Glen is a quintessentially English, luxury Country House Hotel & Spa on the fringe of the New Forest. With some of England’s most stunning countryside and the calmness of the sea just moments away, Chewton Glen is an idyllic escape. With miles of stunning coastline just minutes’ walk from the hotel, you can enjoy plenty of water-based activities during your trip before returning to the hotel to relax in the spa after a busy day out!
Forest Lodge Hotel, Lyndhurst
The Forest Lodge Hotel offers a friendly service, comfortable accommodation and is the ideal balance between a town and country hotel. Offering luscious grounds and situated next to the beautiful forest this is the perfect hotel for a relaxing break, enjoy unwinding in the heated pool as you explore this picturesque accommodation.
New Park Manor, Brockenhurst
Discover a family hotel folded in the heart of the New Forest. Strike out and explore the enchanting woodland that lies all around and wash away the day’s expedition with a splash in the indoor or outdoor pools. In the evening, sink into the hot tub with a chilled glass of bubbly, while the children watch a film in the cinema room.
Holiday Inn, Winchester
Nestled in the Hampshire countryside, the Holiday Inn Winchester is modern and stylish. This family-friendly hotel also has a kids eat free offer so that families with children under 12 can enjoy the Odyssey Restaurant, Bar & Pizzeria for less. With tummies full of pizza, you will then be ready to explore all the attractions nearby!
Activities
Paultons Park, Ower
To get your holiday off to the best start head straight to Paultons! Park up and start exploring the Park’s five amazing themed worlds, set in over 140 acres of beautiful parkland. Don’t forget that advance booking is essential! Top tip – leave lots of time for exploring in the afternoon, especially in Peppa Pig World, as the children will want to go on their favourite rides again and again! When you’re ready for lunch, have a leisurely picnic whilst watching this year’s Pirate-themed summer show, and go and watch the penguins swim at super-fast speeds during feeding time. Plus, don’t forget to say hello to the cheeky meerkats in Wild Lands! Paultons also has a new themed land, Tornado Springs, which features some of their most thrilling rides yet! Get your head spinning on Storm Chaser before making your way to the driving school where you will drive your own mini car around the track before collecting your driving license at Al’s Auto Academy!
Beaulieu National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Step back in time with a visit to Beaulieu, featuring the world-famous National Motor Museum. Experience the Victorian splendour of Palace House, and wander the Abbey Ruins, with an exhibition of monastic life. What’s more, there’s even the World of Top Gear, featuring many of the famous Challenge cars, such as the Robin Reliant Space Shuttle! A trip to Beaulieu will captivate the whole family and is perfect in any weather.
Exbury Gardens, Exbury
Make the most of your stay in The New Forest with a quintessentially English day at Exbury Gardens. The Gardens & Steam Railway is a spectacular collection of landscaped woodland, herbaceous, contemporary, and formal gardens, in a unique riverside location. Exbury also boasts a narrow-gauge steam railway that travels through the gardens.
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, Bolderwood
One of the best places in the New Forest to see deer from a purpose-built platform which overlooks a large meadow. The deer get fed daily between the months of April and September and it is here that you will find herds of fallow deer regularly gathering around as they wait for a Forestry Commission Ranger to come and feed them. If you are lucky and time it right, you can watch them being fed from the viewing platform.
Places to Eat
Route 83 Diner, Paultons Park
Why not extend your day at Paultons by having dinner at the Route 83 Diner? A warm welcome awaits at the Route 83 Diner for some of the tastiest treats from way out west! Whether you choose the classic 83 Burger, succulent Chicken Tenders, or a delicious Bad Boy Dog the whole family are guaranteed to discover some of the dandiest most yummy treats on the highway.
The Pig, Brockenhurst
The Pig restaurant has a varied menu, and a lot of the ingredients are sourced from its own kitchen garden; the eggs are from their own free-range chickens too. Whether your tastes are steaks or large roasts, gourmet burgers or pizzas, The Pig has you covered. There is also a great seafood and dessert menu. The Pig is a big hit with families too and good reviews in the press keep the place on the New Forest gourmet map.
The Buttery, Brockenhurst
No trip to the New Forest is complete without an afternoon tea! Set in the heart of the New Forest, this cosy café/tearoom is open every day with large spacious tables and is popular with locals and visitors. Delicious clotted cream teas with fresh scones are served all day and The Buttery is famed for their wide range of homemade cakes. Pop in for a coffee and the chance of viewing some of the ponies and donkeys strolling by as you indulge.
