AREA & THINGS TO DO
Family Attractions
Paultons Park
One of the UK’s best family theme parks and home to the famous Peppa Pig World. Alongside family rides, there are rollercoasters, splash areas, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it ideal for a full day out with children of all ages.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum
A fantastic attraction combining the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu
Abbey, and scenic grounds. Perfect for car enthusiasts, history lovers, and families
wanting a varied day out.
Adventure Wonderland
A family adventure park themed around Alice in Wonderland with rides, indoor play areas, entertainment, and activities aimed mainly at younger children.
Wildlife & Nature
New Forest Wildlife Park
A peaceful wildlife park specialising in native and woodland animals including wolves, otters, deer, owls, and wild boar. A lovely slower-paced family day surrounded by nature.
Exbury Gardens
Famous for stunning seasonal displays, woodland walks, and the narrow-gauge steam
railway. Particularly beautiful during spring and summer when the gardens are in full
bloom.
Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo makes a fantastic family day out, with hundreds of animals to discover across a beautiful 140-acre park near Winchester. From giraffes, penguins and meerkats to adventure play areas, cafés and plenty of outdoor space, it’s a fun and memorable place to visit during your stay.
Historic & Scenic Places
Highcliffe Castle
A stunning cliff-top castle overlooking the coast, surrounded by beautiful gardens and
woodland walks. Highcliffe Castle is perfect for a relaxed day out, offering impressive
architecture, sea views, nearby beaches, and scenic walking trails.
Hurst Castle
A historic coastal fortress originally built by Henry VIII with spectacular views across the
Solent to the Isle of Wight. Great for history lovers and coastal walks.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hurst-castle/
A picturesque historic riverside village on the Beaulieu River, famous for its shipbuilding history and beautiful waterside walks. Visitors can explore the maritime museum, enjoy boat trips along the river, and relax at the village pub and café while taking in the peaceful New Forest surroundings.
New Forest Villages
Lyndhurst
Often considered the capital of the New Forest, Lyndhurst offers independent shops, cosy cafés, traditional pubs, museums, and easy access to forest walks.
https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/lyndhurst/
Brockenhurst
A charming village where ponies and donkeys roam freely through the streets. Popular for cycling, walking, traditional pubs, and countryside escapes.
https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/brockenhurst/
Burley
A traditional New Forest village known for its witchcraft folklore, tea rooms, gift shops, and peaceful forest surroundings.
https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/burley/
Lymington
The charming harbour town of Lymington is perfect for a relaxed day out, offering a lovely mix of coastal views, independent shops and great places to eat. Stroll along the historic quay, browse the boutiques and cafés on the cobbled high street, or watch the boats come and go from the marina. With regular ferries to the Isle of Wight and easy access to scenic walks along the sea wall, Lymington is a wonderful spot to explore during your stay.
Coast & Beaches
Hengistbury Head, Mudeford & Avon Beach
This beautiful stretch of coastline offers a mix of scenic walks, seaside charm and family‑friendly beaches. Hengistbury Head is perfect for gentle trails and sweeping views, with a seasonal ferry linking the headland to Mudeford Quay. Mudeford itself is a favourite spot for crabbing, enjoying the harbour and soaking up the relaxed coastal atmosphere. Just along the shore, Avon Beach provides a sandy, gently sloping beach ideal for paddling, picnics and laid‑back days by the sea.
Southbourne
A quieter coastal area just east of Bournemouth, known for relaxed beaches, beach cafés, independent shops, and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Christchurch
A charming harbour town known for its historic priory, riverside walks, independent shops, and waterside cafés. Christchurch is perfect for relaxing days by the quay, boat trips, crabbing, and exploring nearby beaches and nature reserves.
Outdoor Activities
Cyclexperience
One of the best bike hire companies in the New Forest, offering bicycles for all ages, route maps, child seats, trailers, and direct access to forest cycling trails.
Lymington Sea Water Baths
The UK’s oldest open-air seawater baths offering swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and inflatable obstacle courses during the summer months.
Shorefield Country Park
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Evening entertainment including live shows, quizzes, bingo, and family discos
- Children’s activities and play areas
- Gym, sauna, steam room, and sports facilities
- Cycling and walking routes nearby
- On-site restaurant, bar, arcade, takeaway, and convenience shop
Perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to explore the New Forest while enjoying resort-style facilities.
