The New Forest, a true natural wonder with acres of woodlands, heathlands, and free-roaming ponies has been enhanced with some great places to visit for a day out. Whether you are a historian, a sports fan, or traveling with a large group, there is something special for everyone in the New Forest.
There are some places where you can learn to paddleboard, get up close to wildlife, and explore mighty castles, so you’ll never be bored during your stay. Here are some of my favorite New Forest days out.
Exbury Gardens is lovely to spend a few hours wandering among colorful blooms and getting lost along its 20 miles of pathways. The gardens (near the Beaulieu River) are home to the Rothschild collection of plants and flowers.
Ride the 12-gauge steam train along Exbury’s Park railway and through the beautiful grounds. Exbury Gardens is one of the best New Forest days out for adults. If you are a garden enthusiast or want to admire some stunning natural scenery, Exbury Gardens is the perfect place to visit.
If you’re looking for some refreshments, Mr. Eddy’s tea rooms are also worth of visiting.
Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum
Located on the banks of the Beaulieu River, Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum is the world’s best-preserved example of an 18th-century shipbuilding village. Buckler’s Hard is famous for being the birthplace of the British naval vessel. It is a great day out for anyone interested in maritime history. Enjoy a great rainy-day activity in the New Forest!
Ringwood Brewery
Adults can visit the Ringwood Brewery for a refreshing tour and tasting after working up a thirst at all of the top tourist attractions in the New Forest. The time lasts approximately two hours and concludes with a tutored tasting session and a complimentary drink. There is also the chance to browse their shop, full of goodies, gifts, and great bottled and draught beers.
New Forest Water Park
The New Forest Water Park is the best place to participate in a variety of water-related activities. Wakeboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, inflatable floating obstacle courses, and other activities are available.
It’s ideal for rainy days out with the kids in the New Forest. The waterpark is close to Ringwood and Fording Bridge, and it is only an hour’s drive from anywhere in the New Forest National Park.
Beaulieu – National Motor Museum & Estate
It is home to one of the world’s best and most extensive collections of automobiles, making it one of the best family days out in the New Forest. Among its prestigious cars are vehicles from film and television, such as the Trotters’ van and the World of Top Gear exhibit.
Besides its extensive collection of automobiles, the museum is located in beautiful, landscaped gardens. You can also go to the Palace House and the local abbey ruins.
Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo near Winchester, located just outside the New Forest, is a fun-filled family day out with plenty of fantastic wildlife to see. There are hundreds of animals, including meerkats, rhinos, snow leopards, penguins, cheetahs, hippos, and tigers. The Lemur Loop, a new exhibit at the zoo, allows visitors to get up close with four different types of lemurs.
There are also plenty of other activities, such as strolling through the gardens, taking a scenic train ride, and letting the kids run wild in the five adventure playgrounds. The zoo is one of the best places to visit in the New Forest.
Hurst Castle
Hurst Castle should be on the list of educational places to visit with children in the New Forest. This dramatic New Forest castle, perched on the end of Hurst Spit, was built in the 1500s by Henry VIII as an artillery fortress to defend the south coast from invasion.
There are high walls, dungeons, and mysterious staircases to discover, and there are always plenty of family activities on weekends and during school holidays, which English Heritage manages.
New Forest Activities
Archery, high ropes courses, sea kayaking, and bushcraft are also available. There is plenty to do, whether you want a couple of hours of fun or a full day of outdoor adventure. And for those who prefer to relax, the ‘Paddle to the Pub’ excursion is perfect.
The unique and sprawling New Forest Boasts some spectacular woodland wanders and has plenty more to offer.
