Discover the Best PLACES TO GO IN THE NEW FOREST

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.