1. Explore the Great Outdoors
The New Forest is bursting with adventure and wildlife – and much of it is free.
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Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary – Watch wild deer from a purpose-built viewing platform and enjoy a peaceful woodland stroll.
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Blackwater Arboretum & Tall Trees Trail – Discover some of the tallest and oldest trees in The Forest along an easy-access path ideal for all ages.
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Family-Friendly Cycling Routes – Hire bikes and explore flat, scenic trails through heathland and woods. Here’s just a few of some of the locations you could hire a bike from across the New Forest:
- Burley – New Forest Cycling
- Brockenhurst – Cyclexperience
- Lyndhurst – The Woods Cyclery
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Picnic Spots & Pony Spotting – Pack a spread and head to places like Whitefield Moor or Hatchet Pond, where you can spot wild ponies, donkeys or even deer wandering nearby.
2. Family-Friendly Attractions
If you’re after a full day out with guaranteed fun, the New Forest delivers.
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Paultons Park (Home of Peppa Pig World) – A must for younger kids, but with rides and attractions for all ages, it’s worth a full day trip. It’s also just a 12 minute drive from Ashurst campsite if you’re staying with us!
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New Forest Wildlife Park – See otters, deer, lynx, and more. Great for animal lovers with interactive areas and woodland walks.
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Longdown Activity Farm – A hands-on working farm where children can bottle-feed kid goats, hold chicks, and go on tractor rides.
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Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway – Perfect for a slower-paced day out, with beautiful gardens to roam and a charming miniature steam train to hop aboard.
3. Rainy Day Ideas
The British weather isn’t always reliable, but half term fun doesn’t have to stop for a bit of drizzle.
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Beaulieu National Motor Museum – More than just cars, this museum is full of interactive exhibits, a monorail, and is set in beautiful grounds. A great place to base yourself near the beautiful Beaulieu is Roundhill! It’s just 8 minutes in the car.
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New Forest Heritage Centre (Lyndhurst) – A small but fascinating museum with free entry, hands-on exhibits, and local history.
4. Tips for Visiting the New Forest with Kids
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Parking – Many sites have small car parks. Arrive early, especially on sunny days, to avoid disappointment.
- Follow The New Forest Code! Enjoy spotting ponies and donkeys from a distance – they might look friendly, but they’re wild and shouldn’t be touched or fed. Stick to marked paths, take any litter home, and be mindful of the wildlife around you. You can read the full New Forest Code online before you visit.
Make the Most of Your New Forest Half Term
Whether you’re taking a stroll through ancient woods, meeting furry friends on a farm, there’s no shortage of memory-making moments in the New Forest this half term. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation – and there’s something for every kind of family.
Why not turn your day out into a proper break in nature? Book a camping trip with us and choose from a great range of campsites to suit every kind of camper – whether you’re after full facilities and electric hook-ups at Holmsley, or a more back-to-basics, off-the-grid experience at Setthorns.
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