March is a beautiful time to visit the New Forest. Winter begins to loosen its grip daylight hours are stretching noticeably, and the landscape starts to wake up with early spring colour. It’s a peaceful time to explore, with fewer crowds than later in the year but plenty to see and do.
So if you’re planning a family break, a romantic getaway, or a quiet camping escape surrounded by nature, March offers the perfect balance of calm woodland walks, seasonal events, cosy pubs and fresh air adventures.
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the New Forest this March.
Exploring the Forest in Early Spring
March is one of the best months for outdoor exploring. The air feels fresh, the light softer, and the Forest begins to show subtle signs of new life.
Gentle walks through woodland, heathland and open plains are especially rewarding at this time of year. You may spot free-roaming ponies grazing, deer moving quietly through the trees, and birds becoming more active as nesting season approaches.
Cycling is also ideal in March. Cooler temperatures make longer rides comfortable, and the extensive network of gravel tracks and quiet routes allows you to explore deep into the Forest at your own pace.
For photographers and nature lovers, misty mornings and golden late-afternoon light create some of the most atmospheric conditions of the year.
New Forest Awakening Festival
Throughout March, the New Forest Awakening Festival celebrates nature recovery, sustainability and the changing season.
Events vary each year but often include guided walks, wildlife talks, creative workshops and wellbeing activities designed to help visitors connect more deeply with the landscape. It’s a great way to experience the Forest from a new perspective and learn more about the unique environment that makes this National Park so special.
Many activities are family-friendly, while others are ideal for adults looking for a slower more mindful experience.
Family Days Out in March
The New Forest offers plenty of attractions that are open year-round, making March a great time for family outings whatever the weather.
Beaulieu is one of the most popular destinations, combining the National Motor Museum with Palace House, the Abbey and beautiful grounds to explore. Buckler’s Hard provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s shipbuilding history, while Exbury Gardens begins to show colour as camellias, magnolias and other early spring flowers come into bloom.
These attractions are easy to reach from our campsites and can comfortably fill a full day of exploring.
Coast and Countryside Walks
One of the unique features of the New Forest is how easily you can combine woodland and coastline in a single trip.
Nearby coastal spots such as Milford on Sea, Barton on Sea and Lepe Country Park offer dramatic views across the Solent, refreshing sea air and quieter beaches before the summer season begins. Hurst Castle, set on a narrow shingle spit, makes for a particularly memorable walk on a clear day.
The walk from Milford on Sea to Hurst Castle is one of the most memorable in the area. Following a long shingle spit out into the Solent, this route offers uninterrupted sea views and a striking sense of space. On clear days you can see the Isle of Wight across the water, and the historic fortress at the end provides a rewarding destination before heading back towards the village for refreshments.
Lepe Country Park combines woodland, open parkland and shoreline in a single easy outing. A circular walk from the car park down to the beach provides wide views across the Solent towards the Isle of Wight, along with peaceful picnic spots and plenty of wildlife. The park’s café makes it an ideal stop for families or anyone looking for a relaxed day out.
For a quieter nature-focused walk, Keyhaven Marshes offers flat coastal paths with excellent birdwatching opportunities. The route between Keyhaven and Lymington follows saltmarshes and lagoons, providing a very different landscape to the open heathland found deeper in the Forest.
Cosy Villages, Food and Drink
After a day outdoors, there’s nothing better than settling into one of the New Forest’s welcoming pubs or cafés.
Villages such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Burley and Lymington offer a mix of independent shops, tearooms and traditional inns. Many pubs feature seasonal menus showcasing local produce, making them perfect for a leisurely lunch or relaxed evening meal.
For couples and adult visitors, March is especially appealing. The quieter pace allows you to enjoy the scenery, browse shops without crowds, and truly unwind.
Wildlife and Seasonal Highlights
March brings some of the most subtle but rewarding seasonal changes in the Forest.
Snowdrops and early wildflowers appear along woodland paths, while gorse begins to bloom across the heathland, adding splashes of bright yellow. Birdsong becomes noticeably louder as nesting season approaches, and on warmer days you may see ponies resting in sunny clearings.
Towards the end of the month, the first foals may also begin to appear, making wildlife spotting particularly special for families and photographers alike.
Base Yourself at a Camping New Forest Campsite
Late March marks the exciting start of the camping season in the New Forest, with several of our much-loved campsites reopening on 26 March after the winter months. As the landscape begins to wake up and visitor numbers remain low, it’s a wonderful time to experience the Forest at its most peaceful.
Ashurst Campsite is often one of the first to welcome visitors back. Set among mature trees close to the village of Ashurst, it offers easy access to walking routes, cycle paths and nearby attractions, making it a great choice for both short breaks and longer stays.
Hollands Wood Campsite, near Brockenhurst, is one of the largest and most popular sites in the Forest. Its open glades and roaming ponies create a classic New Forest camping experience, with direct access to woodland trails right from your pitch.
Holmsley Campsite sits on the site of a former World War II airfield and offers expansive views across heathland. It’s particularly well suited to families and those who enjoy wide open spaces, wildlife spotting and big skies.
Ocknell Campsite provides a quieter, more tucked-away setting within woodland, ideal for visitors seeking a back-to-nature escape while still being within easy reach of Lyndhurst and other Forest villages.
Roundhill Campsite is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Nestled among ancient woodland, it offers a calm retreat with excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife watching.
Longbeech Campsite is one of the most secluded sites, hidden deep within the Forest and perfect for those wanting a truly tranquil experience. Its remote feel makes it especially appealing to nature lovers and anyone looking to switch off from everyday life.
Matley Wood Campsite offers a wonderfully open setting where ponies, cattle and deer are often seen grazing nearby. Its spacious pitches and scenic surroundings make it a favourite for visitors who want to feel immersed in the landscape.
With so many sites reopening on 26 March, this month signals the true start of the camping season. Early spring camping offers crisp mornings, clear starry nights and a sense of space that’s hard to find later in the year. It’s the perfect time to reconnect with nature, enjoy quieter trails and experience the New Forest before the summer crowds arrive.
For more seasonal inspiration and ideas for things to do in the New Forest, follow Camping New Forest on Instagram and Facebook, or explore more guides on our blog.