July is here, the sun is out, the jumpers have (finally) been put away for the summer and there is a ton of incredible things going on in the New Forest this summer! From festivals, to guided alpaca walks, to the return of the one and only New Forest Show, this is one of the best months to take a trip to the Forest and enjoy the best of what our beautiful national park has to offer in 2026.
The New Forest Show is back for its 98th year
The New Forest Show is back again at The Showground in Brockenhurst on the 28 to 30 July, and, of course, it’s bigger and better than ever! The New Forest show is the largest and most well-loved event of the year here in Hampshire with tens of thousands of visitors coming along to witness this incrediblecelebration of British agriculture.
The Main Ring displays are where all the big events take place, and this year Horsepower Fury by Steelehorse will be ramping up the excitement with a jaw-dropping show that brings together champion horses and elite motorbike stunt riders! This adrenaline-fuelled live performance will be sure to keep you captivated from start to finish! Horsepower Fury will be joined in the timetable by returning favourites including the Grand Parade and the Heavy Horse Musical Drive, which continue to celebrate the history, heritage and traditions that make the Show what it is today.
Of course, the New Forest Show would not be complete without its traditional Show jumping and equestrian competitions, where more than 2,500 horses and riders will compete in over 50 immensely prestigious qualifying classes. If you are an animal lover then why not stick around for even more animal displays, including livestock displays, gun dog demonstrations, ferret racing, Falconry and of course the famous dog show!
Those craving something delicious will be delighted that this year the New Forest Show has more than 40 stands selling a selection of the best food and drink from across the world. They’ve got everything from a local produce market to a demo kitchen featuring top professional chefs, to the incredible foodhall where you’ll find a smorgasbord of tasty treats to whet your appetite!
The Show is undoubtedly a family friendly affair, so don’t miss out on the amazing entertainment and countryside activities for your little ones to enjoy! There will be entertainment, including Crazy M and Joey’s shows, dance parties, and a pantomime! Plus, cooking workshops, arts and crafts, circus skills, a giant inflatable slide, Bonkers Bingo, an interactive farming zone, and a Silent Disco for kids aged 5+.
So, if you fancy grabbing tickets to the biggest day out in the New Forest make a week of it and book a pitch at one of our beautiful New Forest campsites to soak up even more of that palpable post-Show atmosphere. If you book with us over the 28, 29, 30 July, you’ll benefit from discounted tickets!
The New Forest has festival fever this July!
The Forest is brimming over with incredible festivals to sink your teeth into this July! Whether you’re into music, community or food – these festivals reflect the diversity and culture that our little slice of the world has to offer.
New Forest Thrive Festival
Date: 4 July 2026
Location: Carvers Recreation Ground Ringwood in Ringwood
Time: 10am to 3pm
The New Forest Thrive Festival is a free, community-centred event, based in Ringwood celebrating local people, wildlife, and a sustainable future. Designed for all ages, it offers an enjoyable afternoon of activities, learning, and connection, bringing the community together to explore and appreciate what makes the New Forest thrive.
At this year’s event you can expect to see Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, who work to protect and restore habitats for amphibians and reptiles in the UK, African Activities with the Nightjar Project, who will be offering the opportunity to engage with a myriad of diverse Black and African Cultures through music and artistic experiences, with an aim to enhance community, while breaking preconceptions and societal barriers. You will also find CODA Music and Arts Trust inspiring positive change in the community through creativity. Come along on the 4 July for a fun filled day of community, music and education!
New Forest Folk Festival
Date: 1 to 5 July
Location: Powells Farm, Salisbury Road, Plaitford, Romsey, Hants, SO51 6EE
Start Time: 6.30pm Wednesday
This four-day music festival set on the edge of the forest at Powells Farm in Romsey, is absolutely jam-packed with the very best folk music has to offer! Music lovers are set to enjoy an impressive line-up of over 25 bands performing across multiple stages throughout the week, including some household names like headliners Skerryvore and Fisherman’s Friends!
It’s not just music that you can soak up here – the festival offers multiple workshops including Woodland Fringe Workshops, singarounds, storytelling and poetry which run daily from 8.00am Thursday through Sunday. This local, family run festival boasts big names, and an even bigger atmosphere – there’s beers, bands, and BBQ’s – honestly what more could you want?
Lymington Seafood Festival
Date: 10th to 12th July
Location: Lymington Seafood Festival, Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 3SD
Any foodies out there looking for a good time this July? If so, let us introduce you to the Lymington Seafood Festival – a 2-day seafood extravaganza! Expect an abundance of shellfish, molluscs and everything in between this weekend, all supplied by local and regional producers.
Think tangy seafood paella bursting with flavour and spice, decadent lobster rolls brimming with butter dipped meat, tangy fish tacos brimming with citrusy, fresh goodness, and of course what kind of seafood festival would be complete without some fresh, briny oysters just waiting to be slurped up! Of course, there will be plenty of artisan drinks to wash everything down with, including local craft beers, English sparkling wines, and the perfect accompaniment to a summer day – a nice, refreshing gin! All this plus chef demos, live music, and even face painting for the kids! If you love seafood, this is the place to be this July.
Get outside with the best outdoor activities this July
July sounds like the perfect time for an adventure to us! Head over to New Forest Activities to enjoy an incredible array of outdoor activities including canoe and kayaking tours, bushcraft lessons, archery, bike hire and even ropes courses. There is quite literally something for everyone, so whether you’re a big family looking to explore the forest via water, or a couple wanting to re-live your childhood on a high ropes course – New Forest Activities has you covered for all your outdoor exploits this summer! You can book your experience now by heading to our ‘Activities’ tab and clicking ‘See What’s On’.
Walk with Alpacas
Date: 23rd & 30th July
Location: Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway, Summer Lane, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ
If you love catching a glimpse of the adorable four-legged residents of the New Forest, this unique event is not to be missed. Head to Petlake Alpacas this July to get up close and personal with your very own fluffy Alpaca companion! Take them on a gentle walk around the grounds and get to know these beautiful, friendly animals up close! Tickets are just £7 for a 15-minute walk, plus gardens admission, making this a great low-cost activity that will get you out and close to nature this summer!
With so many incredible events going on this July, why not enjoy the good vibes even longer by booking your Camping New Forest pitch today! All you need to do is choose your campsite, book your dates and turn up – we’ll provide the stunning views, fantastic events and unforgettable experiences.
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