Create some truly special memories with family and friends this February half term in and around the New Forest National Park.
After a day out and about, our holiday cottages are a welcome sight with comfy sofas and a cosy lounge – many have log burners too. You won’t be at the mercy of a hotel restaurant opening times. Instead, pop into one of the many child-friendly New Forest pubs and eateries for a hearty dinner or whip up an easy oven supper with goodies from the local shop, often filled with pies and dishes from local producers. Then, whilst the kids are fast asleep, pop a delicious bottle of award-winning wine from the New Forest’s very own Setley Ridge Vineyard.
There are plenty of free things and good times to be had this half term that will keep you and your gang happily occupied in the New Forest. When you’re a child, trees are meant to be climbed and leaves jumped on and scrunched. But don’t forget the adjacent coastline on your doorstep which is filled with sandy beaches to run and laugh in the sea salty air. There are cliff walks with spectacular views across Bournemouth Bay and the Isle of Wight, as well as fossil lairs to hunt for cool sharks teeth and swirly ammonites.
This is a holiday to get the kids off the sofa and away from screens. Head outdoors for some wild days out and give excited youngsters a chance to burn off energy which in turn will offer you a peaceful night’s sleep and a chance to re-charge.
Here are some suggestions to get you going:
Things to Do in the New Forest this February Half Term
Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World
Voted by TripAdvisor as the UK’s #1 family theme park, it re-opens for half term on 17th February. Children love Paultons Park and if a full day feels too much, there’s an option to buy a 2-day ticket and go over a couple of mornings.
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Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Another brilliant family day out in the New Forest, this year the museum is celebrating a magnificent ‘50 years of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition’. You’ll get to see the original car, magical machines and costumes, as well as vehicles and contraptions used in the film.
Moors Valley Country Park
Moors Valley Country Park is so much fun for families. In addition to adventure play parks, a Ranger Den, Go Ape and Woodland Laser Battles, for 2019 they have unveiled a Zog Activity Trail based on the much-loved dragon picture books from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Children can follow the trail spotting other cute dragons and completing challenges to win gold stars. The park also has a narrow gauge steam railway with little station stops, restaurant and walks.
Longdown Activity Farm
Re-opening on February 16thn there’s lots of outdoor fun and an indoor play barn at Longdown. But what children love most is the interactive encounters with the farm animals. Lots of photo opportunities can be had whilst they bottle feed kid goats and calves, feed the ducks, goats and enjoy stroking fluffy chicks, rabbits, alpacas, pigs, donkeys and more.
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Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium
Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium is a magnet for inquisitive minds, young and old alike. Lots of the fascinating exhibits are hands-on and there are regular live science shows with exciting experiments and illusions. The Planetarium is a mesmerising experience in a 360-degree dome with fantastic shows and immersive effects.
Adventure Wonderland
A collection of rides and attractions which are great for children under 10, all based around the Alice In Wonderland Theme. They also have a huge indoor play area called ‘Wild Thing’ which is tremendously popular.
Marwell Zoo
This famous Zoo is an easy half an hour drive. Its famous inhabitants have been featured on many TV programmes. Set in 140 acres it’s a full day out with 5 adventure playgrounds, cafes and hundreds of animals including tigers, snow leopards, sloths and white rhinos, to giraffes, hippos and penguins.
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If the weather decides to turn yukky, nearby Bournemouth, Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester are a quick thirty minute or so zip in the car. Here you’ll find multiplex cinemas, ten-pin bowling, Oceanariums, indoor laser games, indoor swimming pools, shopping centres and large indoor play parks.
Click here to find a New Forest Cottage for February half-term