With a nip in the air and the ancient trees of the New Forest exploding into blazes of riotous colour, while free-roaming ponies, donkeys, deer and hundreds of pigs happily forage for acorns – it’s a beautiful backdrop for a fantastic half-term holiday with your family and friends, and an excellent reason for the kids to want to turn off their screens and enjoy getting up close to nature.
Besides the fun of running around like wild things over the heathlands and woods of the National Park, there’s an exciting calendar of events and attractions to visit, as well as a bounty of family-friendly activities that’ll make your half-term lots of fun and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival means you can lace up your boots and hop on some bikes, which you can bring with you on holiday or hire locally- there are lots of bike hire providers. The festival offers guided walks and cycling tours for all ages, abilities and interests. There are walks for wildlife enthusiasts, photography buffs, and budding archaeologists, even those who would love to try the therapeutic embrace of forest bathing.
As Halloween is on the horizon, gather the family together for a spooky adventure with New Forest Activities. The team advises you to get ready for some thrills, as you and your little youngsters paddle in a big Canadian-style 4-seat canoe down the mysterious Beaulieu River at dusk. It’s certainly an adventure because as the night draws in and the owls begin to hoot, you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled in case a mystical creature or two makes an appearance!
The fearsome fortress of Hurst Castle, whose bleak walls were once a prison, invites you to delve deep underground to solve riddles and escape the Castle Ghost Maze! But fear not, if all that seems a bit scary, there’s a little treasure trail and arts and crafts to keep you entertained. It’s a one-and-a-half-mile walk across a pebble spit to the castle which sits on the edge of the Solent commanding views across the bay and over to the Isle of Wight. Stroll along the ancient ramparts and explore the castle’s intriguing history – it’s a fascinating place.
For the little ones’ ultimate treat, Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World will be suitably dressed for Halloween. Imagine the joy on your kids’ faces as they step into this magical world filled with shows, rides, and funny, not-very-scary surprises that’ll leave a lasting smile on every child’s face.
New Forest Cottages for half-term
After all the day’s excitement, you’ll want to head home to a cosy place to stay. Somewhere that’s a warm and inviting place to relax, share stories and plan the next day’s adventure. New Forest Cottages has over 170 cottages in and around the New Forest National Park and its coastline. Take a look at our collection of family-friendly New Forest Cottages. And you won’t have to leave your pups at home, as we have lots of New Forest Dog-Friendly Cottages too.