There is no shortage of events happening in the New Forest throughout the year and autumn is no exception. Come and stay for a fun-filled break, relaxation, a romantic weekend or just to see the forest in its full colourful autumnal glory. Scroll down and see what’s on in October and November.
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Country Pumpkins!
There are some fantastic pumpkin festivals in this region. One of our favourites is Sunnyfields in Totton who have grown thousands of pumpkins which you can purchase from the huge display. Or for more of an adventure, head out to the fields and harvest your own. They aren’t all big and orange either, they have blue, white, warty and gnarly pumpkins as well! Carve them at the farm or take them home to create your own masterpieces. Little ones are welcome to come in fancy dress and if you have a friendly dog happy to be on a lead, bring them too. The festival runs 10am – 5pm on the 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th & 19th – 31st October. For more info click here.
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For everything pumpkin and gourd, go to The Pumpkin Picking Patch in the village of Bickton near Fordingbridge. They have thousands of gourds and pumpkins waiting to be picked. Make it a family day out and stay on to decorate your harvest. Get involved with lots of crafts, activities, and enjoy a pumpkin-inspired lunch at the café. Open: 12th-13th & 19th – 31st of October – 9.30am-4.00pm. Find out more here.
Get your walking boots
The New Forest Walking Festival has dozens of fantastic walks in the New Forest guided by knowledgeable local experts. Go along to learn all about the ancient woodland, heritage, wildlife and lifestyle the National Park has to offer. 12th Oct – 3rd Nov 2019, run by The New Forest National Park.
Happy Halloween!
Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World puts on a gentle, friendly Halloween for tiny tots. The park is transformed into an orange hue with thousands of pumpkins, smiley creepy characters, talking vegetables, mysterious happenings, funny shows and all the usual rides and entertainment. 5th Oct – 4th Nov.
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Don fancy dress and grab your paddles for a Spooky Halloween River Tour with New Forest Activities on the River Beaulieu – once used by smugglers. You’ll set off at dusk for an hour and a half paddle in illuminated canoes as the night falls and riverbank creatures busy themselves rustling about in the foliage!
Jump on the Ghost steam train at Exbury Gardens and sit amongst spooky characters risen from the dead. Visitors will be guided by vampire Batty and skeleton Boney. Great fun for all the family! 26th Oct – 1st Nov 2019.
Bonfire Night
Beaulieu is one of the very best places in the New Forest to go on Bonfire Night to see the fireworks. Watch thousands of pounds worth of gunpowder go up in a flurry of pops, fizzles and bangs choreographed to music, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It’s one of the biggest displays in the south and not one to be missed. 26th Oct
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Fabulous Food
The New Forest is known as a real foodie destination. To check out some of the area’s best eateries and drinking establishments, come during the New Forest Food and Drink Festival. It runs for a full two weeks in cafes, hotels, pubs and restaurants throughout the New Forest. Chefs and cooks create mouth-watering, scrumptious dishes and menus celebrating local produce. 5th Oct – 4th Nov. Find out more here.
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Shows, events, gigs and exhibitions and more!
Another great thing about a New Forest holiday is that you’re also close to the seaside conurbation of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole and the cities of Salisbury and Southampton. For Bournemouth events, take a look at BHLive which gives listings for what’s on at The Bournemouth International Centre and The Pavilion. In Poole, Poole Arts Centre is the home of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, as well as some tremendous theatrical productions. The Regent Centre in Christchurch is a fabulous theatre run by volunteers. Each week there’s a packed calendar of cinema and performances covering a wide range of genres. Salisbury Playhouse attracts some great tours and thespian nights out. For gigs, festivals and a wide range of events, take a look at Southampton’s main venue The Guildhall.
Take a look at our collection of cosy New Forest cottages and start planning your autumn escape.