Autumn in the New Forest is pretty wonderful. The temperature remains quite mild during the day, with just a nip in the air. It’s perfect walking weather, but remember to bring your camera too, because the colours of the National Park’s autumnal woods are simply beautiful.
Little ones will have tonnes of fun stomping through mounds of crunchy leaves laden with acorns, chestnuts and beech mast nuts. Spot timid deer quietly sneaking through the trees, squirrels busy hoarding their winter larder and bird song that is bright and crisp.
You won’t have any trouble finding the National Park’s free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys though, because there are thousands of them, all plodding through the ancient landscape and in and around village lanes, pausing outside quaint thatched pubs serving generous portions of delicious home-cooked food.
As with every season, the New Forest and the surrounding area has a calendar of events and Autumn is no exception. Book a break away from everyday life, come to the New Forest, connect with nature and enjoy some of the events listed below this autumn.
The New Forest Walking Festival 2020
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The popular annual New Forest Walking Festival is taking a slightly different lead this year. There will still be an abundance of walks through breathtaking landscapes and bright, vibrant woods on offer, but for 2020 the walks will be self-guided. The festival runs 17th October – 1st November with walking routes that can be downloaded from the New Forest National Park website.
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The Regent Centre
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The exquisite Art Deco Regent Centre in Christchurch reopens its doors this Autumn after a major refurbishment. The centre is run by a team of staff and volunteers who put on events, films, shows and live broadcast screenings. It’s a super venue with a great atmosphere, with a café and bar serving drinks and snacks.
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Ringwood Raceway
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Autumn events are underway at the New Forest’s Ringwood Raceway – the longest-running stadium in the country! Go to see thunder rods, stocks, bangers, hot rods and Ninja Karts zip around the course in fanatical fun. It’s loud, it’s dusty and it’s thoroughly entertaining! See their website for fixture dates and to buy tickets.
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Beaulieu National Motor Museum
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Take a look at the exhibition that’s on over October half-term at Beaulieu National Motor Museum called Motoring in Miniature – the Toys of Your Childhood. You certainly don’t need to be a car fan to enjoy it. The exhibition has more than 800 toy vehicles from the 1920s to 1990s, many of which will bring a smile of recognition and nostalgia. The rest of the museum is really interesting, just make sure you make enough time to view the Palace House, Abbey and gardens before you leave.
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The New Forest Rattler Endurance Weekend
October 24th and 25th are dedicated to a weekend of running and cycling in the New Forest for competitors and spectators. Starting from Moyles Court near Ringwood, the New Forest Rattler Endurance Weekend kicks off on Saturday with cycle courses which range from 47 up to 102 whopping miles. The next day it’s all about running with a choice of courses of 5k, 10k, half or a full marathon! See more info on their website.
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South Coast Makers Market
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For a complete change of scene, head over to Bournemouth to The South Coast Makers Market. This terrific market celebrating local artisans from the world of food, drink, art, flowers and crafts is on the last Saturday of the month. Whilst in Bournemouth, wander down to the pier and explore the delights of the Selfie Wall Trail where you’ll find some fab backdrops for a photo.
Whatever the time of year, there’s always an event to see or take part in in the New Forest. Take a look at our full portfolio of over 140 properties in and around the National Park.