The New Forest has 220 square miles of ancient woodlands, streams and ponds dotted by the famous free-roaming ponies and bountiful wildlife, so you’ll never be short of a walk or cycle ride. The forest is also home to some fantastic attractions such as Beaulieu Motor Museum and Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World. But if you fancy going further afield, what days out are on your doorstep when you stay in one of our pretty New Forest holiday cottages?
Here’s our roundup of the best days out within an hour of the New Forest National Park
Day Trip to the Isle Of Wight
From Lymington, you can take the car ferry for a quick crossing to The Isle of Wight with Wight Link ferries. Go to see Queen Victoria’s beloved holiday home Osborne House, see the rescued and abandoned donkeys at The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary and take the little ones to see The Needles and Blackgang Chine.
Wimborne
Wimborne is an enchanting riverside little town, perfect for a day pottering around the mostly independent shops and dotted by coffee shops, cafes and friendly pubs serving lovely food. The centre is dominated by the stately Wimborne Minster which dates back to the 8th Century. Wimborne Market holds an undercover food and antique market, Friday through to Sunday and don’t miss a walk around the 1/10th scale Wimborne Model Town and Gardens for a diddy look at a 1950’s town and countryside, including a working network of Hornby model trains and trams.
National Trust Properties
Spend the afternoon at gracious Kingston Lacey stately home and gardens. Built in the style of a Venetian Palace, this beautiful house is full of treasures, with acres of grounds and beautiful themed gardens. Each season brings visitors far and wide to see the array of flowers – snowdrops, daffodils, spring bulbs and cherry blossoms. Another well-known National Trust property close by is the hauntingly picturesque Corfe Castle. Now over a thousand years young, the castle bears the scars of war and battle rendering; it’s once-mighty walls to imposing remains perched atop a monumental hillock. The ancient village has a sprinkling of gift and curio shops. One is dedicated to Enid Blyton who holidayed in the Purbecks every year and was said to be inspired by the Purbeck villages, using Corfe Castle as her vision Kirrin Castle in her novels ‘The Famous Five’.
Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Nr Verwood
This attraction cross conservation centre will appeal to grown-ups as well as excited children who love feeding the farm animals, miniature pony rides and play areas. For the rest of us, the farm is home to rare breed working horses demonstrating how man has worked with these mighty creatures for thousands of years.
Monkey World
This ape rescue centre close to Wareham is super fun. Set in 65 acres, its staff and inhabitants are stars of the hit TV shows ‘Monkey Life’ and ‘Monkey Business’ – and they are as entertaining and fun to watch in real life as they are on screen. From sleepy babies to noisy, raucous family tribes larking around their huge enclosures – this is a great day out whatever your age.
Durdle Door
Probably one of the most famous photos of the UK coastline, the area around Durdle Door is stunningly beautiful. Walk to the top of the cliff for a photo and admire the views but be warned, it’s a steep climb!
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tours
The tours of the famous gin in its ice blue bottle win rave reviews. Choose from a selection of experiences in addition to learning how the world-famous Bombay Sapphire gin is made. Choose from a cocktail masterclass, tasting experience, VIP experience, History Tour, interactive talk with their Horticulturist or a simple G&T.
Stonehenge
Go and see the celebrated monument built some 5000 years ago. The site is a well-run English Heritage attraction with an excellent exhibition, museum and visitor centre.
Take a look at our collection of New Forest Cottages here