It’s the first bank holiday of the year! The days will be getting longer, the temperature starts to warm, and it’s time you booked that Easter break.
For a location nestled in nature with fun-filled attractions and activities and a host of cracking events, the New Forest could be eggs-actly the destination you’re looking for.
The options for great days out are endless with lots to keep everyone entertained. Explore sprawling heathlands dotted with free-roaming ponies and plentiful wildlife, take walks through the woods, energising strolls along the many nearby beaches, paddles along the River Beaulieu and lazy lunches in the regions many gastro-pubs, cafés and restaurants – this National Park has something for everyone.
For inspiration where to stay along with nearby attractions, take a look below at some cracking New Forest Cottages…
Haven View, sleeps 6, Keyhaven
Surrounded by countryside and Keyhaven Nature Reserve, this smart townhouse has a contemporary secure garden (perfect if you are bringing your dog) and huge picture windows inviting the light to flood in, making the most of the panoramic views. Head to the harbour and enjoy paddle sports and sailing, or jump on the little ferry boat across the nature reserve to King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Hurst Castle. From here, there are lovely views across to the Isle of Wight and when you’re ready to go home, walk the one and a half-mile pebble spit back to Keyhaven village.
Bridge End Barn, sleeps 4, East Wellow
Guests love this quirky barn which has been lovingly converted into a luxury holiday home in the grounds of a 15th century farmhouse. Inside is fitted out with plenty of mod cons for a relaxing stay and a mezzanine twin bedroom accessed via a ladder from the open plan lounge turns bedtime in to a fun adventure. Bridge End Barn is a perfect base for Mums and Dads to earn major brownie points by taking their little ones to nearby Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World and Jurassic inspired Lost Kingdom.
Number Fifteen, sleeps 5, Lymington
Book Number Fifteen for a stay in an uber elegant cottage right in the heart of classy Lymington. The mariner town has three marinas and is the former home of Olympic sailing champion and local boy, Sir Ben Ainslie, who trained here. The boutique-lined high street, with its weekly market, is a short walk from the cottage, as is the town quay for ice creams and people watching. From here, you can get some rod action on a mackerel fishing trip or take a day trip to the Isle of Wight.
The Snug, sleeps 4, Lyndhurst
This super bolt hole is in Lyndhurst, in the centre of the National Park with walks and cycle routes right outside the front door. The vibrant town is stocked with a bevy of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes. It’s a quick zip in the car to popular New Forest attractions including the New Forest Wildlife Park to see lots of cheeky otters and other woodland animals and Longdown Activity Farm – a firm children’s favourite for hands-on cuddles and feeding in the Animal Encounter Barn, plus rides and play areas.
Sowley Gate House, sleeps 10, Sowley
Gather friends and family for an Easter to remember in this huge holiday home which comes with an enormous garden for fantastic Easter Egg hunts. You’ll love the secluded location of this blissful home. It’s surrounded by open forest and a sandy beach with views across the bay to the Isle of Wight. Come for a relaxing break in a dream location frequented by the New Forest’s famous free-roaming ponies. Head over to Exbury Gardens and spend the day among 200 acres of impressive displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camelias and beautifully planted parkland. Whilst there, you can take a ride on the one and a half mile narrow-gauge steam train.
These are just some of our properties from a portfolio of over 150 in and around the New Forest – click here to see more.