Best New Forest Events for May 2023

Posted on by Laura
new-forest-may-events

There are three fantastic bank holidays in May to get excited about this year, including a half-term week off for the little ones! Take advantage of not having to use up too many days from your holiday allowance and book off 2 – 5 May; with the bank holidays either side, you’ll use just four days of your allowance and get a fabulous 10 day break away from your desk. You can also book four days from 30 May to 2 June after the last spring bank holiday for another nine days off.

Thinking about a proper holiday?

Don’t go stressing about passports, queues at the airport and long days travelling. Instead, jump in the car (bring your pooch along) and head to England’s south coast and the New Forest National Park.

May is the loveliest month of spring. Summer may be just around the corner, but days in May are often just as warm. May brings long hours of sunshine, woodlands full of bluebells, zingy greens from unfurling ferns and newly dressed leafy trees of the forest. To top it all are wobbly, tottering and adorably cute newborn foals from the National Parks’ famous free-roaming New Forest ponies.

Where to stay


For a comfortable and spacious place to stay, take a look at New Forest Cottages’ collection of over 180 cottages, apartments, and large holiday homes in the New Forest National Park and pretty coastline of sandy beaches, nature reserves and castles. Choose from super budget-friendly cottages, rising to luxury homes with hot tubs and swimming pools. And for pet owners, they have over 100 New Forest dog-friendly cottages to choose from.

The Coronation

Saturday 6th May marks the coronation of King Charles III. The New Forest and the surrounding coast and countryside towns and villages will be celebrating in style with fun-packed days of festivities, street parties, picnics and entertainment. On the 6th, you can watch the Coronation in New Milton on a huge screen before being entertained with live music, food, and drink in a carnival atmosphere. In addition, the riverside park called The Quomps in Christchurch will also stream the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on a big screen.

On Sunday 7th, May, Lymington is celebrating with a Picnic in the Park which will have a traditional summer fare vibe with amusements and games. Fordingbridge is presenting a similar Coronation Big Picnic, and Bickerley Village Green is the location for Ringwood’s coronation celebrations.

Festivals near the New Forest in May 2023

The Cheese and Chilli Festival | 20 – 21 May


The Cheese and Chilli Festival beckons locals and visitors for an interesting culinary day out. The festival is packed with artisans selling exquisite products starring or featuring cheese and chilli, craft and market stalls, entertainment, and a line-up of delicious food and drink options.

Christchurch Food Festival | 27 – 29 May


Christchurch Food Festival is a fantastic foodie adventure which will take place over the May bank holiday. Expect to see and taste superb food and cooking demonstrations from well-known and local chefs. Take an empty bag for stalls of yummy food and drink producers selling scrumptious food to eat on-site, or take back to your holiday cottage for a quick and easy supper.

Bournemouth 7s | 26 – 28 May


Bournemouth 7s is known informally as the ‘Sporting Glastonbury’! Up to 30,000 visitors and players gather for games of rugby, netball, hockey, cheerleading, 3×3 basketball and dodgeball. There’s entertainment, live music, themed arenas and plenty of food and drink.

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