Family Cottages for February Half-Term in the New Forest
Just like that Christmas is gone, and the February half-term holidays are fast approaching. The weather may not be scorching hot, but that doesn’t matter here in the New Forest as there are lots and lots of exciting, fun family days out and activities on hand for youngsters and teens.
Add to the excitement of your half-term break and book one of our New Forest cottages. After a day of adventures, return to a pretty cottage, light the fire, play a board game and snuggle down to watch a family film.
Below are some ideas and suggestions of what to see and do in the New Forest this February half-term…
Beaulieu Motor Museum and Palace House
Beaulieu Motor Museum and Palace House have dozens of displays and hands-on exhibitions, especially during the school holidays. Children can learn what life is like as a servant below the stairs in the Palace House, or as an apprentice mechanic in Jack Tucker’s garage.
Stay at… Plummers Water, sleeps 8
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This big holiday home surrounded by open forest and heaps of wildlife is perfect for one large or two families to share. See photos and more info here.
Paultons Park
Paultons Park reopens for 2020 ahead of February half-term. It’s a popular choice with all youngsters for its selection of rides and attractions. Go to see Peppa Pig World to meet Peppa and her friends, and ‘The Lost Kingdom’ based on the mighty creatures from the Jurassic era.
Stay at… The Willows, sleeps 6
Super chic interiors with a handsome log burner in the lounge, and walks across the forest from the front door makes this holiday home a winner. See photos and more info here.
Adventure Wonderland
Visit Adventure Wonderland for its huge indoor Aztec Adventure Play Centre called ‘Wild Thing’, with tube slides, air blasters and a ball volcano, which is open all year round. In addition, the park will have several selected outdoor rides and attractions open over the half-term break.
Stay at… Beech Farm Annexe, sleeps 4
You’ll love this dinky cottage which dates from the 17th Century. It’s in the south of the New Forest National Park and only a few minutes by car to clifftop walks and beaches at Barton-on Sea. From here you can walk to Highcliffe Castle, former home of Harry Selfridge, the famous London store owner who featured in the popular TV series Mr Selfridge. See photos and more info here.
Marwell Zoo
The famous, award-winning zoo looks after hundreds of animals in 140 acres of park. If your little one has a special day to celebrate, the zoo offers a selection of ‘Animal Experiences’ such as a Junior Zookeeper, Giraffe and Penguin Face to Face.
Stay at… Gorley Firs, sleeps 4
This super cute little cottage comes with a double and two single bedrooms. It’s in the forest, yet only half an hour to Salisbury for a great day out to see the beautiful city’s imposing cathedral and one of the best surviving copies of the Magna Carta. See photos and more info here.
Longdown Activity Farm
Longdown Activity Farm hosts farmyard fun with an indoor/outdoor play barn, animal petting centre and bottle feeding the kid goats and calves. Go to see all the cute animals and have a go on the bumpy tractor ride.
Stay at… Pound House, sleeps 10
Gather friends and family to this big, bountiful home in Burley, where ponies nibble the grass verges outside your garden gate. The rooms are huge and sociable, with plenty of space to spread out. An enormous dining table is perfect for board games, and comfy sofas in the lounge set the scene for family films after a day exploring. See photos and more info here.
New Forest Activities
These guys put on a great range of family activities and days out, especially during the school holidays – book on escorted tours along Beaulieu River in family-sized Canadian canoes. Or, try Bush Craft, Woodland Adventure Days including high/low ropes courses, archery and bike hire.
Stay at… Limentun Cottage, sleeps 4
Base yourselves in The New Forest’s marine town of Lymington. This swish little cottage is close to the high street, which is packed full of independent boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Walk down ‘The Cobbles’ to The Quay for ice creams or take a day trip to the Isle of Wight. The harbourside shops sell lines and bait for ‘Crabbing’ from the harbour wall, or take a fishing trip and catch some tasty mackerel to take home for tea. See photos and more info here