The summer crowds have long gone and there’s a nip in the air – perfect weather for walking through the woods as leaves gently fall and create a thick crunchy carpet. The colours of the New Forest this time of year are breathtakingly beautiful. For many, this is their favourite season to visit. After nature’s harvest of blackberries, elderberries, crab apples and sloes, the ancient trees begin their display. Vibrant golds, bronze and reds mingle with oranges and rich magenta, creating an epic landscape to rival any view you may see in North America.
If you’re planning to come and have your breath taken away, bear in mind that there are some wonderful festivals and events that take place in the autumn. Take a look below and see what takes your fancy.
International Auto Jumble Beaulieu
2nd – 3rd September 2017
This iconic event is the biggest sale of motoring parts held outdoors this side of the Atlantic. It draws huge crowds who come to browse over 2000 stands and stalls laden with classic and vintage motoring goodies. Whilst there, take a look around the Palace, abbey and of course, the Motor Museum.
Romsey Show
9th September 2017
One of the biggest one day shows in England and a real cracker! It’s a ‘proper’ agricultural show featuring British farming at its very best, with displays, shows, competitions, equine events and highly competitive livestock classes. There’ll be tents and marquees full of crafts, market stalls, food and drink, plus live music and entertainment- a really great day out.
Cottages near Romsey:
Bridge End Barn sleeps 4
Pinns Farm Bungalow sleeps 4
Bridge End Lodge sleeps 4
3 The Vinery sleeps 4
Wiggle New Forest 100 Sportive, Somerley House
16th – 17th September 2017
The New Forest is a favourite location for cyclists who head out on over 130 miles of designated cycle tracks. Wiggle is an organised event for cyclists with a choice of routes over a two-day period. It’s well run, great fun to take part in and just as much fun to watch.
Check out cottages available over New Forest Wiggle
New Forest Marathon
19th September 2017
A firm favourite in the autumn events calendar. There are 7 race options this year: Full Marathon, Advertiser and Times Half Marathon, New Forest Health & Leisure 10k , ExxonMobil 5k, Junior 1k and 200m Race, SES Autoparts Team Challenge, Nordic Walk and Woodland Walk. As much fun to watch and cheer as it is to enter. All races start from New Park Showground in Brockenhurst. Whichever you decide, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful colours and scenic views.
Take a look at cottages in Brockenhurst
Burley Steam and Vintage show
30th September –1st Oct 2017
The potent smell of Classic and Vintage Steam Engines conjures thoughts of a bygone age. This quaint festival brings together hardened fans of all things steam with those looking for a great day out. Expect saw benches, tractors, commercials, cars, motorbikes, stationary engines, live music, crafts and kids rides, plus market stalls and plenty of food and drink.
Annual Steam Pressing Cider Weekend
14th & 15th October 2017
A deliciously interesting chance to see and taste how cider is made at New Forest Cider in Burley. This farm will demonstrate how to make cider using a variety of methods, from hand operated twin screw presses, to the hiss and toots of historic steam. There’ll be live music, food, drink and plenty of stalls alongside rural arts and crafts demonstrations and a chance to sample New Forest cider in the farm shop.
Take a look at Cottages with availability for the Steam Pressing weekend
New Forest Walking Festival
14th – 29th October 2017
This immensely popular 2-week festival, led by the New Forest National Park Authority and partner organisations, isn’t one to miss. There are 80 expert-led walks, each focusing on a different theme, such as wildlife, history, accessibility, activity, family adventures, shorter and longer walks, all aimed at giving you a deeper insight into the life of the park’s animals, communities and ancient rights they live by.
Search for cottage available during the New Forest Walking Festival
Beaulieu Fireworks Spectacular
28th Oct 2017
Hailed as one of the biggest and best firework displays in the south! Each year, the fireworks are set to music and 2017’s choice is ‘Broadway’ theme. This display is one for all the family. Arrive early and enjoy all the live entertainment and ‘Old Time’ fairground. Return home and light a roaring log fire and warm up!