The New Forest has fun filled, marvellous festivals all year round. Come spring, forest flora awakens as buds begin to pop, blossom fills the trees and the forest rapidly changes from the stark beauty of winter to bright emerald greens. New shoots and leaves unfurl creating new landscapes for spending time outdoors. For many, spring has a celebratory feel and here in the New Forest it’s a beautiful sight to see. The New Forest community love celebrations, and kick-start the longer daylight hours with annual outdoor festivals and events. Here are some of our favourites.
Wiggle New Forest Spring Sportive
14th – 15th April
This event kicks off at beautiful Somerley House. It is without doubt the New Forest’s most popular sporting event. The courses swoop and twist from the outer edges of the forest through wooded enclaves and out to vast open swathes of heather. At the finish line you’ll be rewarded with a medal, t-shirt and recovery product.
Cottages with bike storage
Damson Cottage, Brockenhurst, sleeps 4
2 Kings Huts, Pennington, sleeps 4
Pink Cottage, Lymington, sleeps 4
The Downton Cuckoo Fair
5th May
We love the Cuckoo Fair! Not only is it a real treat of fun-tastic family friendliness, it’s also absolutely FREE! Now in its 39th year, the fair attracts over 20,000 festival supporters who come to enjoy the family friendly atmosphere. Set on the village greens in the village of Downton, you can expect maypole dancing, more than 250 craft, gift, food and drink stalls and lots more.
Cottages near Downton
Whiteshoot Farm, Redlynch, sleeps 6
Marshlands, Breamore, sleeps 3
Oakview, Nr Fordingbridge, sleeps 2
Living Heritage Hampshire Country Fair
6th – 7th May
Hailed ‘Hampshire’s leading Country Show’ this one is well worth a visit – 2018 is their 26th anniversary. Located in the Netley Marsh Showground, you’ll see three main arenas full of events, shows and presentations supported by a collection of smaller arenas and workshops. The whole vibe is to present countryside activities and oodles of entertainment. It’s great fun for every age group.
Cottages near Netley Marsh
Gateways, Copythorne, sleeps 8
Camellia Cottage, Lyndhurst, sleeps 6
Acres Down Farm Cottage, Minstead, sleeps 6
The Christchurch Food Festival
12th & 13th May
This landmark festival grows bigger every year, and is a mecca of everything foodie and delicious, attracting big numbers. This year the stalls are even more plentiful, complemented by wonderful events of culinary adventures and exciting entertainment. You’ll find the town’s high street transformed with stalls. At Christchurch Quay there will be cookery demonstrations, a beer festival, fabulous cocktails, Kids Kitchen, excellent entertainment and Dorset Food & Drink trademark marquees, as well as dozens of stalls selling delicious food to eat there, or to take home to your cottage and whip up an exciting supper.
Cottages in Christchurch
The Cottage, Christchurch, sleeps 4
Quay Corner, Christchurch, sleeps 10
Quay House, Christchurch, sleeps 15
Bournemouth 7’s
25th – 27th May
Located between Bournemouth and the New Forest, this amazing event has been dubbed ‘The Sporting Glastonbury’. Bournemouth 7’s has a great reputation for a fantastic weekend of fun. The eclectic festival attracts some 30,000 party people and nearly 400 sports teams! The 12 Themed Festival Arenas have over 40 live acts and DJs for a creatively unique festival atmosphere, offset with sports fixtures for fans of rugby, dodgeball, netball, ultimate frisbee and volleyball. You can purchase tickets for a day or full weekend.
Cottages close to Bournemouth 7’s
Dial Cottage, Bransgore sleeps 4
Glen Cottage, Ringwood, sleeps 4
Pound House, Burley, sleeps 10
Celebrate spring with a holiday in the New Forest. Whether you fancy a weekend away for a blast of fresh air, or a full week to enjoy the spring sunshine, New Forest Cottages has something for everyone.