The height of holiday season in the New Forest heralds a calendar full of events and fun days out. Scroll down for more information and suggestions of what’s old, relatively new, traditional and some darn right extraordinary sights to behold!
29th July – 5 August: Cowes Week
The world-famous sailing regatta takes place on a stretch of water called the Solent – nestled between the New Forest coastline and the Isle of Wight. Head to a New Forest beach such as Lepe or Hurst Castle Spit to see the action. For a FAB day out, catch the Blue Funnel running from Lymington to Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Cottages near Cowes Week:
The Lodge, sleeps 2
1 Heathcote Mews, sleeps 4
Rachaels Cottage, sleeps 4
5th August: Burley Village Show
A big show for such a little village! Alongside the anticipated entertainment, stalls, music, food and drink – you’ll find ‘bake off’ competitions, flower arranging, photography, arts and crafts. And of course, no show is complete without superb live music, wide-ranging food stalls and a very popular beer tent.
Cottages near Burley Village Show:
Little Dane, sleeps 2
The Hideaway, sleeps 4
Sea House, sleeps 6
5th-6th August: Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
Beaulieu have a whole host of events throughout the year, with the Super Car being one of the most popular. Come and see (or gawp!) at some exceptionally beautiful, rare and most expensive cars in the world. You’ll be able to hear engines roar into action on the demo runway! A must-see for enthusiasts of classy motors and those that just enjoy a great day out.
Cottages near Beaulieu Supercar Weekend:
Old Stables Cottage, sleeps 2
6 Island Point, sleeps 4
8 Admirals Court, sleeps 6
6th August: Summer Spectacular Show, Lymington
Much more than a classic car show! There’s a dazzling parade of vintage cars and motorbikes alongside charity and trade stalls, a monster car boot sale, dog show, display and demonstration arena, as well as rides and plenty of entertainment. You won’t go hungry either, check out the food village and some great live music. We’re proud sponsors of the show and have a stand there, so come and find us!
Cottages near Lymington Summer Spectacular Show:
Green Croft Annex, sleeps 2
The Hideaway, sleeps 4
Sea House, sleeps 6
12th August: Ellingham & Ringwood Agricultural Show
This is a substantial show celebrating the English countryside and rural life. A large main arena hosts heavy horses, racing, livestock parades, horse jumping and birds of prey demonstrations. There are collections of vintage cars and tractors, market stalls, beautiful hand-made toys and a whole host of traditional handicrafts, from spinning to lace making. Food and drink lovers will be in seventh heaven surrounded by home-made produce, culinary delicacies, the obligatory beer tent and marvellous live music.
Cottages near Allingham and Ringwood Show:
Marshlands Cottage, sleeps 4
Ash Barn, sleeps 6
Criddlestyle Cottage, sleeps 10
12th- 13th August: New Forest Fairy Festival
A small and super sweet festival surrounded by ancient New Forest oak trees. Lots of festival visitors dress up as elves, fairies, goblins and mystical woodland folk (kids love it) and get a sprinkling of twinkly fairy dust. Explore stalls and tents filled with mystical treats, goods for sale, workshops, healing energies and hand-made arts and crafts. A fairy festival wouldn’t be complete without ‘fairy cakes’ and other tasty food and drink stalls to nibble on whilst watching enchanting music and entertainment – belly dancing anyone? Expect lots of gossamer wings.
Cottages near New Forest Fairy Festival:
Isle View, sleeps 3
Marshlands Cottage, sleeps 4
Gateways, sleeps 8
12th – 13th August: Lymington Seafood Festival
Lymington will host its first ever Seafood Festival this summer and we are sponsoring the event. It promises to be a full menu of scrumptious treats and delicacies from New Forest fishermen and artisan producers. Don’t miss cooking demonstrations from the region’s celebrated and exciting chefs, and many local restaurants will offer festival menus. There’ll be a marketplace, food stalls, arts and crafts to explore, and toe-tapping live music. Come and find our stand and say hello!
Cottages near Lymington Seafood festival:
10 Admirals Court, sleeps 2
The Hideaway, sleeps 4
1 Heath View, sleeps 4
19th – 20th August: Forest Fayre with Steam at New Park Showground
The place to be to hear the splutter, toots and hisses of the bygone steam era. Expect to see engines of every size and shape in and around the display ring. There are lots of options for food and drink, with feel-good live music, stalls, rides and plenty of entertainment.
Cottages near the Forest Fayre with Steam:
Albero 1, sleeps 4
Robeen, sleeps 4
Greenwood, sleeps 6
27th August: The Bath Race, Lymington
Colour, laughter, cheers and claps are the order of the day at this entertaining family event. Contestants race their ‘sea-worthy standard bathtub’ (or not!) with paddles in fancy dress, in their bid to win the coveted Bath Trophy and runner-up prizes. Go along for Instagrammable photo opportunities, fun atmosphere, BBQ, drinks and stalls.