Make your summer shine and come to the magical New Forest for a line-up of fun-filled events and festivals for all ages. From music to arts, food to nature, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Get your calendars out, invite your family and friends, hire a New Forest holiday cottage for the week or long weekend, and prepare for an unforgettable summer.
June
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival 10 – 11 June
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Head to the seaside town of Highcliffe, with its wonderful sandy beach a few miles south of the New Forest border, for this delicious festival of culinary delights. Stalls and vendors will showcase local food and drink, with chefs and talented cooks offering demonstrations, tastings, and lots of entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Find holiday cottages in Highcliffe
Dogstival 3 – 4 June
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Calling all dog lovers! Get ready to treat your furry friend to a festival they’ll never forget! New Forest Cottages is sponsoring the magnificent Dogstival 2023 in Romsey. Packed with tail-wagging entertainment that will have your pooch jumping for joy! You’ll see arena displays, “have a go” activities, giant splash pools, dog yoga, vet advice and games. Plus, owners can enjoy live music, street performers, market stalls dedicated to pooches, and load of food and drink options.
Find dog-friendly New Forest Cottages
Rag City 3 Music Festival 16 – 18 June
Located in the north of the New Forest near the market town of Fordingbridge, Rag City is hailed as the biggest party in the New Forest. This music festival wants to rock your world with a line-up of local musical talent alongside international artists. Dance away to timeless classics and cutting-edge beats from all genres and generations. There are plenty of food and drink options and a fantastic atmosphere.
Find holiday cottages in Fordingbridge
July
New Forest Folk Festival 5- 9 July
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This wonderfully authentic festival takes place in a series of fields near Landford. Go to see traditional and contemporary folk music with live performances and workshops, along with fab food and drink.
Find a holiday cottage near Landford
Lymington Seafood Festival 14 – 16 July
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New Forest Cottages are sponsoring this much-celebrated festival in the Georgian marina town of Lymington. It is a seriously good seafood festival in a lovely location overlooking the river. Prep your taste buds for delicious, locally caught seafood. You can also watch cooking demonstrations, wander the stalls and marketplace, and see live music and entertainment.
Find a New Forest Cottage in Lymington
New Forest and Hampshire County Show 25 – 27 July
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This immensely popular show takes place every year, just outside the bustling and pretty village of Brockenhurst. It features livestock displays, horse shows, tractors and vehicles, live entertainment, local food and drink stalls, crafts, and lots more.
Find holiday cottages in Brockenhurst
August
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend 5 – 6 August
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Held at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum, this event showcases a stunning collection of supercars of all ages and manufacturers from across the world. Expect demonstrations, parades, and activities for all the family.
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New Forest Food Festival 5 – 6 August
New this summer in the seaside town of Highcliffe is a weekend of deliciousness! Indulge in local produce, taste artisan foodie treats, and savour some mouth-watering dishes crafted by internationally-renowned chefs and restaurants.
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New Forest Fairy Festival 12 – 13 August
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Calling all families with tots and little ones! Don’t miss this whimsical festival celebrating all things magical, twinkly and fairy-related. Held in Burley, the festival includes costume contests, live music, storytelling, arts and crafts, and a magical fairy-themed atmosphere – don’t forget your fairy wings.
Find holiday cottages in Burley
See the full collection of New Forest Cottages and start planning a summer filled with festivals, events and outdoor adventures.