How to make the most of the February half term in the Forest
Keeping the little (and not so little ones) occupied over the February half term can be challenging. But there is an answer! Spend the week in the New Forest and rent a budget-friendly family getaway from New Forest Cottages – and you can bring your dog, too!
The New Forest is a great location to peel the kids away from screens and get them out and about in the free fresh air and see first-hand all the wonderful wildlife of the forest. Having fun doesn’t have to be costly because they are guaranteed to walk alongside free-roaming ponies and donkeys and spot deer in the woods. Explore tracks and trails on foot, hire bikes locally, or bring your own, as many of our New Forest cottages have secure bike storage. The coastline and beaches are also brilliant in the winter to let off steam – and you’ll be sure to find plenty of fish and chip shops and cafes open for a light lunch.
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Thankfully, in this area, there are plenty of attractions open for the February half term and lots of family-friendly events and hands-on- creative crafts to keep curious minds busy. Here are some of our favourite days out and activities:
Paultons Park – home of Peppa Pig World opens its doors for smiles and explorations through family-themed lands and Kingdoms with rides and thrills aimed at the younger audience. Kids just love this place.
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Beaulieu Palace House and National Motor Museum has a huge selection of activities and exhibits in addition to its famous collection of cars, including The World of James Bond, Dr Who and gadgets from WWII. There’s hands-on fun donning overalls and playing the part of a mechanic, plus bounding around the mighty ‘Little Beaulieu’ adventure playground.
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Sammy Miller’s Motorcycle Museum has quizzes, a cute Teddy Bear Trail to complete, and a chance to say hello to friendly alpacas, goats and donkeys.
The National Trust’s Mottisfont Abbey offers tours of the house with activity packs to learn about Abbey Life, the Art Gallery and the landscaped gardens.
Furzey Gardens near Minstead invites families to view its gardens, and arty ones can choose a pot to decorate, plant seeds, and take them home to watch them grow.
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St. Barbe Museum in Lymington is complementing its Botanical Exhibition with ‘Make your own flower press’ craft sessions throughout the week.
Forest Arts in New Milton has a super Squidge and Pop fully immersive Bubble Workshop over half term. You can also see the award-winning ‘The Kids Show’ and a ‘Play in a Day’ workshop for budding actors aged 6 – 13. Allowing mums and dads to grab a little alone time.
On Valentine’s Day, admission to Highcliffe Castle is half-price, and children can join in an interactive stained glass activity and fairy tale-themed activities.
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If you exhaust all of the above, try downloading the ‘Detective Mystery’ from Walking Treasure Trails, which takes you on a self-guided tour (with a twist) of Lyndhurst.