Top Free Family-Friendly Things to Do in the New Forest

Top Free Family-Friendly Things to Do in the New Forest

October 15, 2024
The New Forest is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. There are numerous beautiful villages. Or why not explore the ancient woodlands to enjoying the coastal views. The New Forest offers endless opportunities for adventure, learning, and relaxation—all without spending a penny. Whether you’re here for a day or planning a longer stay, here’s your ultimate guide to the top free family-friendly things to do in the New Forest.

1. Explore the Enchanted Woodlands

The New Forest’s ancient woodlands are a magical setting for family adventures. Wander through towering oaks, beeches, and yews, and let the kids explore the natural world. Building dens, spotting wildlife, and discovering hidden glades will keep them entertained for hours.

Highlights:
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary: Watch wild deer in their natural habitat from a designated viewing platform.
Blackwater Arboretum: Follow the Tall Trees Trail, showcasing some of the oldest and tallest trees in the New Forest.
In all honesty most places we have driven round in the New Forest have access to some wooded area. There are plenty of free car parks to drive in, park up and go exploring from. 

Top Tip: Download a map of the New Forest before your visit or use our interactive trails online for step-by-step guidance.

2. Meet the New Forest Ponies

One of the New Forest’s most iconic sights is its free-roaming ponies and other animals you can spot. These gentle creatures have been wandering the forest for centuries, and spotting them is a must for any family visiting the area.

Where to Go:
  • Beaulieu Heath: A great spot to see ponies, as well as the occasional donkey, cow, or pig.
  • Bramshaw: This village is a popular grazing area for ponies, and you might even see them wandering through the streets.
In all honesty, you will spot them everywhere. For example, walking through the woods and trees to being in the heathland. They will pop out of nowhere. They even stop traffic a lot of the time whilst they are getting on with their day. Did you know that the ponies have right of way at any part of the roads within the New Forest? They are the kings of the road. So keep your eyes peeled and be aware of your speed. They can dart out of nowhere sometimes. 

Top Tip: Admire the ponies from a distance and don’t feed or touch them. You will also likely see a range of other animals on your travels from Deer, Donkeys to Cows and even Pigs in September.

3. Family Walks: More Woodlands to Explore

Get the little ones into their wellies (when it’s wet) and embark on a family walk through the ancient woodlands of the New Forest. With 140 miles of walks and trails to choose from, there’s always a puddle to splash in, animals to spot, and flowers to identify, making every stroll an exciting adventure. You will also get a mixture of woods to open heathland depending on where you head. It’s a feast for the senses and the perfect place to escape and immerse yourself in nature.

Top Tip: All forest car parks are free, so you can start your adventure without worrying about parking fees.

4. Cycling Adventures: Pedal Through the Forest

Experience the thrill of family bike rides in the New Forest, where over 100 miles of pathways await cyclists of all ages. Cycling together is a wonderful way to bond as a family while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. 

Best Routes:
  • Brockenhurst to Rhinefield Ornamental Drive: A scenic route that takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the forest.
  • Burley Village: Start here for several family-friendly cycling routes, with plenty of picnic spots along the way.
  • The Old Railway Cycle Route: This is a great bike ride. It takes you along 'Castleman’s Corkscrew', a disused railway line so called because of the shape it cut across the forest. You can start at either Brockenhurst or Burley and cycle the 9 miles of beautiful countryside.

Top Tip: All cycling routes on our website are interactive and can be opened in Google Maps for easy navigation.

5. Visit Local Farms: A Taste of Rural Life

For a free and educational outing, visit one of the New Forest’s local farms. Hockey’s Farm and Sopley Farm are perfect spots to meet animals, explore orchards, and enjoy a day in the countryside.

Longdown Activity Farm, close to Ashurst it’s a working farm where children can get involved with the animals. Kids can feed ducks or bottle-feed calves and do some handling of small animals. They also have some indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as go-karting.

Over at Hockey’s Farm, they have a Farm shop, as well as some animal attractions with their resident animals including donkeys, ponies and alpaca.

Near to Winchester is Marwell Zoo. Something I even remember from being a kid. They have a lot of exotic species from around the world.

Another one to check out a little further afield near Verwood, Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park?

6. Learn at the New Forest Heritage Centre

There is a rich history surrounding the New Forest. Why not dive into the past and its culture at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst. This interactive museum is packed with exhibits that will engage visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for families.

7. Picnic by a Tranquil River or Stunning Views

This is a no-brainer for any good weather day. Pack a picnic and head to one of the New Forest’s many picturesque rivers for a relaxing day by the water. Enjoy your lunch while the kids paddle in the shallow waters or play on the banks. Perfect on a hot sunny day. Here are our top list of places to picnic in the New Forest.

Best Spots:
  • Ober Water: Located near Brockenhurst, this scenic spot is perfect for a family picnic.
  • Lyndhurst's Bolton's Bench: Offers stunning views of the forest and is a great place to enjoy a picnic while watching the ponies and cattle graze.
  • River views: Buckler’s Hard
  • Lovers of Mighty Trees: The Knightwood Oak
  • Views of the Isle of Wight: Hurst Spit
  • Family games: Bolderwood
  • Explore the National Trust Commons: Rockford Common
  • Ponies on the beach: Tanners Lane
  • Breath-taking gardens: Exbury
  • Spotting the great liners: Calshot beach
  • Spotting the ponies: Wilverley Enclosure
  • Romantic Sunset Picnic and SUP at Keyhaven
There are lots of places to stop and have a picnic in the New Forest and really there’s so many more places to find than what we’ve listed above. So find a car park you like the look of, pack up your picnic and head on out for a once in a lifetime experience.

8. Discover the Coastal Charm of Lepe Country Park

Lepe Country Park offers a unique blend of beach, parkland, and stunning coastal views. It’s a fantastic spot for a family day out, with plenty of space to explore and walks along the Solent.

Things to Do:
  • Beachcombing: Let the kids search for shells and interesting pebbles along the shore.
  • Wildlife Watching: Bring binoculars and see if you can spot birds and other wildlife along the coast.
  • Have a picnic in these beautiful surroundings.

Top Tip: Plan your visit around low tide () for the best beachcombing experience.

9. Walk the Scenic Trails of Keyhaven and Lymington Nature Reserve

For a beautiful blend of coastal and countryside scenery, head to the Keyhaven and Lymington Nature Reserve. You can walk the network of footpaths around the Marsh. This area is a haven for birdwatchers and offers flat, family-friendly walking trails with stunning views.

Highlights:
  • Birdwatching: The reserve is home to a variety of birds, including waders, ducks, and even the occasional osprey. It’s a real joy to watch wildlife in its own habitat.
  • Hurst Spit Walk: Take a walk along the shingle spit that leads to Hurst Castle, offering panoramic views of the Solent. It’s an awesome walk out and you can walk outside of the castle and lighthouse.

10. Explore the Historic Village of Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst, often referred to as the "capital" of the New Forest, is a charming village steeped in history. Wander around its quaint shops, cafes, and historic buildings, and soak up the local culture.

Must-See Attractions:
  • St. Michael and All Angels Church: Visit this beautiful 19th-century church, known for its stunning stained-glass windows and the grave of Alice Liddell, who inspired Lewis Carroll’s "Alice in Wonderland."
  • New Forest Heritage Centre: Offers interactive exhibits about the history, wildlife, and traditions of the New Forest.

Top Tip: After exploring Lyndhurst, take a short walk to nearby Bolton’s Bench for stunning views and a chance to see more of the famous New Forest ponies. The ponies are everywhere so don’t worry if you feel you have missed them. They will come and find you.

11. Enjoy a Day at Eling Tide Mill

The Eling Tide Mill is at the edge of the New Forest. While there’s a small charge to enter the mill itself, you can explore the surrounding area for free. The mill sits on the Eling Creek, which offers picturesque views and a peaceful area for a family walk.

What to Do:
  • Eling Creek Walk: Take a leisurely walk along the creek and enjoy the views of the water and boats.
  • Tide Mill Experience: If you’re interested in history and engineering, consider visiting the mill.

Top Tip: The nearby Eling Hill offers great views over Southampton Water and is worth a short climb for a peaceful moment of reflection.

12. Pack Up a Picnic: Enjoy a Meal Surrounded by Nature

Nothing beats a picnic in the great outdoors, and the New Forest offers countless beautiful spots for a family outing. Whether you choose a shady glade by a stream or a hilltop with sweeping views, you’ll find the perfect setting to enjoy your homemade feast.

Top Spots:
  • Ober Water: Near Brockenhurst, offering scenic spots by the river.
  • Lyndhurst’s Bolton’s Bench: Enjoy your picnic with views of grazing ponies and the open forest.

Top Tip: Forestry England car parks are free, making it easy to access your chosen picnic spot.

13. Days by the Seaside: Explore the Coastline

The New Forest isn’t just about woodlands—it also boasts over 40 miles of stunning coastline. Spend the day at one of the area’s beautiful beaches, where you can hunt for fossils, build sandcastles, or paddle in the water.

Top Spots:
  • Lepe Country Park: A blend of beach and parkland with plenty of space to explore.
  • Keyhaven and Lymington Nature Reserve: Ideal for birdwatching and walking with coastal views.

Top Tip: Pack a kite or some beach toys to keep the kids entertained while you relax and enjoy the scenery.

14. Weekly Markets: Immerse in Local Culture

Experience the hustle and bustle of the New Forest’s weekly markets, where you can browse artisan crafts, local produce, and more. These markets are a great way to interact with locals and immerse yourself in the community spirit.

Top Tip: Visiting a market is also a great way to support local businesses, so if you do make a purchase, you’ll be contributing to the community.

15. Take a Bike Ride Through the Forest

The New Forest is crisscrossed with cycling routes. Over 100 miles of off-road waymarked cycle routes that are perfect for families. Many of these trails are flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Best Routes:
  • Brockenhurst to Rhinefield Ornamental Drive: A beautiful route that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the New Forest.
  • Burley Village: A great starting point for several family-friendly cycling routes, with options to explore nearby forests and heathlands.

Top Tip: Bring your own bikes if you have them, or hire bikes from one of the many rental shops in the area.

Follow us on Instagram

Follow
Share by: