Nestled between Southhampton and Bournemouth, The New Forest is only an 89 minute train ride from Waterloo, meaning it's a doable day out for families, although we think you should stay longer to see what this southern National Park has to offer!
1. When in a forest is makes sense to spend time swinging in the trees. Head to Go-Ape and enjoy two to three hours in the trees taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings. With over 1000 metres of exhilarating crossings, you'll be swinging through the trees with a monkey-sized grin across your face at Moors Valley high ropes course. The Dorset adventure features a unique double Tarzan Swing, Skateboard Zip and the perplexing Pendulum Pass - something for all the family!
2. You don't have to be a motor head to enjoy a trip to Beaulieu. In the heart of the glorious New Forest, Beaulieu is one of the South's top visitor attractions. Here you will find the National Motor Museum, home to over 250 vehicles telling the history of motoring. You can also visit Palace House and Gardens, home of the Montagu family since 1538, the remains of Beaulieu Abbey and World of Top Gear where you can see some of the vehicles from Jeremey, James and Richard's most ambitious challenges. Ride on the high level Monorail or climb aboard the replica 1912 open top London bus for a fun way to see Beaulieu's sights.
3. If you want to put your feet up and let someone guide you around the New Forest then this is the way. Book yourself on the New Forest Tour by bus. The New Forest Tour is an open-top bus experience linking towns, villages and attractions in the New Forest National Park. Operating in the summer months only, the New Forest Tour offers a choice of three routes: Red (the wild northwest), Green (the beautiful southeast) and Blue (the coastal southwest).
4. Got any Peppa Pig fans in your family? If you've got a small child and then that's probably a given! Take the family to Paultons Park. Peppa Pig World is part of Paultons Family Theme Park. On the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, we offer a great family day out with over 70 different attractions and rides included in the price. The variety of things to see and do includes thrilling and gentle rides, dinosaurs, museums, animated shows, play areas, exotic birds and other fun activities for all ages in their beautiful garden setting.
5. Arguably one of the best ways to see the New Forest is by bike. Head to Leisure Forest Cycling for their excellent customer service and selection of bikes to hire. From the picturesque village location in Burley you’ll be able to cycle along the famous Old Railway, visit the Deer Sanctuary, enjoy the Woodland Trails and expect a great chance of seeing Deer and other forest wildlife. On the majority of routes, you can relax at a real forest inn, or indulge in a sumptuous cream tea in one of the many welcoming tea rooms, all in the most stunning New Forest scenery. In particular, the choice of 9 cycle rides provide the very best cycling conditions for families, inexperienced and ‘born again’ cyclists! All routes can be extended to provide a challenge for the more adventurous cyclists.
