The New Forest
There is something for everyone in The New Forest, whether you’re looking to relax, explore or just enjoy, this is the ideal location.
There is a wealth of places to visit and explore from award winning gardens to museums, leisure and wildlife parks.
The New Forest is a haven for the cyclist, horse rider and walker and there is always something happening throughout the year.
Ibsley
Situated in the village of Ibsley, Dairy cottage was built in the early 1600’s and then rebuilt after a devastating fire in December 2004. The accommodation overlooks a nature reserve and lake that is frequented by bird watchers and is now home to over twenty endangered species.
When it was built Dairy Cottage was a type of dwelling known as a 'rough cottage'. It was the old dairyman's cottage and was originally part of Ibsley Farm before the buildings were allocated land and sold off as private homes.
Beaches
The beaches in Dorset are fabulous and all have blue flags. We have the some of the best beaches in Britain here. There are many walks along the coast, as well as activities for the children. A good day out can be found all along the Dorset coast.
Bournemouth pier is a typical British pier that is very busy during the holiday season but is full of activities for the kids. There is a lovely park next to it that has crazy golf, a hot air balloon rides, plenty of shops and several restaurants.
Other seaside destinations include Mudeford Quay, Studland Bay, The Chines, Hengistbury Head, Poole Harbour, and Sandbanks.
Pubs & Restaurants
The Royal Oak, Fritham
There is a short drive (approx. 20 minutes) across the forest to reach this fantastic spot. The real home cooked food selection includes a fabulous ploughman’s lunch, home made soups, sausages, and pork pies, fantastic home made chutneys, beers and cider. The large garden area with beautiful views is perfect during summer, and a roaring log fire indoors to keep you cosy during the colder winter months.
Hyde Restaurant & Tea Rooms
This child friendly restaurant is open during daytimes only but is located in a lovely spot in the forest, and has a well-stocked farm shop. Enjoy a cream tea after a gentle walk in the forest.
The Old Beams
Located on the corner within walking distance of the cottage, The Old Beams can be really good depending on the menu and the chef. Children are welcome and the outdoor patio area is lovely. Perfect for a Sunday lunch if you don’t want to travel far but can get busy.
The London Tavern, Poulner
Although the location is not as picturesque as some of the other recommended pubs the food is good perfect for lunches and early evening meals.
The Cuckoo
Located in the Wiltshire area of the forest, this pub is old, quirky, and extremely eccentric. The homemade scrumpy is highly recommended. Very good fun.
Others
The Lantern Organic Café, Ringwood
The Seven Fish, Ringwood
The Indian Cottage, Ringwood
The Royal Oak, Gorley*
The Red Shoot
The High Corner Inn*
The Foresters
The Alice Lisle*
The Horse In Groom, Woodgreen
The Lamb, Winkton
Alisala Thai Restaurant, Ringwood
Chez Fred (Fish & Chips), Westbourne
Urban Reef, Boscombe
Branksome Beach, Poole
The Edge, Alum Chine, Bournemouth**
Westbeach, Bournemouth**
The Haven Hotel**
Captains Club, Christchurch**
Urban Reef, Boscombe**
Pubs and restaurants marked with an asterisk (*) have a children’s play area.
Pubs and restaurants marked with two asterisks (**) offer beach front dining.
Fine Dining
If you are celebrating a special occasion, or if you just fancy treating yourselves, there is a good selection of fine dining to experience in and around the forest.
The Museum, Farnham
The Three Lions, Stuckton, New Forest
Le Poussin, Brockenhurst, New Forest
Little Mere, Gorley, New Forest
Gary Rhodes, Christchurch
Les Mirabelles, Nomansland, New Forest
The Print Room, Bournemouth
Pebble Beach, New Milton, New Forest
La Parisienne, Romsey
Terra Vina, New Forest
Some of the above restaurants have Michelin starred chefs or hold Michelin stars themselves.
Baby & Child Friendly Activities
Along with walking, cycling and wildlife there are plenty of other activities available to keep children occupied. Within the forest there are some beautiful picnic spots – with many idyllic pond and lake locations.
Wild ponies can be found within walking distance of the cottage, and children love paddling in the ford or enjoying an ice cream on the sand dune.
Ibsley is near the coast, and enjoys the lovely summer sun. Doing things outside is most enjoyable, in the forest or at the beach – but on rainy days there is still something that will keep the little ones entertained.
Moors Valley
Very enjoyable with playgrounds for all ages, playtrails, lovely walks in the wood, a golf course, a lake with a great picnic area, and even a steam train for the kids.
Longdown Farm
A family run farm with lots of friendly farm animals to meet and with a daily schedule of hands-on activities there is plenty of opportunity to touch and feed them. Bottle-feeding kid goats and calves, small animal handling, duck feeding and meeting the pigs are just some of the activities on offer.
The New Forest Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park
Here you'll see some of Europe's largest gathering of otters, owls and other indigenous wildlife all in their natural surroundings including, pine martens, badgers, polecats, mink, foxes, Scottish wildcats, deer, lynx, wallabies and wild boar.
Adventure Wonderland
Suitable for most ages and helps to keep the little ones entertained, especially when the weather is bad.
Marwell Wildlife
A visit to Marwell Wildlife is a chance to get up close to the wonders of the natural world. A very good zoo.
Sandy Balls
120 acres of parks and woodland in the New Forest National Park offers a great getaway and has a variety of entertainment for the family including a good swimming pool. This is the best place to hire a bike in the local area.
Liberty’s Falconry
Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre is located in the town of Ringwood, close to the Hampshire Dorset border on the edge of the New Forest, and houses the largest collection of birds of prey in the area.
Monkey World
Monkey World is an award winning rehabilitation centre for primates and has been featured on TV on numerous occasions. It’s about an hour away (by car) so if you want to go be sure to spend at least three hours there. There is enough going on to keep the children entertained.
Paultons Park
A family orientated theme park with plenty of attractions for toddlers and big kids alike.
Oceanarium
The perfect solution for a rainy day, this popular marine life centre is based close to Bournemouth pier.
Splashdown
Indoor water park with a choice of eight fantastic rides. Each one with its own twists and turns generating a real buzz for the rider and loads of laughs, thrills and spills for all. Perfect for a rainy day.
The Rapids
Here you will find another great indoor water park with a comprehensive range of activities delivered in a fun, safe, and relaxed environment.
Local Swim & Play
Located in the local sports and recreation centre is a swimming pool and toddler pool. Upstairs is a fun playpen climbing area for toddlers and babies.
Snowtrax
An outdoor dry slope ski centre based in a picturesque forest location over looking a lake and pine trees. Plenty to do for all ages with skiing, snow boarding, ringo’s, bobbing, sledges, etc.
Bowlplex
Great family entertainment in the form of ten pin bowling coupled with freshly prepared food, a relaxed sports bar and excellent customer service.
Calshot Activities Centre
Calshot is one of the largest outdoor adventure centres in Britain and is run by Hampshire County Council. With water and land based activities including climbing and skiing.
Bournemouth International Centre
There’s always lots going on at the BIC throughout the year and it’s sometimes worth checking to see what’s on at the pavilion. Good family entertainment to be found.
