Things to Do

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 cyclists, horse riders and walkers and there is always something happening throughout the year.

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, hot air balloon rides, plenty of shops and several family friendly restaurants. Other seaside destinations nearby include Mudeford Quay, Studland Bay, The Chines, Hengistbury Head, Poole Harbour, and Sandbanks.

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.

There are a variety of pubs and restaurants in the area. Whether you would like to go to local pubs in the forest, such as The Alice Lisle or restaurants like ‘The Pig’ in Brockenhurst, or Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant in Sandbanks, there is plenty to choose from. Speak to Cheryl for more recommendations on the best places to eat!

Only a ten minute walk, or two minute drive, Hockey’s farm shop is our local deli, cafe and farm. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh meat, fruit and veg whilst supporting the local farmers.

Moors Valley is a great outdoor adventure in the forest! It has multiple playgrounds which are suitable for all ages, playtrails, a steam train and beautiful walks in the Forest. There is a restaurant which serves hot meals throughout the day, but if you fancy bringing your own, there are gorgeous grounds surrounding a lake that is the perfect picnic spot! It also has an on-site golf course for any keen golfers that come to stay!

A family orientated theme park with plenty of attractions for toddlers and big kids alike – now the home of the famous Peppa Pig World, with 7 new rides and attractions. It’s only a 20 minute drive from the cottage so it makes for a perfect day out with the kids!

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 at Longdown.

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.

A visit to Marwell Wildlife is a chance to get up close and personal to the wonders of the natural world. It boasts a large range of exotic animals and provides a variety of different activities for kids to get involved in.

Suitable for most ages and helps to keep the little ones entertained with a variety of indoor play equipment and soft play, this is a great place to go with the kids, especially when the weather is bad!

Sandy Balls is set within 120 acres of parks and woodland in the New Forest. It has a variety of entertainment for the family, including a swimming pool. This is the best place to hire a bike in the local area to explore the beauty of the New Forest.

Set right on the coastline, Bournemouth oceanarium is a great way to learn more about the animals that inhabit the oceans! it has an incredible walk through tunnel so you feel truly immersed with the fish and turtles!

Monkey world is an ape rescue centre, located in Wareham. Its an amazing family day out, it hosts a variety of different primates who have been rescued from all around the world. You can meet chimpanzees, orangutans and monkeys on this day out!