Days out

Have you ever visited the New Forest? It is actually quite beautiful to visit any season with woodland walks, natural steams, wildlife and quaint villages and ponies!

Winter, okay yes it can be COLD but imagine how pretty it is in the frost? Plus, you can wrap up nice and toasty and when the walk is over, what better feeling than being able to pop the fire on, with a cup of hot chocolate, playing some games or watching a classic family film.

Spring, I would probably say is my favourite season, when all the trees and flowers are blossoming, such rich and vibrant colours, the woods would be lit up with its prettiness! Perfect temperature for walking and exploring.

Summer, quite possibly what everyone hopes for every year, a decent summer, with hot weather and bright sunny skies! With the sun shining, this is a great excuse to find those rivers in the woods, for a dip and play, it’s really nice to see the doggys and kiddies splash around! 

Autumn, another beautiful season where the leaves are starting to fall and change colour – stunning! It is also Pannage Season in the New Forest at this time, which means around 600 pigs and piglets are released. Pigs are allowed to roam the forest to eat all the fallen nuts from the trees such as acorns and chestnuts, they can be poisonous to the ponies and cattle whose home is the Forest.

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If you fancy a family holiday to the New Forest, here are a few holiday accommodations worth considering…

Broombank – 5 bedrooms, sleeping 12 – dog friendly 

Location – Burley 

This is a fabulous large cottage, perfect for a family gathering or celebration in the New Forest. There is a games room with cool arcade games, toys and board games. Outside, there are 2 acres of garden and field with stunning views. There is a splash pool for the warmer months. 

Broombank has access right into the New Forest and is just a 20-minute walk to Burley Village which is home to a food shop with local produce and a family friendly pub. The nearest beaches are a 15 minute drive. 

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Coastguard Cottage – 2 bedrooms, sleeping 4 – dog friendly  

Location – Nr. Lymington 

Perfect little holiday home for a small family looking for a seaside break, close to the New Forest. There is one double bed with lovely views and a twin that can be set as a super king. Small enclosed courtyard. 

Located in Keyhaven, peaceful setting with coastal walks from the cottage. It’s a great spot for the little ones to just potter and enjoy some crabbing. There is a pub basically next door, local eateries, and a ferry ride, with trips to Hurst Castle. Milford one Sea and Lymington are also within easy reach.

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Slate Cottage – 4 bedrooms, sleeping 9 – dog friendly 

Location – Nr. Lymington 

With a generous living space and two bedrooms being one the ground floor, making it accessible. It is a great cottage for a family get together with a play room for the little ones that can be turned into an extra room for visitors. It has an enormous lounge stretching the full length of the house, with a sun terrace. 

The garden overlooks a paddock which is home to two Shetland ponies. It is just a  minute walk to the local shops or a half hour walk to Lymington. 

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Moonwood House – 5 bedrooms, sleeping 10 – dog friendly 

Location – Beaulieu 

A luxury retreat for a special family occasion or holidaying with friends in the New Forest. The outdoor space is just amazing with its patio area with sofa and swim spa. Sun loungers, large garden table and pizza oven. ½ acre of enclosed grounds. Three levels with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, kitchen/dinner, snug and living room. 

There is a private woodland out at the back of the house, guests can wander through and reach the local village Beaulieu, with a beautiful high street. 6 minute car ride or an hour walk is Bucklers Hard village. Lymington is also a short drive away. 

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The Old Post Office – 4 bedrooms, sleeping 8 – dog friendly 

Location – Nr. Milford On Sea

Great for a seaside treat, with two families sharing. The cottage boasts seaside views from two sides with the harbour and salt marshes of the Solent, Hurst Castle and two miles away the Isle of Wight Needles. 

The boat yard is perfect for a bit of crabbing. Lots of foodie options within walking distance, plus beaches with great coastal walks right one the doorstep. 

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Field View Cottage – 4 bedrooms, sleeping 8 – dog friendly 

Location – Nr. Keyhaven

Another cottage perfect for two families sharing or planning to holiday with the grandparents. There is a bedroom on the ground floor with an ensuite shower room. Private enclosed garden with a tiny treehouse and outdoor toys. 

It is just a 2.5km walk to Keyhaven with a local pub and sailing clubs or a 2.5km walk to Milford on Sea with an array of food options and shops. Spoilt for choice with lovely walks right on the doorstep. 

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Needles Point – 3 bedrooms, sleeping 7 

Location – Milford on Sea

Family friendly villa overlooking the Solent waters with stunning panoramic sea views of the Isle of Wight and Needles Point. Enclosed terrace, perfect for alfresco dining and where families can watch the sunrise and sunset. 

Direct access to the beach, sandy, when the tide is right. 20-minute walk to Kayhaven and within walking distance to a selection of pubs, restaurants and eateries along the coastline. 

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Little Patch – 3 bedrooms, sleeping 6 

Location – Ringwood

This cottage feels more like country retreat with its oak framing. Terrace in the enclosed garden and a summer house with a large TV for cinema evenings.

Walks leading straight into the New Forest, with local friendly pubs and local farm shops selling coffee and home to friendly animals. 25-minute drive to the Mudeford and Boscombe beaches.