Things to Do in the New Forest
37 attractions and days out
Photo © Billy Hazard, Google Maps
⭐ 4.5
Zoos & Animal Parks
New Forest Wildlife Park
Follow scenic woodland paths to observe native British wildlife thriving in natural forest habitats at this family-friendly park near Southampton, complete with restaurant and picnic areas.
⭐ 4.6
Farm Parks
Longdown Activity Farm
Young visitors can get hands-on with farm animals including calves, baby goats, alpacas and donkeys at this family-friendly activity farm near Southampton, complete with picnic areas and onsite dining.
⭐ 4.9
Cycling & Bike Trails
Forest Leisure Cycling
Pedal through the beautiful New Forest trails with bikes for all the family, featuring wheelchair-friendly facilities and baby changing areas at this Burley-based cycle centre.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Eling Tide Mill Experience
Step back in time at this rare working tide mill on Eling Lane, where families can discover how water power once shaped daily life in this captivating hands-on heritage attraction.
⭐ 4.9
Adventure & Activity Centres
New Forest Activities
Set among tranquil woodland at Hazel Copse Farm, this adventure centre offers thrilling pursuits including archery and canoeing for all ages, with pushchair-friendly grounds throughout.
Theme Parks & Funfairs
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
This New Forest theme park delights families with over 60 rides including the ever-popular Peppa Pig World, plus splash zones and indoor play spaces for all-weather entertainment.
Museums & Galleries
Beaulieu
Discover motoring history at Hampshire's Beaulieu estate, home to the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear exhibits and a stunning historic stately home, perfect for a family adventure.
Zoos & Animal Parks
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Spot graceful fallow deer roaming freely at this peaceful New Forest sanctuary, where families can enjoy woodland walks and picnics among ancient trees in beautiful natural surroundings.
⭐ 3.5
Indoor Soft Play
Wacky Warehouse - Vine Inn
Children can burn off energy in this protected indoor play zone at Ower, complete with an attached family restaurant, parking, and full facilities including baby changing areas.
⭐ 3.7
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Applemore PlayZone
A family-friendly leisure venue in Dibden offering facilities that include onsite parking, toilets and baby changing rooms, plus the option to bring your own picnic for a fun day out.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
St Barbe Museum and Gallery
Step back in time at this engaging museum where children can explore the area's heritage through interactive exhibits and dress-up activities, complete with an onsite restaurant and full accessibility.
⭐ 4.8
Museums & Galleries
Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
Rev up your family day out at this fascinating motorcycle collection near New Forest, where gleaming vintage bikes span racing history in wheelchair-accessible displays with onsite parking.
⭐ 4.6
Farm Parks
Goodall's Strawberries
Gather the family for a delightful fruit-picking adventure at this working farm, where young visitors can harvest from eight different strawberry varieties sheltered under all-weather polytunnels.
⭐ 4.5
Adventure & Activity Centres
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre
Family-friendly activity hub offering cycling trails, treasure hunts and camping adventures across scenic New Forest grounds, with full accessibility, dining facilities and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
⭐ 3.7
Bowling Alleys
Tenpin Southampton
Strike up fun at this lively entertainment venue offering bowling lanes, arcade games and laser tag action, plus an onsite restaurant to refuel hungry families between activities.
Water Parks & Splash Pools
Lymington Sea Water Baths
Make a splash with the kids at this unique tidal seawater swimming pool on Bath Road, offering family-friendly aquatic fun with accessible facilities, nearby parking and snacks available.
⭐ 4.7
Zoos & Animal Parks
Liberty's Owl, Raptor And Reptile Centre
Meet magnificent birds of prey and fascinating reptiles at this family-friendly wildlife centre in Ringwood, featuring flying displays and close encounters with falcons, vultures, hawks and more.
⭐ 4.8
Climbing & Bouldering
Parthian Climbing Centre
Scale new heights at this family-friendly climbing venue offering walls for all abilities, complete with parking, accessible facilities, dining options and picnic-friendly areas for a full day out.
⭐ 4.2
Indoor Soft Play
Jungle Jeans
Kids aged 0-12 can climb and explore exciting play equipment while grown-ups enjoy refreshments at the café. Parking available, with snacks and meals served onsite.
Boat Tours & Cruises
Historic Southampton Guided Walks
Explore Southampton's fascinating heritage on foot with expert-led walking tours departing from the iconic Bargate Monument, perfect for families wanting to discover the city's rich maritime history together.
⭐ 3.6
Swimming & Leisure Centres
The Quays Swimming and Diving Centre
Southampton's premier aquatic facility boasts outstanding diving boards alongside welcoming family swim sessions, all within fully accessible, pushchair-friendly premises complete with refreshments.
⭐ 5.0
Indoor Soft Play
The Barnyard
Located in Ringwood, this indoor play venue offers children a fun space to climb, explore and burn off energy whatever the weather brings.
⭐ 4.2
Bowling Alleys
Hollywood Bowl Southampton
Strike up family fun at Westquay South with bowling lanes, arcade entertainment and delicious dining all under one roof, plus full accessibility and onsite parking for a hassle-free day out.
Sightseeing & Attractions
Tudor House and Garden
Step back in time at this fascinating historic home on Bugle Street, where period rooms and a beautiful recreated garden bring centuries of family life vividly to life.
⭐ 4.6
Cinema & Theatre
Showcase Cinema de Lux Southampton
Catch the latest blockbusters on one of ten screens at this modern multiplex in Westquay South, offering cinema snacks, accessible facilities and convenient parking for memorable family movie outings.
⭐ 4.4
Water Parks & Splash Pools
New Forest Water Park
Britain's pioneering outdoor inflatable aqua park offers bouncing water fun alongside kayaking and paddleboarding adventures in a stunning New Forest setting near Fordingbridge.
⭐ 4.4
Museums & Galleries
SeaCity Museum
Explore Southampton's deep connection to the Titanic disaster through compelling exhibits and heartfelt testimonies from residents whose lives were forever changed by the 1912 maritime tragedy.
⭐ 4.7
Arcades & Gaming
High Score Arcades Southampton
Step into a nostalgic world of classic and modern arcade games at this Southampton gaming hotspot, where families can enjoy pushchair-friendly spaces and baby changing facilities.
⭐ 4.4
Farm Parks
Picking Patch Fordingbridge
Located at Brickton Manor Farm, this children's farm provides hands-on animal encounters with convenient parking, toilets and an onsite restaurant for family refreshments.
⭐ 4.7
Museums & Galleries
Solent Sky Museum
Explore Southampton's remarkable flying heritage through vintage aircraft displays and learn about the local seaplane industry that once thrived along this coastal city's waterfront.
⭐ 4.7
Railways & Transport
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway
Explore 200 acres of beautiful woodland gardens aboard a charming steam train, combining horticultural splendour with nostalgic railway adventure in the New Forest area.
⭐ 4.6
Parks & Play Areas
Southampton Common
This expansive green space offers adventure playgrounds and wildlife spotting opportunities for active families, with parking, toilets and refreshments available onsite for a full day out.
⭐ 4.6
Beaches & Coastline
Highcliffe Beach
This Devon seaside spot offers safe summer swimming with lifeguards on duty, plus accessible facilities, parking and picnic-friendly shores that welcome families with children of all ages.
⭐ 4.2
Adventure & Activity Centres
The Outdoor Sports Centre
Active families can enjoy climbing walls, multi-sport pitches and more at this well-equipped Southampton venue with onsite dining, parking and wheelchair access.
Climbing & Bouldering
Boulder Shack Climbing Gym
Scale indoor climbing walls at this family-friendly gym with onsite parking, restaurant and picnic areas. Fully accessible with baby-changing facilities and wheelchair-friendly routes for all abilities.
⭐ 4.3
Skiing & Snowboarding
Alpine Snowsports Centre Southampton
Experience the thrill of winter sports year-round at this Southampton dry ski slope, offering coaching for all abilities from age 4, plus an onsite restaurant and wheelchair access.
⭐ 4.3
Indoor Soft Play
Monkey Bizness Southampton
This wheelchair-accessible soft play venue features climbing frames and activities for children, plus an onsite restaurant and baby changing rooms. Free parking and accessible facilities make it ideal for families.
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