Family-Friendly Travel: The New Forest, UK
The New Forest: Family Staycation
Nestled in the idyllic countryside of southern England, only 1hr 30 minutes from London, lies the enchanting expanse of the New Forest National Park. The New Forests ancient woodland offers a tapestry of experiences that seamlessly blend history, wildlife, and adventure for all ages. Perhaps best known for its unspoilt wildlife, in particular, the free roaming ponies - it is a haven for families and nature enthusiasts. If you are anything like me and love horses, there is nothing more beautiful than the sight of wild ponies and it feels incredibly special to have this unique opportunity on our doorstep, right here in the UK.
I recall visiting a B&B in the New Forest when I was a child and the owner inviting the ponies in to the courtyard in the evenings - my Dad got a bit close to one of the mares with a foal at foot and wasn’t far off getting nipped - lesson learnt to respect the fact that they truly are wild! I told my family this story in the car on the way there about Grandpa which they found very entertaining…
If you’re looking for a UK based family staycation this year, The New Forest should most certainly be on your bucket list.
The Rich History of the New Forest
Steeped in centuries-old heritage, the New Forest holds a storied past that dates back to the time of William the Conqueror. Originally established as a royal hunting ground in 1079, the forest served as a playground for mediaeval monarchs seeking respite and recreation. Over the centuries, it evolved into a thriving ecosystem, shaped by human habitation, agriculture, and conservation efforts. Today, it stands as a testament to England's natural and cultural heritage, designated as a National Park in 2005 to protect its unique landscape and biodiversity.
Getting to The New Forest
Accessing the New Forest is a breeze, thanks to its strategic location and well-connected transport networks. Hiring a car (in my opinion) is certainly advisable if you want the best opportunity to explore.
By Car: For those travelling from London or nearby cities, driving to the New Forest is a popular option. The journey typically takes around 2-3 hours, offering scenic views along the way.
By Train: Several train services connect major cities like London, Southampton, and Bournemouth to stations near the New Forest, such as Brockenhurst and New Milton. From these stations, travellers can hop on local buses or taxis to reach their desired destinations within the forest.
By Bus: Local bus services operate within the New Forest, providing convenient access to various villages and attractions. Additionally, hop-on-hop-off tour buses offer a hassle-free way to explore multiple sites in a day, perfect for families looking to maximise their time.
Where to stay
We stayed at the beautiful Montagu Arms, in the heart of Beaulieu. This stunning hotel dates back to the 16th Century and is steeped in history. Upon entering reception, guests get a sense of this grandeur with dark oak beams, a sweeping staircase and carefully chosen antiques and decor (including some wonderful historical black and white images of the hotel itself). This traditional style and opulence within the main building - which consists of 22 en-suite rooms - is balanced with more modern, but still classically elegant courtyard rooms and duplex suites in the renovated barn. We stayed in ‘Juniper’, which was a beautiful, large family room with a stunning four poster bed, fold out sofa bed and cot for our baby.
The room led down some steps into a stylish bathroom, with a large free standing bath and separate shower, as well as a double sink. Although a small touch - travelling with children and having a double sink is a real treat when it comes to persuasive teeth-brushing conversations!
The hotel kindly provided little activity packs for the girls and very cute donkey shaped gingerbread biscuits! Both of which proved invaluable entertainment while we had some down time during a spell of rain. One thing you can’t bet on whilst away,, is the weather! We found the room SO comfortable and light - the fact that we had our own little walled garden made it feel cosy and private with no concerns about the children playing or making a bit of noise.
We were fortunate enough to have a sunny spell the following morning, during which we explored the forest and came across a herd of donkeys, who greeted us whilst making their way up the road. Interacting with wildlife in such an authentic way was such a privilege and for my eldest daughter who is six, was clearly a very seismic moment as she has been talking about her ‘Donkey friend’ ever since!
For garden lovers, The Montagu Arms has stunning Gertrude Jekyll-inspired grounds and a pond fountain designed by Giuseppe Lund. It is also home to an allotment and grows its own fresh produce for use in the hotel kitchen.
We enjoyed a wonderful evening meal at Monty’s restaurant, adjacent to the hotel. The atmosphere was laid back and welcoming and we were in the vicinity of a number of younger diners in high chairs who were locals! Always a good sign - and made us feel so at ease with the children. The food was fresh, tasty and unpretentious. The children's menu had a great range of dishes (plus some show stopping desserts which are a must! Save space!).
Our breakfast the next morning at the hotel was equally delicious, with a range of continental options and traditional a la carte. The croissants were fresh and fluffy and the coffee on point, what more could a parent ask for! The little ones tucked into the locally sourced sausages, bacon and eggs which went down a storm and set us up for a day of activities.
Overall, if you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, traditional and welcoming English hotel, this one is for you.
Dog Friendly
We love the fact that The Montagu Arms welcomes dogs and there is so much to do with your four legged friends in the New Forest. The hotel shares their Top Five Local Dog Walks here - many of these walks are also ideal for children to join on their bikes, off road buggies or cruising in their toddler backpacks. Wellies are a must!
It’s important to note that due to wildlife, it’s advisable that dog’s are kept on the lead in the forest. Even our lovely Wilma who is incredibly well behaved wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation of a deer hopping out in front of her!
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in The New Forest
There is so much to do in The New Forest with Families, here are some of our favourites:
Beaulieu National Motor Museum:
Nestled amidst the verdant landscape of the New Forest, Beaulieu is a treasure trove of automotive history and innovation. The National Motor Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 250 vehicles, ranging from vintage classics to iconic supercars.
Prices: Adult tickets start from £25 and children (aged 5-16) from £14, and family tickets from £64.50. Prices are based on pre-booking.
Explore the stately Palace House, uncover the secrets of Beaulieu Abbey, and embark on a thrill seekers journey through the World of Top Gear.
Here families can encounter native and exotic species in their natural habitats including otters and Bison.
Prices: Adult tickets cost £15.95, children (aged 3-15) from £12.50, and family tickets from £51
Special Experiences: Engage in interactive keeper talks, explore adventure playgrounds, and participate in feeding sessions with select animals for unforgettable memories.
Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World
If you have children of Peppa Pig loving age, Paultons Park is a must with themed rides to interactive play areas.
Prices: Admission prices vary based on factors such as the season and ticket type, with family-friendly packages available for budget-conscious visitors and children under 1m in height go free.
For a serene and enchanting experience, venture to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where families can witness fallow deer roaming freely amidst ancient woodlands.
The deer viewing platform offers a prime vantage point for observing these creatures in their natural habitat and it’s a great opportunity to teach children about being quiet and still and observing wildlife (if that’s possible!)
Prices: Admission to the deer sanctuary is free of charge, offering families the opportunity to connect with nature without breaking the bank.
Insider Tip: Time your visit to coincide with the deer feeding sessions for an up-close and personal encounter.
Things to Consider
Traffic: Be aware that during peak tourist seasons, traffic can be a challenge, particularly on narrow country roads within the forest. We’d suggest visiting during quieter times if you can or plan your journeys accordingly - consider exploring lesser-known areas to avoid crowds and congestion.
Unfenced Water: The New Forest National Park has so many beautiful ponds and streams but most are not fenced off and can be deep, which is something to be conscious of when walking around with young children.
Ticks: As with any outdoor environment, it's essential to be mindful of ticks, which can carry diseases such as Lyme disease. Dress appropriately, use insect repellents, and do regular tick checks, particularly after spending time in wooded or grassy areas of the forest.
When to visit
The New Forest is beautiful all year round but this is what to expect throughout the seasons:
Spring (March to May)
Witness nature awakening from its winter slumber as vibrant flowers carpet the forest floor. This is the time to be conscious of wildlife and baby animals who might be hiding. The temperature is mild and ideal for outdoor adventures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Just be aware it can still be quite wet! Do bring appropriate rainwear and footwear.
Summer (June to August)
Bask in the warmth of the summer sun as the forest teems with life and energy. Explore lush greenery, partake in outdoor activities, and make the most of longer daylight hours. Be prepared for higher visitor numbers during peak season. Sunrise and sunset walks are a must depending on which end of the day you prefer!
Autumn (September to November)
Experience the enchanting beauty of autumn as the forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of golden hues. Revel in crisp air, rustling leaves, and opportunities for scenic walks.
Winter (December to February)
Embrace the tranquillity and peace of winter as the forest takes on a serene and magical ambiance. Enjoy cosy moments, spot wildlife against the backdrop of frost-kissed landscapes, and get away from the hustle and bustle. The ideal time to curl up and play board games by the fireplace!
Visiting the New Forest with Children
The New Forest promises a tapestry of cherished memories and unforgettable experiences and I’d certainly recommend visiting if you’re looking for a UK Family Staycation. From delving into the forest's rich history to encountering wildlife, there's something to captivate the hearts of visitors of all ages. My main tip would be to book ahead - this not only guarantees entry into some of the more popular attractions but saves money and time if you’re on a shorter visit. I’d also highly recommend bringing your dog if you have one - as the walks are wonderful and so scenic.
You’re (almost) guaranteed to see wild ponies too!
