Last minute Christmas getaways!

We know that Christmas can be a very busy time of year with bustling shops, long queues, cold dark nights and wrapping all of those presents.  So this year why not get away from the routine and instead enjoy festive markets, picturesque walks and cosy pub dinners…you could experience all of this and much more in the New Forest.

We still have a few properties available for the festive period for either a romantic getaway or for the entire family.  Our wide range of properties will suit all age groups, pockets and tastes, from quaint thatched cottages to comfortable town houses and luxury apartments, all set in forest, rural, town, village and coastal locations across the New Forest.

The Gatehouse (B134) is situated in Pennington Village on the outskirts of the bustling coastal market town of Lymington.  The property provides a perfect base to explore the magical ancient Forest and heathland as well as the beautiful coastline of the National Park.  The gatehouse is a perfect home from home family getaway.

3 The Cottages is a delightful Victorian mid terraced cottage built around 1895.  This comfortable accommodation is situated in the heart of Brockenhurst, yet within walking and cycling distance of the High Street.  This charming cottage has been furnished to high standard and is ideal for couple or families alike.  There are several pubs and restaurants only a short walk away, where you could have a drink or a meal and then stroll back to the cosy cottage and put your feet up in front of the wood burning stove!

Number Four (C136) is an immaculately presented three bedroom wing of a large country house, set in two acres of enclosed private garden.  It is a superb base for a luxury family holiday or a couple’s romantic break. If you feel the need to leave this tranquil base the beach and forest are only five minutes’ drive away.

Little Barn (A575) is a relaxing romantic hideaway located in the grounds of the owners 16 acre farm.  So if you are looking for a tranquil, country haven with easy access to the open forest, then this is the ideal retreat for you.  The popular town of Lyndhurst is only 2 miles away with an excellent choice of shops, restaurants and pubs – what more could you ask for!

These are just a few of the properties we have available for the festive period….so if we have tempted you to a Christmas in the New Forest… then give our bookings team a call today on 01590 679655.

A New Forest Walk in the Rain

The New Forest recently played host to one of our colleagues, Helen, from the South West to a New Forest cottage with five friends. During her visit to the area she visited the popular Acres Down for a winter walk which shows you don’t need glorious sunshine to have a good time!

I organised a lovely walk with friends in the forest but wasn't so delighted to see dark clouds looming in the distance especially after the forecast had stated beautiful afternoon sunshine! When the weather takes a turn for the worse, a walk in the rain doesn't sound so glamorous does it?

Not to be deterred we set out towards Acres Down Farm, set right in the heart of the New Forest. Just a short drive from Lyndhurst, we parked in a small car park close to a graveled walkway.

From the car park, the walk is level; perfect for those with limited mobility and for those with a pram.

The walk led us adjacent to Highland Water Inclosure, catching glimpses of squirrels and birds through the trees, opening out to some breathtaking views across the National Park. The path, eventually bringing us back to the main route, leads on to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary.

The Acres Down walk is approximately two and half miles long with very easy gradient, ideal for all walking abilities. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to warm up after your walk, the Trusty Servant in the nearby village of Minstead offers a tasty menu and local drinks. However staying nearby we decided to head back to our cosy New Forest cottage and fill up on a home cooked roast dinner, the perfect antidote for a day spent out in the rain.

Like the sound of Acres Down, stay at Acres Down Farm Cottage. 

Our Top Christmas New Forest Festivities

With chilly mornings and dark nights, houses' lit, looking warm and inviting…it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! And it wouldn't feel like Christmas without our local towns decorating the streets with lights.

All Christmas events here in the New Forest really do get you in the festive spirit with parades, Christmas carollers, Santa’s grotto and market stalls filled with New Forest Produce. Perfect for selecting Christmas gifts.

Here is our top 3 Christmas light ‘switch ons’ in the New Forest this year…..

Lymington

Lymington is arranging a celebration evening on Friday 28^th November, when the high street will be closed to welcome Santa, and to turn the lights on at the tree at approximately 6pm. This year the town will also be decorated with 30 Christmas trees overhanging the high street which should look spectacular! The town’s shops have been invited to stay open, so you will be able to partake in some late night Christmas shopping and then maybe head off for a bite to eat in one of the many bars or restaurants in the town.

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst will be full of Christmas cheer as Simon Clarke from Wave 105 will switch the lights on this year on Thursday 27^th November at 7pm. Shops will be open for a spot of late night shopping and carollers will be singing songs throughout the evening.  Lyndhurst will also be hosting another festive event, the Christmas Fun Day on Saturday 13^th December including Santa, market stalls and carol singing!

Ringwood

On Saturday 6^th December the town of Ringwood is having its very own Christmas ‘switch on’, with new Christmas lights and tree, a lantern parade, fair rides, Santa’s Grotto and guaranteed snow!  Included in the day’s activities will be an Elf workshop for young children, sweets being given out by elves, choirs and singers on stage in the market place and local charity and business stalls selling gifts and food along the high street. This fun packed day of activities starts at 10am through till 7pm. 

So wrap up warm, gather your friends and family and come to the New Forest for what promises to be a great start to the festive season!

The New Forest Christmas Fair 2014

After the huge success of the inaugural Christmas Fair, Hoburne Bashley (new confirmed venue!) is hosting an even bigger event this year.   The Christmas Fair will open its gates between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 7^th December and Sunday 8^th December.  Entry is FREE so be sure to bring the whole family along to this festive extravaganza!

This is the perfect place to get you into the Christmas spirit.  With locally produced seasonal gifts, tasty hot food and the children can meet Santa in his Grotto.  Enjoy a glass of mulled wine; browse the stalls for unusual and interesting presents and sample the delicious locally produced festive food. 

The whole event has such a friendly and festive atmosphere – whilst staying with New Forest Cottages in the New Forest take advantage of the fantastic range of local products on offer and remove the hassle from Christmas by doing all your Christmas shopping in one place! Now that’s an offer you can’t refuse!

And if you still need to buy a Christmas Tree there are plenty here  – the Forestry Commission have said that they can’t promise a white Christmas but they can help make it green!  Nothing beats the experience and the smell of a real tree….which use about 10 times fewer materials and five time less energy than an artificial tree – plus, they smell divine!

There is something for everyone in Hoburne Bashley this Christmas so why not book a last minute, cosy getaway in one of our New Forest Cottages. Visit our Offers page for our last minute deals.

Image Credit: Ornament Bokeh, Mike Tungate (flickr.com)

New Forest Walking Festival 2014

From October 18^th to Sunday 2^nd November, for the second year running, the New Forest National Park have organised the New Forest Walking Festival.  Following the success of last year’s inaugural walk….this year’s event has doubled in size!

Walkers of all ages are invited to don their hiking boots, trainers or wellies and be led on bespoke experiences, by expert guides, highlighting the unique countryside, wildlife, culture and history of this internationally important landscape.

The autumn is an incredible time of year to walk around the National Park, with fiery foliage providing the perfect backdrop for exploring the gentle flat landscape that has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs.  Discover birds, beasts and unravel historical secrets.

More walks are being added every week, among the confirmed walks so far are:

• World War II History Hike
• Family Fungi Fun
• Map Reading Walks
• Walking Picnics
• Salt and Smuggling Trail
• Nordic Walking 

The guided walks are accessible by public transport, and most are free or discounted if you arrive by bus, train, bike or on foot! So be green this autumn…. and leave your car at home!

Free minibuses will be provided for some walks which have no public transport links.

Want to visit but need accommodation? To book a New Forest Cottage visit our website for the latest availability this coming week. 

Written by Cathy Marshall

Fantastic Fungi!

Fungi, more commonly known as mushrooms or toadstools, thrive by absorbing nutrients from dead plants and animals; a very important part of the forest ecosystem. Out of around 70,000

Species of fungi worldwide, 2,700 are found within the New Forest National Park. So it’s no wonder that Fungi foraging is very popular here in the New Forest.

Beware! Some fungi within the New Forest National Park are not suitable for consumption. Some species are poisonous and a small number can be deadly. Therefore it is vital you learn about the different Species before venturing into the countryside to pick for your own consumption.

Visitors are permitted to pick up to 1.5kg on a personal limit basis. The New Forest National Park Authority and Forestry Commission advise you to follow some simple guidelines in order to assist in protecting the rare species that we have left in the New Forest. Some fungi in The New Forest are under threat mainly due to over collecting, because of this there are some woods in the national park where picking fungi is prohibited. Click here for more information. 

There are many events scheduled across the New Forest this autumn educating foragers which mushrooms are edible and non-edible.

Join TV forager John Wright on Tuesday 21^st October between 10am-2pm and 2pm-4pm for a comprehensive walk through the New Forest Woodland to discover more about the mushrooms found within the New Forest National Park. http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-9G7LVT

Stay in one of our cosy New Forest Cottages and learn something new this autumn…get out in the New Forest and enjoy the funky fungi the forest has to offer. 

And this little Piggy ate Acorns!!

What is Pannage?
Every year at the start of autumn the ‘Pannage’ season begins in The New Forest.  Pannage is the practice of releasing domestic pigs into the forest to rummage, eat and scoff their way through the thousands of acorns and other nuts that have fallen.  Releasing the pigs is vital to the forests ecology, as acorns are poisonous, in large quantities, to cattle and New Forest Ponies.

By releasing the pigs into the woodland they can enjoy a diet with a high amount of acorns, which effectively clears the forest of these nuts ensuring the safety of other wildlife. This is the only time of year that the pigs are free to roam anywhere in the New Forest…they would cause too much damage if they were wild!!  Pannage is also a way of fattening up the pigs for Christmas!

We don’t want to ‘boar’ you with facts, but……Did you know that an Oak tree normally starts producing acorns after about 50 years and one mature tree will shed 50,000 nuts!

So if you are out and about walking or cycling…look out for the pigs roaming the forest floors, snouting out the acorns!  They are usually released around the third week in September or whenever the acorns begin to drop from the beautiful trees, and will be turned out for a minimum of 60 days.

Visit us this Autumn
Don’t be the little piggy that stayed at home this autumn….come on down to the New Forest….enjoy the wonderful countryside….and meet the pigs!  New Forest Cottages has a variety of cosy cottages to choose from to suit all requirements. For further details on how to book visit our website or contact our friendly booking team on 01590 679655 who are on hand to help you find the perfect retreat. 

Don’t forget to visit the most famous pig in these parts….Peppa Pig at Peppa Pig World & Paultons Park.  Book one of our properties and purchase your reduced price tickets for as little as £22.25 each.

Written by Cathy Marshall.

Photo of single pig taken by Pete Birkinshaw and photo of piglets taken by Nige Brown   

Enjoy the late Indian summer here in the New Forest

We are thoroughly enjoying the late Indian summer we have forecast for the next couple of weeks, and what better way to extend the summer months than with a last minute getaway to the New Forest.

Stay in one of our New Forest Cottages this September for a weekend of relaxation or activity. Below we have chosen a few properties currently offering last minute deals over the coming weeks....

 

Number Four Hordle

Sleeping 5 in total, this ideal family haven just a short drive from the New Forest National Park, has extensive grounds with its very own football pitch! Perfect for a family with small children.

£900 per week or £500 for 3 night weekend or 4 night midweek short breaks in September and October.

The Coach House Beaulieu

This beautifully converted Coach House is right in the heart of the New Forest with walking and cycling right from the front door.
20% discount off all weekly bookings in September.

Champaz Lymington

Lovely ground floor home from home set in the quiet residential area of Lymington. Just a 15 minute walk to both the bustling high street and picturesque marinas, Champaz makes an ideal base to explore Lymington and coastal areas.

15% off remaining weeks in September and October.

Camellia Cottage Lyndhurst

Charming dog friendly cottage situated in the heart of Lyndhurst. A short walk to amenities this property is great for those wanting the peace and tranquillity of the New Forest but not far from civilisation.
15% off remaining weeks in September.

We have a variety of properties to suit all requirements, so why not give us a call or visit our website to find your perfect late summer New Forest stay.

If you can’t find it at Beaulieu…it doesn’t exist!

Beaulieu Motor Museum is hosting, for another year, their most famous motoring event…The International Autojumble; the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic.

Open to the public on the 6^th & 7^th September, admission is from 8.30am on the Saturday and 9.30am on the Sunday (although the event does not open until 10am).  Included in the ticket price is entry to the world famous National Motor Museum, Palace House and gardens and Abbey!  Buy a discounted 2 day ticket and come for the entire weekend and stay in the beautiful surroundings of The New Forest at one of our wide range of properties!

So what can you find at the Autojumble….there are over 2000 stands groaning with all kinds of vintage and motoring items – including motoring parts, automobilia, books, tools and clothing…there is absolutely something for everyone and many bargains to be had!

You can buy or sell cars in the Automart, there are classic cars for sale in the Dealemart and visit Bonhams Auction for collector’s cars and motorcycles…and on Sunday the Trunk Traders will be selling motoring bits from the back of their cars.

If you love anything motoring this is definitely the place to be!!

Photos provided by Beaulieu. Written by Cathy Marshall

Spend a Couples Break in the New Forest this Summer

The summer holidays are upon us, but that doesn't just mean family holidays!  Here at New Forest Cottages we invite all couples to come and experience a relaxing, romantic retreat in this beautiful and historic area. 

The New Forest has National Park status and its atmosphere and traditions date back over 900 years. With its vast tracks of unspoilt heath and woodland, which are home to countless varieties of wildlife and native plants.  It is the perfect location for those who desire peace and tranquillity or for the more energetic, looking for an exhilarating break!

So what can we offer you?  How about a 3 or 4 night short break at one of our romantic, bijou properties in the heart of the New Forest.

The Studio (A712) is a spacious, first floor apartment ideal for a couple wanting a holiday in this beautiful part of the New Forest.  It has its own private corner of the garden to relax in and with direct forest access you can step straight out of the front door and into the forest, where you can explore extensive walks and cycle rides.  And to end your day, The Moorhill House Hotel is only a few minutes’ walk away…  enjoy a meal and a drink or two and then stroll back to the apartment!

The Water Tower (A164) is a most unusual and attractive holiday retreat which has been created within the old Water Tower.  Sleeping 2 people this attractive apartment offers views over the Ladycross Estate and the surrounding forest.  Guests have extensive use of the grounds, including the lake, where deer can sometimes be seen.  The village of Brockenhurst is only 3 miles away where you will find pubs, shops and restaurants.

Little Broom (A127) is a charming and well-appointed bungalow which stands in the corner of the owner’s spacious garden.  Miles of open forest lie outside the front gate, excellent for walking, cycling and horse riding.  There are two good country pubs within a short distance.  And for the golfing couples a 9-hole golf course is only ‘FORE’ miles away….!

Oakley at Oaklands (A910) is a delightful, newly refurbished, garden apartment, which has a commanding position with far reaching views to the south over the hay meadow and the New Forest beyond.  The location of this property is ideal for walkers, photographers, cyclist, horse riders and golfers.  There are several good pubs and restaurants locally and in the surrounding villages.

So if we have tempted you with this small sample of our one bedroom properties… available now for a romantic break…then call our team on 01590 679655 who are waiting to hear from you!

Written by Cathy Marshall, New Forest Cottages

Come and Join in the Fun at This Year's Summer Spectacular

The summer has arrived and with it The Lymington Rotary Club have organised their annual Summer Spectacular at the Woodside Park in Lymington on Sunday 3^rd August from 10am -5pm.  This year’s show will be bigger and better than ever.   Its only £5 entry for adults and the 16’s and under go free when accompanied by an adult!

For all you car enthusiasts, The Classic Car Show has increased in size this year and will be showing up to 300 classic cars.  A very popular event and a great chance for the whole family to enjoy the display…have a picnic and meet up with friends.

If you are interested in buying or selling, The Monster Car Boot Sale is the place for you….an extended area this year mixing Trade and charity stalls to create a really busy market. 
No pre-booking required for car booters, just turn up on the day!

We’ve all heard of the Great British Bake Off… well in Lymington we have The Summer Spectacular Cake Off!!  It’s a competition for professionals and amateurs, for adults and children.  The theme this year is modes of transport…. So bake a sponge cake, decorate it in your chosen style and bring it along to be judged in the cake off marquee – Good Luck!

New events this year include a Field Gun Display and The Chinese Lion Dancers…there will be music from The Lymington Town Band and Dixie Land Jazz. 

As we, New Forest Cottages, are one of the events sponsors…we hope you have a great family day out!!

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show

It’s July…and we’re in the New Forest…. so that can only mean one thing…..The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is now only a couple of weeks away!!

The theme for this year’s show is ‘hands on’, and allows you to get really stuck in with opportunities to milk a cow, make a scarecrow and hold tiny baby chicks!

Show Jumping and other fantastic displays will take place in the main arenas which are surrounded by over 600 trade stalls.

There will be livestock competitions taking place around the show including cattle, sheep, rabbits and honey bees. Also, the New Forest Beekeepers have a marquee this year demonstrating many aspects of bees and beekeeping.  You can roll your own wax candle, taste different types of honey and buy genuine New Forest honey and other bee products.

And for all you foodies out there, you can look forward to browsing the numerous food outlets which offer a full gastronomic range! If it’s inspiration you need, then visit the fantastic cookery demonstrations with appearances from a great number of fantastic chefs from the New Forest area who will be showcasing their skills every day.

With so much to choose from there’s something to suit every member of the family. Book your tickets in advance from the New Forest Show website before 21^st July and receive 10% off.

The show takes place on 29th, 30th & 31st July, don’t forget to look out for us… see you there!

Need accommodation in the New Forest? Stay with us while you visit the show in one of our lovely holiday cottages, visit our website for our latest availability. 

We're football crazy at New Forest Cottages

The World Cup is just about to kick off and here at New Forest Cottages we have our own dedicated ‘team’ ready to take your booking.  It is always our ‘goal’ to offer first class service, offering high standards in properties and customer care.  Why not book one of our properties ranging from quaint thatched cottages to luxury apartments and then just sit back and enjoy the football.

Our properties within the New Forest will not only give you a great base to explore the forest and coast but also provide television and somewhere comfy to sit, where you can watch or record the match of your choice.  Many of the properties we offer are in walking distance of a local pub, where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a drink or two ….just try not to get shown the ‘red card’!

And if that isn’t enough to tempt you…many of our properties are offering special offer discounts for June and July bookings!

But if you want to get away from the football (for just a while) you may be interested in one of the many events that are taking place in the New Forest during the World Cup.

Paws for a Walk – Sponsored Dog Walk at The Crown Stirrup in Lyndhurst
Saturday 21^st June  10am – 4pm
Join the sponsored walk in aid of Hearing Dogs.  It is an easy to follow, beautiful woodland walk, with a BBQ and pub food available when you’ve finished…and maybe catch some of the Argentina v Iran match!

Walk the Smugglers Trail
Wednesday 25^th June  9.30am – 1pm
This 5.5 mile walk starts and finishes near The Queens Head pub in Burley.  The route follows the trails used by New Forest Smugglers during the 18^th Century and skirts the South of Burley Village, crossing Cranes Moor and climbing Castle Hill.  And after all of that you will probably need a rest, a drink and maybe a spot of lunch….and you’ll still be back in time to watch the evening matches!

Beer & Cider Festival at The Hare & Hounds, Sway
Friday 4^th – Sunday 6^th July
Enjoy 3 days of beer, cider, music and hog roast at a very popular pub on the outskirts of Sway village, which is within walking distance of open Forest.

So don’t sit on the side-line during the World Cup…come and stay with us in the fabulous New Forest!

Written by Cathy Marshall 

Enjoy Father's Day in the New Forest

With Father’s day less than a week away there are a host of ideas within the New Forest, where you can share a special day out with your Dad. Enjoy the great events the New Forest has this Father’s Day and make the most of the weekend with a short breaks in one of our New Forest Cottages. Below is a list of events happening across the weekend to ensure you make the most of your time here.

Custom & Hot Rod Festival
Sunday 15^th June
If you are interested in custom cars, The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu are presenting The Biggest and Best Custom & Hot Rod Show in the South!  The whole family can enjoy a colourful display of hundreds of custom cars and motor cycle’s.  Throughout the day you will be able to enjoy live music, ride on dodgems and soak up the atmosphere.  The show is open from 10.00 until 17.00.  There will be something for all the family to enjoy.

Longdown Activity Farm – Dad’s go Free!
Sunday 15^th June
Animals are also in the spotlight for father’s Day!  Dads go FREE at Longdown Activity Farm.  The farm is offering free of charge entry for Dad’s on their special day.  Come along and meet a number of cows, goats, pigs, ponies and donkeys.  You can spend the day feeding the animals, making the most of the indoor and outdoor play areas and even try out the pedal go-karts and tractors!  And after all that excitement you can retreat to the Tea Room for a well-deserved cuppa. The Farm is open from 10.00 until 17.00 daily.



The Great Burley Picnic
Sunday 15^th June
For the first time ever the Great Burley Picnic is taking place in Burley Park between 11.00 and 17.00.  You can enjoy the local picnic fare from the many Burley and New Forest Stalls or bring your own picnic.  During the day there will be activities for children, live music from several bands and you can browse around the craft stands.  Remember to bring your own picnic rugs and chairs!

Father’s Day Beer Festival at Rhinefield House Hotel
Sunday 15^th June
If having a pint is more your style The Rhinefield House Hotel has organised a Father’s Day Beer Festival.  The event will be held on their terrace and will be attended by several local Breweries.  Enjoy local beer and ciders and maybe a spot of lunch.

And don’t forget there are plenty of pubs across the New Forest with some fantastic local produce on their menu so why not treat Dad this father’s day to a slap up meal.

However you decide to spend your father’s day….let’s hope the sun shines and a good time is had by all.

Great Events Happening this Half Term

Well we promised you last week a fun packed half term so here are some of the great events happening in and around the New Forest over the Whitsun week.

Pulse Festival, Sunnyfields Farm, Totton

23^rd – 25^th May

Pulse Festival is a fantastic event happening over the Bank Holiday weekend, helping to raise money for Families of Ocean Ward and The Friends of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Southampton General Hospital.
The festival that has been an annual event for the last 4 years and is packed full of live music with 2 live music stages, great food including pop up restaurants, a children’s area and all round family friendly fun.  Day tickets, when bought in advance, are £25 and children under 12 go free.

Half Term Trail at Lepe Country Park

24^th May – 1^st June

Lepe Country Park has put together a fun trail fun for all the family. Just simply visit the park office when you arrive to collect your trail card, return with the correct answers and claim your prize! Children £2 each.

Truckmania! Beaulieu National Motor Museum

25^th & 26^th May

Calling all Truck lovers, this event is for you. Enjoy a spectacular display of trucks spanning a hundred years of trucking from the horse drawn carriage to the modern environmentally friendly lorry. Walk amongst the giant monster trucks and see the amazing performance of Bigfoot, The Monster Truck crushing cars. And for all you Transformers fans Optimus Prime Truck will be making an appearance. Buy your tickets in advance before 5pm on 24^th May and receive reduced admission prices including entry to all other attractions at Beaulieu. This is an event not to be missed!

The Great Fun Farm Forage, Longdown Activity Farm

26^th May – 30^th May

Keep the kids occupied this half term with a visit to Longdown Activity Farm. Longdown Activity Farm has a variety of activities happening every day including animal feeding, pony rides and trailer and tractor rides. Alongside all these wonderful activities there will be a separate quiz. All children who take part will be given a gift at the end of the forage for their super snooping!

Worried you’ve missed the boat for a break away this half term. Don’t despair, we still have properties available for the half term week; visit our website for our latest availability. 

Spring Bank Holiday - Have you booked your New Forest holiday yet?

Spring Bank Holiday week is nearly upon us and with the British weather behaving itself for a change we’re looking forward to a fun packed week!

With over 130 properties across the New Forest to choose from we are bound to have the ideal cottage for your half term getaway. We have selected a few New Forest cottages available this half term located in and around the New Forest National Park, allowing you to make the most of your New Forest holiday.

 

Oak Tree Cottage, Thorns Beach

This lovingly converted cosy cottage is full of rustic charm. The property boasts a wonderful mezzanine style bedroom and open plan living. Featuring a treehouse in the garden and just 5 minutes’ walk to a private beach this cottage makes a perfect family retreat.

Dodington Cottage

This beautifully presented cottage is an ideal hideaway for couples or small family holiday. Set in peaceful surroundings, the property lends itself as a perfect base to explore the nearby New Forest with excellent walking, cycling and horse riding.

Orchardside *Special Offer: £100 off weeks and £50 off short break bookings in May*

Get a feel for what life in the National Park is like in this tastefully decorated ground and first floor annexe. Sleeping 4 in total Orchardside is just 3 miles from Peppa Pig World. This property is ideally situated for exploring the New Forest National Park. Did we mention you could bring your horse too?

4 Bickton Mill

Looking for a large venue for a holiday family get together, look no further than 4 Bickton Mill. Surrounded by water, this stunning property set over four floors has beautiful views from every room and its dog friendly too! Sleeping 7 in total, 4 Bickton Mill offers versatile accommodation in an attractive setting.

Look out for our next blog where we will be discussing local events for the half term week.

Discover more about Nature at the New Forest Reptile Centre

We are very fortunate to have such a variety of wildlife here in the New Forest National Park and what better way to view some of our rarer species than at the New Forest Reptile Centre.

The New Forest Reptile Centre, situated 2 miles outside of Lyndhurst, is open daily 10am – 4.30pm from April – September and what’s more parking and entry is free!

Steal away a few hours on your New Forest holiday and visit this fantastic centre with display enclosures housing the only collection of native lizards, snakes, frogs and toads including Britain’s only venomous snake - the Adder.

Over the last few years, the Reptile Centre has successfully hosted the event ‘A Date with Nature in the New Forest’. Using the latest hi-tech gadgets visitors can view right into the tree-top nests of the New Forest’s wild birds of prey.

Currently nesting are a pair of Goshawks and later in the year nest cams will also be watching a pair of New Forest hobbies. Watch them as they breed, hatch eggs, feed chicks and learn how to fly. Staff and volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to answer any questions you may have on these fascinating creatures. The nest cams can be viewed online so you can keep tabs on their development from the comfort of your own home.

And that’s not all! Visit the centre on a Wild Wednesday during school holidays and enjoy reptile and bird quizzes, trails and activities packed full of fun and creativity inspired by New Forest Wildlife.

Visit the New Forest Reptile Centre for your memorable visit soon.