Local Days Out For Families
4th Oct 2023
A family friendly break ought to have something for everyone…
At our New Forest country house hotel, whilst adults tend to lean towards a love of our stunning location, delicious dining (with wine pairing should you wish) and our beautiful bedrooms and suites, children look forward to great New Forest adventures, nature trails and local family attractions. And, after a day out in our National Park, everyone is ready to rest and relax, contented by the day’s activities.
It's wonderful to share experiences and special moments, even a short weekend break in the countryside can be just the thing you and your family needs to reconnect and relax. Capture the fun and treasure unforgettable experiences.
And, when you book your family friendly hotel break with us this season, kids stay free! Even more reason to book now and plan your New Forest family break with some fun local days out…
Paultons Park | https://paultonspark.co.uk/
A classic family friendly attraction and firm favourite, Paultons Park in Hampshire opened in 1983 and is one of the UK’s top family theme parks. Set in 140 acres, it boasts more than 70 rides and attractions, from thrilling coasters to fun ‘driving school’ experiences.
As well as rides, families can enjoy seeing the array of animals and birdlife in areas such as ‘Little Africa’ with turacos and guineafowl and owls in the ‘Birds of Prey’ area. At Paultons Park, there are also beautiful gardens to explore, from the Lake & Weir and Rockery to the Trekking Tractor Garden and Snakes and Ladders Garden featuring a cobra made from 5000 Sedums.
Exbury Gardens | https://www.exbury.co.uk/
For our green-fingered families and keen outdoor explorers, Exbury’s collection of woodland, wildflower, formal and herbaceous gardens hold the key to a great local day out. Throughout the gardens at Exbury there’s more than 22 miles of pathway which means endless family wandering (or as far as little legs will take you).
There’s even a narrow-gauge steam railway that follows the Rhododendron Line along 1 ½ miles of track, inviting the whole family for a trip from Exbury Central station, through the tunnel to Summer Lane Garden, past Rock Garden and to Exbury North to refuel before heading back around Dragonfly Pond. When it’s time for the family to refuel, stop by Exbury’s café or restaurant and then continue the fun!
National Motor Museum Beaulieu | https://www.beaulieu.co.uk/attractions/national-motor-museum/
If you’re looking for a local day out for the family in and around our New Forest hotel, you really don’t even have to travel out of the village of Beaulieu. Our closest attraction, National Motor Museum Beaulieu, truly has something for everyone.
From the museum itself, with more than 285 vehicles on show, take in the history of motoring with the most fascinating displays, showcasing pioneers to motoring legends, speed record-breakers and famous racing cars; discover the ‘World of Top Gear’ exhibit as well as ‘phantasmagorical experiences’ where you can get up close to some of film and TV’s most iconic vehicles.
If motoring isn’t your family’s idea of fun however, your attraction ticket includes entry to the historic and beautiful Palace House, grounds and gardens and the medieval Beaulieu Abbey. Or head to Little Beaulieu if the children need to expend some excess energy; an adventure area designed just for children to run free and play with secret passages, a treetop boardwalk, and a zip wire. At Beaulieu you are sure to find something to inspire and excite every member of the family.
Lepe Country Park
Roam free and walk the tranquil trails of Lepe Country Park and the shores of the Solent at this beautiful family friendly location just a 15-minute drive from our Hampshire hotel.
Enjoy the best of coast and country on a family day out by the sea. Spot birds and wildlife as you wander along the pine-fringed cliffs and long stretch of shingle beach. Watch kite surfers and boats, play games on the beach, walk the Lepe Loop, a waymarked circular 5-mile trail, or meander through the Nature Reserve along the boardwalk, where you can spot dragonflies and damselflies, an array of bird species.
Cycle the New Forest | https://www.newforestbikes.co.uk/
For intrepid explorers hop on a bike and head into our ancient woodland for a day of adventure. Bike rental is available from New Forest Bikes with family friendly routes to suit all ages and abilities. Bike hire includes helmets, backpack, pump, lock, and toolkit so you can rest assured the whole family will be safe and sound cycling our New Forest trails, including a lock in case a café stop calls! Cycle along the coast, under forest canopy or along miles of gravel track and be sure to count the ponies and donkeys as you pedal.
What could be more fun than a family friendly break interspersed with action-packed local attractions?! So, this season, plan a wholesome family getaway where you can put down your phones, close the laptops and get out, discover, play, and make memories. When you return to our country house hotel, you can rest and relax, then get warm, dry, and dressed for a delicious dinner in our Terrace Restaurant or Monty’s Inn and spend the evening relaxing together – we already know you’ll all sleep soundly!
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