Accessible events based around the New Forest

What’s On in the New Forest?

Accessible events and seasonal highlights in the New Forest

Guests often ask us about the best time of year to visit the New Forest and stay in our accessible holiday cottages. The truth is, it’s hard to choose because this beautiful region has something to offer in every season. Below, we’ve highlighted what makes each season special, along with annual events you might like to include in your plans. Be sure to follow our Facebook page for updates and reminders.

As a photographer and lifelong New Forest resident, it’s impossible for me to pick just one season. Each offers different ways to explore the forest and coast, so here’s a glimpse of what makes every season special.

Winter

Lymington rarely experiences snow, but when it does, the forest is breathtaking, even if only briefly. Frosty mornings can feel magical with crisp ground underfoot, glistening spider webs, and winter sunshine. With bare trees, it’s often easier to spot wildlife grazing in their winter coats.

Enjoy a peaceful coffee overlooking the sea, watch waves crash ashore, or warm up in one of the many New Forest pubs with a roaring fire. Winter carnivals, festive light displays, and the forest’s quieter beauty make this a lovely season to visit.

Spring

As the forest wakes, vibrant yellow gorse and countless shades of green brighten the landscape. Bluebells carpet the woodland, followed by foxgloves. Exbury Gardens reopens, and it’s a wonderful time to spot foals, baby donkeys, and fawns. For something a little different, visit Bolderwood to watch Forestry England rangers feeding the deer.

Summer

By late August, the heather transforms the forest into a sea of purple. Summer brings events across the region, including village fêtes, county shows, and free fireworks. Watch boats on the Solent, picnic under shady trees, or choose quieter spots where wildlife thrives. Foals and fawns play in the sunshine, and it’s a brilliant family season.

Autumn

Autumn is a feast for the senses with crunchy leaves underfoot, vivid shades of orange and gold, and a wealth of fungi. This is the season of Pannage, when pigs roam freely, eating acorns to help protect the ponies. Deer rutting season adds drama too, with stags clashing antlers in the forest’s glow.

When should you visit?

We recommend visiting in every season. Each offers something special. Start planning your accessible New Forest break now, and feel free to reach out. We’re happy to suggest quieter spots and hidden gems for your stay.

Annual events in and around the New Forest

Here are some of the annual events you can enjoy when staying in our accessible cottages. Dates vary, so always check the organiser’s website before attending.

• January: a quieter month, perfect for winter walks and pub fires.
• February:
  • Festival of Light at West Quay, Southampton – immersive and interactive displays by the Old City Walls.
• March:
  • Exbury Gardens reopens for the season, with early spring blooms at their best.
  • New Forest Marque - Spring Roadshow - a free weekend highlighting produce which has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, produced or processed within the New Forest.
• May:
  • Traditional May Fayres with dancing around the Maypole on village greens.
  • Brockstock – a family-friendly mini festival with live music and local beers. The weekend before usually features BrockFest.
  • Dogstival - A New Forest dog festival.
• June:
  • Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival – a two-day celebration of food, art and chef demonstrations.
• July:
  • Winchester Hat Fair – the UK’s longest-running outdoor arts festival, free to attend.
  • Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show – Hampshire’s largest steam rally, with traction engines and arena entertainment.
  • Lymington Seafood Festival – artisan food, drink and entertainment on the river.
  • Milford Music Festival – live music around the village green.
  • New Forest Show – a three-day agricultural show with family fun, competitions and displays.
  • New Forest Folk Festival – a small, family-run music festival at Plaitford near Romsey.
• August:
  • Portsmouth Kite Festival – displays along the seafront.
  • New Forest Food Festival – showcasing the best local food, drink and crafts.
  • Bournemouth Friday Fireworks – free displays every Friday night in August at Bournemouth Pier.
  • Exbury Music Festival – evening concerts outdoors in beautiful gardens.
• September:
  • Highcliffe Castle Swing Unlimited and Vintage Cars – classic cars and live music on the castle lawns.
  • Romsey Show – a country show with livestock, displays, and countryside fun.
  • Southampton Boat Show – a world-class boating event.
  • Ringwood Carnival – two colourful processions, one illuminated.
• October:
  • New Forest Cider Steam Pressing – cider making the traditional way with vintage presses.
  • Beaulieu Fireworks – one of the South’s largest displays.
  • New Forest Marque - Autumn Roadshow - a free weekend highlighting produce which has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, produced or processed within the New Forest.
• November:
  • Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland – a festive light trail continuing into December.
  • New Forest Eats and Treats - A great festive event with lots of New Forest treats
• December:
  • New Forest Christmas Fair – handmade crafts and gifts.
  • Portsmouth Dockyard Victorian Christmas Festival – step back in time with festive cheer.
  • Lymington Santa Dash – the high street fills with Santas raising funds for Oakhaven Hospice.

If you host an annual event in the New Forest or nearby, and it’s accessible, we’d love to share it. Please email details to enquiries@ourbench.co.uk. Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the New Forest accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. Many trails, attractions and visitor centres offer step-free access, accessible paths and good facilities.

Do you update the What’s On page regularly?

Yes. We keep this page refreshed with seasonal highlights, local events and accessible activities and post more on our facebook page.

Are there accessible attractions close to Our Bench?

Yes. There are several nearby, including coastal paths, gardens, museums and wildlife areas with good accessibility.

Can you recommend activities based on our needs?

Of course. We are always happy to suggest suitable days out based on mobility, sensory needs or personal interests.