Accessible Events and Seasonal Highlights in the New Forest
What’s On in the New Forest?
Explore the New Forest Throughout the Year – 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—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.
Our Favourite Time of Year – As a photographer and lifelong New Forest resident, it’s impossible for me to pick just one season. Each offers unique opportunities to explore the forest and coast, so here’s a glimpse of what makes every season magical:
Winter
Lymington rarely experiences snow, but when it does, the forest is breathtaking, even if only briefly. Frosty mornings create a wonderland: crisp ground underfoot, glistening spider webs, and golden sunshine. With bare trees, it’s 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 quiet beauty make this a wonderful 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 the perfect time to spot foals, baby donkeys, and fawns. For something unique, 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 galore: village fêtes, county shows, and free fireworks. Watch boats on the Solent, picnic under shady trees, or enjoy quieter spots where wildlife thrives. Foals and fawns play in the warm sunshine—it’s an ideal family season.
Autumn
Autumn is a feast for the senses: 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 protect the ponies. Deer rutting season adds drama, with stags clashing antlers in the forest’s glow.
When Should You Visit?
We recommend visiting in every season! Each offers something magical. Start planning your accessible New Forest break now, and feel free to reach out—we’re happy to suggest 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 – stunning immersive and interactive displays by the Old City Walls.
- March
- Exbury Gardens reopens for the season, with early spring blooms at their best.
- 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.
- 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 & Craft Show – Hampshire’s largest steam rally, with traction engines and arena entertainment.
- Lymington Seafood Festival – three days of 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 – spectacular 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.
- November
- Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland – a festive light trail continuing into December.
- December
- New Forest Christmas Fair – two days of 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!
