What’s On: Spring In The New Forest 2025
Spring is the season of rebirth and discovery. Our ancient woodland bursts back into life, the foals play, the daffodils blossom and the ferns unfurl, making it the perfect time to get excited about a spring New Forest break.
From events at our country hotel to National Trust properties to visit, festivals and food markets in neighbouring towns and family-friendly adventures. There’s a whole national park to explore, and endless escapades and unmissable spring activities to discover in and around the New Forest, so book your weekend away or a short midweek getaway today so you can start planning.
What’s On… Around the New Forest
The New Forest Awakening Festival
Take part of this now annual Festival which runs through the month of March. Attend a series of events, talks and workshops raising awareness and understanding about how the climate crisis is affecting the area, discover why the New Forest is so special and what people are doing to protect it, and how everyone, locals and visitors alike, can continue to help.
From walking trails and guided paddles to arts and crafts, all dedicated to the beauty of the New Forest National Park
Visit the gardens of Exbury
Spring at Exbury is something to behold; as the sun shines a little brighter, the daffodil meadow bursts into life, the rhododendrons blossom and the Camellia walks are transformed.
Plan a visit to Exbury during your weekend getaway and witness the budding bluebells, primroses, and wildflowers return to full colour, enticing bumble bees, butterflies and insects.
As a proud partner of the Royal Horticultural Society RHS members can enjoy the gardens for free throughout the months of March, June and September.
Visit Hampshire’s National Trust sites
Hampshire boasts some beautiful National Trust sites with grounds and gardens that will be truly unforgettable in the spring, including Mottisfont, The Vyne and Hinton Ampner.
Make time to explore elegant country manor houses, historical landmarks, protected coastal and countryside landscapes, and beautiful ancient treasures during your Hampshire hotel break
Boldrewood Deer Sanctuary
During your spring New Forest break make your way to the heart of the New Forest and watch wild deer from the tiered viewing platform at Boldrewood Deer Sanctuary. With clearly marked short walking trails in and around the sanctuary, this spring, slow down, see more and surround yourself in nature.
For the best opportunity to view the deer, visit between midday and 3pm when they’re usually fed by local New Forest rangers. Take to the yellow route on the Deer Watch Trail – approximately 0.5 miles to the viewing platform. The green route, the Jubilee Grove Trail, is 1-mile long and starts from Bolderwood car park, winding past the deer fields and through tranquil wooded areas including some of our ancient woodland’s oldest trees. Or take to the red route – the Radnor Trail, a 2-mile path past pollarded beech trees and Bratley Water.
Lymington
Our New Forest National Park boasts beautiful coast and countryside; when you visit our hotel get out and explore the bustling picturesque harbour town of Lymington.
Every Saturday you can wander around its market, established during the 13th-century, and its 90 stalls selling everything from arts and crafts to artisan and locally made products. (The market is usually open 8am-3.30pm.)
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Visit the renowned museum and be some of the first to see their all-new attractions and displays, opening for the Easter holidays. From the 5th April, the museum’s new nostaligic display, We Had One Of Those, will be open for all. Step back in time and conjure motoring memories with ‘iconic vehicles from the 1960s through to the 2000s and beyond’. From a 60s VW Beetle to a 90s Ford Fiesta.
For those looking forward to exploring Palace House, now you can see even more as you step into newly redecorated private bedrooms, open to the public for the first time.
Moors Valley Country Park
There’s something for everyone to enjoy at this location, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or an adrenaline rush. For thrill-seekers, the Go Ape high ropes course offers an exciting challenge with treetop obstacles and ziplines. It’s the perfect way to push your limits and experience the great outdoors from a whole new perspective.
What’s On… At Careys Manor Hotel
Sen Sound Sessions
Immersive monthly relaxation journeys that relate to each full moon. ‘Playing music under water gives sound a profound and unique quality for a more sensory auditory experience during your session.’
Wednesday 23rd April 2025 – Relax & Revitalise with the Pink Moon
Mother’s Day Lunch at Le Blaireau – Sunday 30th March
Whisk the mum in your life away for the day; book a table at our French bistro Le Blaireau for unforgettable flavours in traditional Parisian surroundings, all the while enjoying our specially created ‘Fête des Mères’ menu.
Easter Afternoon Tea – Sunday 20th April
Gather friends and family together to celebrate spring with an indulgent chocolatey Easter afternoon tea in the heart of the New Forest.
Easter Sunday Lunch at Le Blaireau – Sunday 20th April
Get together and enjoy a little slice of Paris this Easter Sunday with a specially created menu just perfect for the occasion.
Wedding Open Day – Sunday 27th April 2025
Searching for the perfect New Forest wedding venue? Join us for a glass of prosecco, and start planning your big day.
There’s so much to see and do in and around the New Forest in spring. Longer, brighter days lend themselves to big hikes, romantic sunset strolls and woodland walks, or whole days out for families looking for the taste of adventure and new experiences.
We are lucky enough to have coast and countryside on our doorstep; idyllic local towns and villages to explore, beautiful National Trust sites to visit and miles of forest trail and track to offer escape and an abundance of nature for those looking to step out of city life, even for just a weekend.
