What’s On: Summer 2025 In The New Forest
Now is the time to start planning your summer weekend breaks before the days and weeks slip by and you’ve not made time for any of the fun stuff. Book a New Forest weekend break for two and head to the Food Festival you’ve been meaning to go to, plan a midweek break and get tickets for the New Forest County Show you’ve heard so much about and get involved in the Big Careys Cook Off at Lymington Seafood Festival. Take a look at what’s on in the New Forest this summer and make the most of every weekend. Look ahead, book time off and make the fun stuff happen…
Here are just a few highlights of what’s on this summer in the New Forest National Park…
What’s on all summer long…
Summer Drinks & Dining – April – September
The Neigh Bar is open! After a day of exploring the New Forest National Park, sit out, relax and soak up the glorious sunshine; sip an ice-cold Aperol Spritz and dine al fresco – you’re on a summer break after all. Gather friends and family, make it lunch on the lawn, opt for some small sharing plates and light bites before or after a woodland walk.
Happy Hour is Coming to The Neigh Bar!
Starting Thursday 19th June, we’re serving up relaxed, sun-soaked evenings every Thursday from 5–7pm (weather permitting). Think sharing plates, pitchers, and good company – all for just £50 for two.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway
Not only is Exbury a wonderful local attraction just 23-minutes away, there are fantastic events happening all summer long, from art exhibitions and workshops to nature and wildlife talks, garden tours to pottery pop-ups.
Book your New Forest break and plan some fascinating events, the hotel will be your base in the heart of the National Park.
What’s on in June 2025
Father’s Day Lunch | Sunday 15th June
This Father’s Day show dad what he means to you; sit down in your very own slice of Paris at our hotel restaurant Le Blaireau and unwind in traditional Parisian surroundings while savouring our à la carte menu.
What’s on in July 2025
Lymington Seafood Festival | 11th – 13th July
If you’re looking for something fun and full of flavour during your summer weekend break, pop the Lymington Seafood Festival in your calendar. Just 13-minutes away, it’s a foodie favourite in the New Forest amongst locals and visitors, and this year it’s going to be extra special.
Two of Carey’s Manor’s incredible chefs will be showing off their skills with demos; Dylan James, Head Chef at Cambium, will be cooking up something delicious on Saturday, and Songkiat Surin, Head Chef at the Zen Garden, will be taking over on Sunday.
But that’s not all…
The Big Careys Cook Off – 12th July
To celebrate 10 years of Cambium, our Hampshire hotel has teamed up with the Lymington Seafood Festival to launch the debut ‘Big Careys Cook Off’.
We’re in search of the New Forest’s most talented amateur chef. This is your chance to step into the spotlight and become the very first Big Careys Cook Off Champion! Showcase your culinary flair and compete for the crown in a celebration of local flavours and creative cooking.
The winner will not only earn the title and bragging rights, but they’ll take home a prize bundle worth over £400!
The prizes:
- Six Course Experience Dinner for two at Cambium
- Flint & Flame Pro Series Chef’s Knife
- A bottle of Hattingley Valley Classic Cuvee
- The Careys Cook Off Trophy
Wedding Open Day | 13th July
Imagine your dream wedding day at our beautiful manor house wedding venue… On Sunday 13th July we will be opening our doors so you may wander, plan and sip Prosecco with the expertise and advice of our experienced wedding coordinators Françoise Gysemans and her team of wedding experts.
No appointment is necessary, simply drop by between 12 pm and 4 pm for a glass of prosecco, to meet our wedding coordinators and find out more about their hand-picked selection of wedding suppliers. They will also be available to answer all your questions and help you to bring that Pinterest board to life!
New Forest & Hampshire County Show | 29th – 31st July 2025
If wholesome traditional agricultural shows are your bag, you don’t want to miss the 2025 New Forest & Hampshire County Show. Just a 4-minute drive from our New Forest hotel, it’s one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, and it’s going to be jam-packed with everything you could possibly want – from equine events, cattle on show and more than 30 sheep breeds for 160 classes, to a famous dog show, fly fishing demos and more… Plus live music, local food and drinks, craft stalls, and entertainment for three days straight! Don’t miss a special cooking demonstration by Cambium Head Chef Dylan James on 31st July at 1pm – a perfect chance to see his culinary creativity in action.
What’s on in August 2025
New Forest Food Festival | 16th – 17th August 2025
Another fantastic festival, and just 16 minutes from our Hampshire hotel, the New Forest Food Festival is a celebration of flavour with all kinds of food and drink pop-ups; showcasing everything from Tex-Mex to fresh seafood and craft beer, artisan markets from local and regional producers so you can find gifts and take-home delicious finds; speciality cheeses, jam, gins and chocolates. Discover the craft market where passionate creators from all over the UK share their skills and sell their wares.
Then sit down to a line-up of unforgettable live music from local musicians on the main stage.
There’s nothing better than finding your kind of summer events, and having great weekend breaks and midweek breaks to look forward throughout the season. And you can rest assured that you’ll have a most comfortable, home from home in the heart of the forest as your base. Somewhere to collapse and rest tired feet after days of wandering, exploring and dancing. This may be a good time to mention our in-house luxury Thai spa, SenSpa, awaiting with revitalising hydrotherapy facilities and a sensational Oriental Foot Massage…
We look forward to seeing soon!
Photography credits:
