How to make the best of a rainy day in the New Forest
You can’t stop the rain so, embrace it. Here are our top 5 favourite things to do on a rainy day in the New Forest.
It’s a special thing to find an escape; somewhere where you can reset and relax, no matter what the weather’s doing. The New Forest is one of those places, and as much as we love the New Forest in the summer sunshine, it is a beautiful place all year round. Each season gives you a different view, so don’t let the rain ruin a visit if the weather does change… Here are our favourite things to do on a rainy day in the New Forest National Park.
Hunt for treasures
Rain has never stopped a shopper. Just 5 miles from Careys Manor on the southern edge of the New Forest, you’ll find the market town of Lymington. With a host of independent shops, designer boutiques and cafes, you can spend a rainy afternoon meandering down the high street finding hidden treasures, but don’t forget to stop and refuel with coffee and cake.
If that’s not enough, head to one of the many nearby towns; Burley, Lyndhurst and Beaulieu are just a few of the quintessential English villages you can find on our doorstep for even more coffee and cake, shopping, and much meandering.
Ignore the rain and go out anyway
The only thing to do when the clouds roll in is to embrace our ever-changing British weather. We say don the wellies, grab a brollie and head out to the forest rain or shine. Enjoy the pitter-patter of the raindrops on the leaves, walk through the puddles and enjoy a good stomp. The best part is knowing you can head back to the hotel afterwards and warm up with a cup of tea in your room, or perhaps head to one of our three onsite restaurants for a spot of lunch.
Head to a museum
It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering around the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Home to a collection of more than 280 cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia. The wonderful range of exhibitions really do appeal to everyone, featuring historical examples of pioneering motoring, sporting favourites such as legendary F1 cars and even iconic vehicles from TV and film. See Arthur Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia, Mr Bean’s Mini and Del Boy’s Reliant Regal or even Wallace and Gromit’s life size Anti-Pesto Van.
Swap the motors for maritime at Buckler’s Hard, also in Beulieu, this picturesque 18th century shipbuilding village that lies next to the Beaulieu River saw the construction of vessels for Nelson’s fleet. Visit the maritime museum and top up your maritime history, step into the shipwright’s cottage to travel back in time, then sit and enjoy a cup of tea in the café.
Embrace deep relaxation
If warmth and relaxation sounds far better than anything else, and going out in the rain doesn’t appeal, then we recommend getting wet in a different way and heading to our Spa, SenSpa. It really does feel like a sanctuary in the middle of a forest, and time spent there has a special way of unwrapping the tension that life gathers. With warming spaces for you to relax in, and treatments to replenish the mind and body, you can return home refreshed.
Don’t go anywhere
Sometimes a rainy day is just what you need. So, if the rain is telling you to just slow down and relax, then give yourself a day off. At Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa we have just the place… Bring a book down to the lounge or pick up a newspaper, get settled and enjoy time relaxing. We can bring you a pot of tea if you like. Better yet, we recommend a traditional Afternoon Tea if scones, cakes, and finger sandwiches sound good to you? You’re on holiday after all…
View our seasonal new forest breaks and start planning your midweek break or weekend away to Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa.
