Rich in beautiful landscapes with lots of things to do for all ages, the New Forest is perfect for visitors looking to make the most of the great outdoors and we have an enchanting range of New Forest holiday cottages in this scenic region. Whatever the season you decide to visit, it is abundant in activities, festivals and events ideal for fun days out and getting a real taste of this national park.
From the pretty town of Brockenhurst to the port town of Lymington, there are plenty of lovely towns and villages where you can stay while visiting exciting New Forest events.
Take a look at some of the upcoming events and festivals throughout the year to give you a flavour of New Forest adventure or browse our cottages for some holiday inspiration.
New Forest cottages
Read through our list of events to find out what’s on in the New Forest during 2023 and attend a fun festival or day out during your cottage holiday.
Skip to the month of your visit:
January
Gosport And Fareham Inshore Rescue Service New Year's Dip
Date: 1st January
The annual Gosport New Year's Dip has returned to full form after a few years' break during Covid with upwards of 400 people taking part! Pull on your best fancy dress costume and go racing into the chilly waters of the Solent to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
February
Half-term Crafts at the New Forest Heritage Centre
Dates: 13th - 15th February
There's a lovely choice of delightful workshops taking place at the New Forest Heritage Centre to give the little ones a fun and crafty half-term in 2023! They can either paint a piggy bank or make a clay creature - ensure you book a spot!
March
Lymington Craft and Gift Market
Dates: 11th March, 15th April, 20th May, 17th June, 22nd July, 25th August, 26th August, 9th September, 21st October, 11th November, 16th December
The Lymington Craft and Gift Market runs across many months all the way through to December but it begins in March: a great time to pick up presents and home decor before the summer crowds arrive!
April
Canoe Easter Egg Hunt with New Forest Activities
Dates: 1st - 10th April
For an easter egg hunt with a difference, treat the family to a paddle on the Beaulieu River in Canadian-style canoes. The guides will take you to a special spot to disembark and go hunting for chocolate eggs hidden along the riverbank - this Canoe Easter Egg Hunt is a very special and unforgettable way to spend Easter!
BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair
Dates: 28th - 30th April
Of all the brilliant events in the New Forest to discover, this is a real calendar highlight. Explore Beaulieu's stunning grounds and gardens alongside attending this fantastic fair which brings together plant enthusiasts from all over the UK and the world. People travel a long way to see the beautiful borders, listen to talks and get expert advice, and shop their way around the wonderful BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair.
May
Burley Food and Drink Festival
Dates: TBC - usually the last weekend in May
While it's only been running for a couple of years, Burley Food and Drink Festival is making its mark with foodies and its popularity is quickly growing! Head to this lovely New Forest festival to sample delicious local produce, artisan dishes and drink, and listen to live music too.
June
Dogstival
Dates: 3rd - 4th June
One for the dog-mad amongst us! Dogstival is a great place for a big day out with the family pet - with a host of incredible canines to see and dog shows to watch, you'll be well entertained at this dog-centric event in the New Forest. There are activities for your dog to get involved in, the opportunity for your pup to have a health and fitness check while here, and a big dog quiz to join too!
July
New Forest Folk Festival
Dates: 5th - 9th July
Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy the delights of the New Forest. To complement your stay with great music and delicious local foods, why not visit the New Forest Folk Festival for some traditional family fun? There’s certainly tons of lively entertainment and, if you fancy learning a thing or two, try your hand at the variety of workshops available including songwriting, ukulele lessons and Morris dancing.
Fordingbridge Summer Festival
Date: TBC
The New Forest comes alive during the warmer months and a fabulous event to enjoy in the holiday season is the Fordingbridge Summer Festival. This one-day, family-friendly event offers a lively celebration with plenty of stands to peruse, foods to sample and activities to get involved in. There’s lots of fun to be had for all ages including the popular rubber duck race.
New Forest and Hampshire County Show
Dates: 25th - 27th July
The heart of the national park sees the return of the region’s annual agricultural event, The New Forest and Hampshire County Show. This three-day spectacular offers an incredible day out for the family showcasing the region’s rural and agricultural excellence from scrumptious local produce to displays in the main arena.
August
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
Dates: 5th - 6th August
If you love admiring prestigious supercars, then a visit to Beaulieu Motor Museum for its Supercar Weekend is a must. It certainly sets tongues wagging with plenty of impressive engineering examples, and the whole family are sure to enjoy this superb day out with a museum ticket included.
New Forest Fairy Festival
Dates: 12th - 13th August
This unique and enchanting celebration of the New Forest fairies offers a family-friendly event nestled in the beautiful setting of Burley. Sport your finest fairy or elf costumes and discover a magical world of nature with entertainment, music, a dance area and plenty of delicious food and drink to sample at the New Forest Fairy Festival.
Ellingham Show
Date: 12th August
This is a traditional county show that's been running since 1947 and has grown to include fantastic attractions including a wealth of wonderful animals, entertainment, shopping and lots of lovely food and drink too! The Ellingham Show is put together by the Ellingham and Ringwood Agricultural Society and takes place in Somerley Park in Ringwood.
September
Pannage
Date: 19th September - and lasts for a minimum of 60 days
Pannage is an ancient tradition that sees farmers releasing pigs to eat up the acorns, beechmast, chestnuts and other nuts that fall during autumn - green acorns in particular can be poisonous to the ponies and cattle that roam the landscape. This practice is also known as the ‘common of mast’ and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror. Head out on long walks through the New Forest to spot pigs foraging beneath the trees during Pannage season - discover some of the other animals you can spot in our guide to New Forest wildlife.
October
New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival
Dates: TBC - usually takes place over a couple of weeks in October
The New Forest Walking and Cycling Festival is a perfect chance to get out in the fresh air and soak in the natural world all around us. Enjoy a choice of unique expert-led guided walking tours that include fungi spotting, bird watching and history talks, or pick from guided cycle rides that are beginner friendly.
November
Ringwood Grand Fireworks
Date: 5th November
You are in for a treat as Ringwood Town Council holds its annual Grand Fireworks spectacular on Carvers Recreation Ground, creating an impressive and magical show in the night sky! There’ll be a show-stopping display as well as live music, fairground rides and food to indulge in.
Ringwood Winter Wanderland
Date: TBC - usually the last weekend in November
The Ringwood Winter Wanderland has two Santa parades, a fairground, live performances, The Polar Express miniature railway and a light switch-on with Santa to look forward to - just the way to get into the festive spirit!
December
Lymington Christmas Market
Date: TBC
Escape to this magical Lymington Christmas Market where kids can meet Santa, festive music plays throughout the halls and plenty of hot and cold food and drink will be on offer to keep everybody fuelled as they shop for Christmas gifts!
Holidays to the New Forest
There's a fantastic choice of events in the New Forest taking place throughout the year - with options for kids, couples and big groups so you're sure to be well entertained on your trip! Begin planning your next getaway to this wonderful national park with a look throughout our New Forest holiday cottages.
New Forest cottages