School’s out, and summer is now in full swing…so what is there to do to while away those long days of summer? In Hampshire and the New Forest National Park, there are plenty of attractions, events, and beautiful areas of glorious countryside and woodland to visit to keep everyone occupied.
If you are looking for free and fun days out where you can make your own adventures, The New Forest offers countless walks and places to picnic. The spectacular ancient woods were once a royal hunting ground for King William I in the 12th century AD, and the approximately 150 square miles of National Park is a sea of ever changing colours, a haven of diverse plant and animal life, boasts a variety of terrains, and is currently filled with free roaming ponies, cattle, donkeys, and deer.*
The Hale Purlieu figure of eight walk is favourite of many locals, and an excellent place to enjoy a combination of far reaching views, mist covered valleys, wooded areas, and plenty of ponies. The National Trust says: “A figure of eight walk through Hale Purlieu, crossing streams and
taking in great views across the common’s valleys and mires. Look out for butterflies and dragonflies as you explore. Stonechats and Dartford warblers can also be seen flying between the gorse bushes.” Visit the National Trust’s website for more information.
If you’re looking for more cerebral (but still totally fun) activities why not pay a visit to The Arc in Winchester where their Summer programme of events includes making giant eco-bubble wands, racing pro-paper aeroplanes, and making your own bouncy ball in a “sport meets science” event. You could also visit the fascinating immersive 1940’s townscape at Milestone’s Museum in Basingstoke and
“experience the sights, sounds and smells of the past and meet the people who call our streets home!”. However you choose to spend you Summer, we hope you have fun, and we hope to see you at the
Gallery or visit us at one of our Summer
shows.
*Please remember not to feed or pet the animals living on the forest. As the Forestry Commission England say “There is plenty of natural food and it’s important they don’t come to rely on handouts from people. Animals may look friendly but can bite or kick, especially if with their young.”
REFERENCES
https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/things-do-hampshire?gclid=CjwKCAjwkLCkBhA9EiwAka9QRnL68t-Zz3dmnW3UoU6uJYnC5fOMMYxhTOiAZqaMdRU6iAkf02bTVRoCiiUQAvD_BwE
https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/sport-meets-science-create-your-own-bouncy-ball
https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/event/villafest
https://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/
https://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk/event/summer-fun-milestones
https://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/conservation/supporting-commoning/stopping-petting-animals/#:~:text=Feeding%20ponies%20causes%20serious%20issues,keep%20their%20picnics%20to%20themselves.
https://www.newforestwaterpark.co.uk/
https://ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/southampton/
