Fruits of the Forest

Pinpoints where is best for family fun during a week’s stay in the New Forest

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The UK has many scenic places but the New Forest is a strong contender for the sash in any British beauty contest. Miles of wilderness, ponies grazing on the roadside, gorgeous villages and grand old estates make it a real national treasure.

A holiday here is also the perfect blend of countryside and seaside, with resorts such as Lymington and Milford on Sea perched close to the southern fringe of the woodland.

If you’re holidaying with kids there are numerous day trips to keep them entertained.

My family and I travelled to the New Forest during the summer holidays, when the entire week was bathed in sunshine, yet we still found the attractions pleasantly relaxed and not over-stuffed. This is paradise for petrolheads, and is packed with dads and sons slavering in unison over everything from F1 cars and Top Gear memorabilia to the legendary Bluebird land speed record breaker. There are 250 vehicles to see, but it’s not just one for the boys – our daughter loved the Harry Potter Flying Ford Anglia and the monorail tour around the grounds. That ride took us to Palace House which has been the home of the Montagu family since the 16th century. With guides in full Victorian servant costumes, it’s a fun, interactive peek into living like a lord.

beaulieu.co.uk (advance tickets: adult £19.50, kids £9.50, family £49)