New Forest and Hampshire

The Limewood Spa - If you're looking for some well deserved me-time after a day out exploring and exercising, then look no further. The Limewood offers a spa experience like no other. Soak away your troubles as you settled into their serene pools, detox in the forest sauna and watch as the sun goes down during your stretch session in the roof top gym. Float home after a relaxing trip with Quince.

New Forest Cycle Hire, Burley - With cycle hire for all ages and abilities, New Forest Cycling is set within the picturesque village of Burley where you venture along the famous Old Railway, explore the deer sanctuary and enjoy your surroundings of forest and woodland. With the choice of nine cycle routes, pick and choose or mix and match your challenge.

The Lymington Sea Water Baths - A wonderful day out for all of the family, the Lymington Sea Water Baths are open throughout the summer months from May until September. With the ability to book a 1 hour swimming session, 2 hours on a paddle board, or time on the inflatables, enjoy the fresh sea water, flexible to your schedule.

Westquay, Southampton - Browse for hours as you peak the latest fashion trends at this hub of retail. Heading out for a special supper or just because, there is always a reason to treat yourself. Westquay in Southampton is a paradise for shopaholics alike, with variety to keep everyone interested. Let your children explore the Lego shop while you sneak into The White Company to treat yourself to a new candle scent.

The New Forest National Park - The park is a magical spot of nature in the heart of Hampshire. You can explore the park and its wonderful wildlife completely free of charge. Enjoy the chirp of birds harmonising with the snort of wild pigs and horses. Take a romantic stroll through this historic landscape but be sure to keep your dogs on a short lead!

Lymington - If you're looking to venture around and see what the local towns have to offer, Lymington is where you should start. With a weekly Saturday market, Lymington is warmed with over 100 stalls filled with fresh fruit, vegetables, local produce, gifts, homeware and jewellery. Through the week you can enjoy the faithful high street staples mixed with wonderful boutiques and gift shops.

The Eling Tide Mill - A fantastic way to learn some local history while taking part in some educational, interactive activities, The Eling Tide Mill will teach your little ones where you can mill flour, why we mill flour, and of course the many uses of flour throughout history. Flour power!

The Blackwater Arboretum - Trek the Tall Trees Trail through the protected forest of The Blackwater Arboretum. Complete this 1.5 mile loop with your children and watch as they gaze in awe at the surrounding trees from many different countries. Make sure your little ones have enough energy, this is not a pushchair friendly walk.

Calshot Activities Centre - If it is a rainy afternoon and you’ve been through all of the board games, we’ve got something for you. The Calshot Activities Centre provides indoor services such as the oldest indoor velodrome in Britain, a climbing wall and a dry ski slope. Perfect to get a big group of friends together for a ski trip, without the long coach journeys.

The Moors Valley Country Park - From Hawk Walks and Laser Tag to Golf and Fishing, there is something for every age and ability. The Moors Valley Country Park lets everyone’s inner child come out to play. The play areas are a great way to tucker out your energy filled children with even Go Ape offering three Tree Top courses, Forest Segways and a Net Adventure.

The New Forest Water Park, Fordingbridge - With kayaking, paddle boarding and even an inflatable assault course across the water, The New Forest Water Park is a fun-filled day out for your thrill seeking group. Why don’t you explore the tranquil lake while the children race around the obstacles of ‘Neptune’ and ‘Poseidon’.

Ding Dong! The Bell Inn is a wonderfully traditional New Forest pub, from small bites to much bigger plates, you will never leave with your tummy rumbling. With offerings throughout the week, you can enjoy meat-free Mondays, fish and fizz Fridays and Steak and Wine Wednesdays. Take your pick!

Sharing is caring. Ideal for platters of charcuterie and cheese, and even a cheesecake board, take your date night to Renoufs in Lyndhurst. With a wine list showcasing over 200 wines from around the world, enjoy everything from pudding wine to bubbles on the carefully curated offering.

Fancy a game? The Huntsman in Brockenhurst is a wonderful pub that celebrates true wholesome cuisine. With the choice of small plates, steaks and hand-stretched pizzas, there is something for every appetite (we recommend the Cheese & Bacon Burger!). Downstairs there is an indoor skittles alley, play for who pays the bill!

Hitting the right note. The East End Arms offers a traditional English pub experience with authentically good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Owned by John Illsley, bass guitarist of Dire Straits, The East End Arms has a cult following just like the band. With foodie favourites like the classic Ploughman's board to innovative cuisine such as the sticky hoisin duck crumpet. There is something for every taste.

The Elderflower in Lymington is perfect for a special occasion. With the menu chosen by Head Chef, Andrew Du Bourg, this restaurant takes the choice away from guests. With a four course, fixed menu available through lunchtime and your choice of 4, 5 or 7 courses at dinner service, all you’ve got to decide is who is paying. Children over the age of 12 are welcome, so this is one for the grown ups.

Throughout the New Forest, freshness and quality is key. The Drift in Brockenhurst is no exception. Insisting on ‘picked-that-morning’ vegetables and free range meat, happy hen eggs and freshly caught fish, the menus follow the seasons and give even the fussiest of eaters something to enjoy. This is the perfect spot for a fantastic Sunday roast.

All the tea in China. If you’re looking for something to tide you over until dinner, Rosie Lea House is the place for you. Offering a must try traditional afternoon tea, enjoy a smoked cheese scone with bacon and marmite jam, or if you are in the mood for something savoury, choose the homemade sage and garlic sausage roll. With your choice of homemade cake and tea, what better way to spend the afternoon.

How do you like your eggs in the morning? The Forage has a menu is full of unique brunch dishes that will open up even the sleepiest of eyes. Order the ‘Smash and Go’ or the spectacular ‘Fully Loaded’ breakfast and you’ll be set up for a day of exploring. The Forage also opens in the evening where you can enjoy Mexican style delights, perfect for a treat for the family.

Hold onto your Hartnett. Created by renowned chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, The Hartnett and Holder restaurant offers a menu filled with local delights that change with the seasons. Awaken your taste buds as you dig into hand rolled pasta, butter roasted monkfish, all finished off with a boozy tiramisu. What more could you ask for! This perfect treat welcomes walkers, families and long lunches. Take a walk around the grounds as the children enjoy the mini push bikes provided.

A little slice of Italy. Albero in Brockenhurst is a delightful taste of Italian cuisine where there is a curated selection of pasta, pizza and calzone, it’ll be tough to choose. We can strongly recommend the Pizza con Patate, and it is always necessary to finish with a gelato!