5 fun things to do in Brockenhurst

There are some fantastic things to do in and around the village of Brokenhurst in the New Forest. Kept relatively free from modern tourism, this traditional and picturesque village provides a great choice of activities and attractions. Here we highlight 5 fun things to do in Brokenhurst - an ideal location for a fun and interesting family holiday.

1. Cycling

The New Forest National Park is a great place for a family cycling trip and some good routes start from or travel through Brockenhurst. The 15 mile Bike of the Rising Sun route begins in Brockenhurst and follows the disused railway looping back via the villages of Tiptoe and Sway. The route takes its name from the popular Rising Sun pub where you can stop for a well-earned drink. Another great route for families is the Back by Balmer Lawn route which ranges from 8-14 miles. This is an off-road route so safer for young children and is mostly sheltered by woodland trees. You can take the long or shorter option and there is a good pub, the Crown Stirrup, where you can stop for a break along the way.

2. The New Forest Show

The New Forest and Hampshire Country Show is a 3 day, agricultural show that takes place each year in Brockenhurst. The show attracts around 95,000 visitors over the 3 days and has plenty to see and do. Visitors can watch show jumping and livestock competitions including cattle, sheep, rabbits and honey bees. There are a number of other attractions like food and drink stalls, a flower show and over 600 trade stands offering arts and crafts products and other delights. Children will love the falconry displays and ferret racing. A family ticket is around £43 for 2 adults and 2 children.

3. Beaulieu Village

Just 15 minutes from Brockenhurst, Beaulieu Village is a fantastic family day out. The National Motor Museum is a great place for kids and is Beaulieu’s most famous attraction. Here you can see over 350 automobiles and motorcycles and learn all about the history of motors. There is a fantastic selection of cars to see, including the Blue Ford Anglia used in the 2nd Harry Potter movie, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and plenty of Formula 1 cars. Don’t miss the mile-long Monorail ride in the village that passes through the Motor Museum to get a bird’s eye of the vehicles.

Also of interest is Palace House, which overlooks the Beaulieu River and has wonderful, immaculate grounds to explore. The charming house has been kept in the style of the Victorian era. Visitors can enjoy the many portraits and treasures inside the house and games outside on the lawn. Open all year round, ticket prices for Beaulieu Village are around £55 for a family, book in advance online for a discounted price.

4. New Forest Activities

Not far from Brockenhurst you can find the excellent New Forest Activities who offer all kinds of fun outdoors activities for the whole family including canoeing, kayaking, raft-building, archery and cycling. The centre has a knowledgeable staff, all of whom are experts in outdoor pursuits. You can take part in a Family Adventure Day, starting with a bike ride exploring the beautiful New Forest before heading out on the river for even more fun trying a variety of activites. The package is £30 for adults and £25 for children and all equipment is provided for you; the staff will help you plan your cycle route too to help you make the most of your day.

The Tile Barn Outdoor Centre in Brockenhurst also offer great fun activities such as bushcraft and rope climbing.

5. New Forest Reptile Centre

The New Forest Reptile Centre just 10 minutes away from Brockenhurst is a great place to take the kids. The centre is home to a wonderful array of reptiles and amphibians including rare sand lizards, frogs, toads and Britain’s only venomous snake, the adder. You can see the animals up close in their outdoors enclosures where they feel naturally at home. The centre also hosts the regular event ‘A Date with Nature’ in collaboration with the RSPB where visitors can see birds of prey in their nests via hidden cameras. Admission and parking to the centre is free as is usually closed for the winter to be sure to check their website for further information.

The village of Brockenhurst and its surrounding areas are great places to visit during a family camping holiday. Aside from enjoying the wonderful landscapes of the New Forest, there is plenty to see and do here - a trip to Brockenhurst is sure to delight the entire family.