When you’re planning a holiday with kids in tow it can certainly be a challenge!
Finding a place that has something that every member of the family wants to do can be tough, and combining that with a holiday that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged can feel like an impossibility.
The New Forest is a huge area of woodland in the South of England, where you can not only benefit from the restorative properties of the forest, but children can spend hours tiring themselves out!
Spot Deer In Their Natural Habitat
The New Forest is home to several species of deer, fallow, roe, muntjac, red deer and sika.
The forest is the perfect environment for these creatures who are not easily spotted in the wild, because they can live their lives relatively undisturbed by humans.
If you’d like a good chance of seeing the deer you are most likely to spot them at dawn or dusk, and if you visit the New Forest in the autumn you may even be able to see deer taking part in the rut (mating season).
Stags will use their antlers to display their strength to one another which is an impressive sight, but please be aware that an angry or injured stag can be very dangerous indeed so be sure to keep your distance.
Animal Attractions
The New Forest Wildlife Park helps to conserve endangered species and rehabilitate animals so that they can return to the wild.
The park is home to tame fallow deer who wander freely through their enclosure, as well as over 50 harvest mice who scurry about in their glasshouse home.
If you like an edgier animal, the park is also home to two female Lynx and if you’re lucky you might get to hear the sound of a genuine wolf howl echoing around the park.
Family Friendly Accommodation
Sandy Balls holiday park features luxury lodges for you and your family to stay in, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool, resident alpacas, a bush-craft school and even laser tag!
There’s also a relaxing spa so that you can unwind after a long day of deer spotting.
Outdoor Activities
When you think of the New Forest you don’t tend to think of the sea, but in fact it’s home to a long stretch of coastline, where you can try wakeboarding and waterskiing, as well as the Beaulieu River.
The river is located in the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve which is home to seals, kestrels and kingfishers.
You can get up close and personal with them by taking a guided canoeing or kayaking tour along the river, where the experienced guides will show you hidden creeks as well as help you to spot wildlife.
If you fancy exploring on land then you can hire a bike and head out with a map and the advice of a guide to help you to forge your very own New Forest adventure.