What's on this summer in the New Forest?
It's time to make summer plans and book your New Forest break, escape the city, slow down, and make the most of everything this corner of Hampshire has to offer. With so much going on in and around Beaulieu this summer, from brand new events right here at the hotel to food festivals, family days out, and the New Forest Show, you won't want to miss a thing.
At The Montagu Arms
We've got plenty happening right here in Beaulieu this summer. We're thrilled to be launching our brand new Sip & Graze events — a leisurely afternoon of a two-course seasonal menu, 90 minutes of bottomless drinks including wines, cocktails, mocktails and bottled beer, and live music from Fern Barnes, all for £45 per person. Join us on Sunday 14th June (Folk & Country), Sunday 12th July (Soul), and Sunday 16th August (Pop/Rock), from 1pm to 4pm. The perfect summer afternoon. Book your spot here.
Celebrate Father's Day in style with our Gentleman's Afternoon Tea on Sunday 15th June, a carefully crafted spread of savoury bites and sweet treats, designed with dads in mind, for £39 per person. The perfect way to treat the dad in your life. Book here.
On 7th June don't miss our National Garden Scheme open day, where our Head Gardener Matt will guide you through our beautiful grounds from 10am to 4pm, with admission just £6 per person.
If you fancy getting creative, our Summer Flower Arranging Workshop on 9th June is a wonderful one-day workshop packed with professional floristry tips, including a buffet lunch and all materials — £65 per person.
Dog lovers, don't miss The Great Beaulieu Dog Walk on 5th August, setting off from The Montagu Arms and heading to historic Buckler's Hard, with complimentary tea, coffee, and dog treats to start the day.
We're Heading to Dogstival!
The ultimate festival for dogs returns to Burley Park on 30–31st May, and we couldn't be more excited to be part of it. Set in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Dogstival is the greatest party for dogs, and this year it's bigger than ever. Expect a packed weekend of live music, flyball, agility, scent work, diving pools, a fun dog show, breed meets, and even a canine cookery school. There's a beach party area, a family entertainment zone, food and drink, and hundreds of stalls to explore, all with your four-legged friend by your side.
Our very own Chef Surabhi Suresh will also be taking to the stage for a live cook-along on Saturday 30th at 2.45pm , well worth catching if you're there.
Come and find us at The Montagu Arms stand for your very own dog photo opportunity , snap your pooch, share on socials, and tag @MontaguArms for a chance to win a stay at the hotel. We can't wait to meet you and your furry companions.
Just Down the Road: Beaulieu
Right on our doorstep, Beaulieu has a packed summer schedule, including the Spring Autojumble on 16–17 May, May Half-Term activities running 23–31 May, the Custom & American Show on Father's Day Sunday 21st June, and Supercar Weekend on 1–2 August — two days of high-octane excitement with stunning displays of prestige and hypercars across the grounds. The National Motor Museum's brand-new exhibition, Driven: Britain's Motoring Story, is now open and well worth a visit too.
Perfect for families
The New Forest is one of the finest playgrounds in the South of England, and families staying with us are spoilt for choice. Just a short drive away, Paultons Park offers a full day of thrills for all ages, home to the much-loved Peppa Pig World, with over 70 rides and attractions near Ower.
For something a little quieter, Longdown Activity Farm near Ashurst is perfect for younger children, with the chance to feed lambs, cuddle rabbits, and meet the resident pigs and ponies up close.
Wildlife lovers won't want to miss the New Forest Wildlife Park near Longdown, where otters, deer, owls, and wolves roam in a beautiful woodland setting.
For free family fun, Blackwater Arboretum is a lovely spot for a peaceful wander, a beautiful collection of trees from around the world, with walking trails, a sensory sculpture trail, and picnic areas to enjoy, while Lepe Country Park offers a breezy beach, the chance to hunt for crabs under the rocks at low tide, and stunning views across the Solent, ideal for a sunny afternoon out. And of course, the Forest itself is the greatest adventure of all: free-roaming ponies, waymarked cycle trails, and ancient woodland are right on the doorstep. Ask our team for their favourite local routes and picnic spots.
Food Festival Season
The New Forest and surrounding area is a foodie paradise in summer, with a fantastic run of festivals to enjoy.
Kick things off at the Christchurch Food Festival, the South Coast's biggest food festival, taking place over the bank holiday weekend of 23–25 May at Christchurch Quay, and completely free to attend.
Then in July, head to Lymington Seafood Festival on 10–12 July, celebrating its 10th birthday with great food, local chefs, live music, a cookery school, and over 80 food stalls. Keep an eye out for our very own Chef Leo Champion, who will be taking to the demo stage on 10th July at 2.10pm.
August brings the New Forest Food Festival on 15–16 August at Hinton Admiral, a family-friendly weekend of food pop-ups, an artisan market, live music, and craft stalls, with kids under 16 going free.
The New Forest Show
One of the largest agricultural events in the UK, the New Forest & Hampshire County Show returns on 28–30 July at New Park, Brockenhurst, a three-day spectacular celebrating rural life with livestock competitions, equestrian events, local food and drink, and over 70 free activities included with your ticket.
Make a Weekend of It
With so much on your doorstep, why not use The Montagu Arms as your summer base? Our central location in Beaulieu puts you within easy reach of all these events, with the New Forest waiting to be explored whenever you need a moment to slow down.