2 days in the new forest, an itinerary for families

The New Forest is a playground for all, whatever it is that brings you joy. So, if you have two days to spend in our National Park on a luxury family holiday at our Beaulieu hotel, you’ll want to have a few things lined up so you can make the most of your visit to this very special place we call home.

Just 2 – 3 hours from London by car, or around 2 hours with a direct train and short taxi from the nearby village of Brockenhurst, you could be settling into a mid-morning coffee and planning the day ahead.

At The Montagu Arms, we understand that family comes first and that means comfort, choice and time together, which is why we offer breaks made for families, like the ‘Kids Stay Free’ break which includes discounts to local attractions, family-friendly rooms with space to play your way, and menus to keep every appetite happy. Our New Forest hotel gives you the laid-back luxury combined with family-fun getaway you’ve been looking for, so here’s just one suggested itinerary for a family-friendly 48 hours in the New Forest…

Day 1 – Arrive, walk and enjoy a family dinner together

Arrival at your base for your two-day break, the best New Forest hotel for families, The Montagu Arms.

Enjoy a post-travel relax, sip coffee and refreshments in the lounge or garden, or if it’s closer to lunchtime and it’s best to feed everyone before adventuring, pop into Monty’s, our very own hotel inn, a casual family pub with a fussy-eater-friendly kids’ menu.

Check-in is at pm, so if you want to make the most of your time with us you needn’t jump back in the car, you could head out for a walk. Spot our charming local residents, the New Forest ponies and donkeys, wander through the village, or walk to Buckler’s Hard.

At just under 6.5km in total, it’s a great scenic walk for the whole family, leading you through woodland and marsh, following the Beaulieu River to the old shipbuilding village and maritime museum of Buckler’s Hard.

Return to the hotel in good time to check-in, get settled in your family room and freshen up for dinner. You have a table booked at The Terrace

The Terrace is the second of our hotel restaurants, welcoming children aged 8 and above, offering a more formal setting. Enjoy thoughtfully created dishes made from seasonal, regional produce and locally grown and sourced ingredients. The perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or for an unforgettable family holiday dinner.

Day 2 – Fuel-up, head to the National Motor Museum and spot the deer

After a wonderful night’s sleep, parents, you’ll find the complimentary morning tea or coffee served to your room a true delight, and when everyone is up and dressed, head to the dining room for a relaxing family breakfast, with something for everyone. From the cereal-lovers to the pastry people, fresh fruit, yoghurts and fruity compotes, and those seeking a hot breakfast, this is available at a supplement.

Fuelled for the day, you needn’t travel far. Our village is also home to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, the award-winning family-friendly visitor attraction in the heart of our New Forest National Park.

You don’t have to be a motoring enthusiast to have a wonderful day out with the family at Beaulieu. As well as collections of motoring memorabilia, there are spectacular exhibits bringing together history and entertainment with collections of vehicles from the big screen films like James Bond and Harry Potter. Tickets also include entry to the grand Palace House and gardens, as well as the fun-fuelled play areas where young ones can burn off any excess energy.

In the afternoon we recommend going for a drive to Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, just 25-minutes away, where you can take a short walk to spot the beautiful fallow and roe deer from a purpose-built platform overlooking a meadow. The best opportunity to see the deer is daily between midday and 3pm when they are fed by local New Forest rangers (when available).

Make your way back to our Hampshire hotel to slow the pace a little as you head into the evening. Sit in the garden and enjoy a refreshment together then make your way to Monty’s for a relaxed family meal and time to chatter about the day’s adventures or perhaps play some card games.

Day 3 – A gentle wake-up and more exploring

After another peaceful night’s sleep, wake up, breakfast together then check-out, it’s time to head to Exbury Gardens before you make your way home.

Just an 8-minute drive from our family-friendly hotel, Exbury Gardens is must-visit family-friendly attraction beloved by locals and visitors alike. With stunning displays from spring to autumn, take in their remarkable collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, wander through landscaped woodland, herbaceous, formal and contemporary gardens; walk their nature trails, ride on the steam railway and spend time in the adventure play areas.

When it’s time to wave goodbye to the New Forest ponies and head back home don’t be sad that you didn’t get to see or do everything. Keep a lookout for more New Forest hotel deals and plan your next family break at our Beaulieu hotel. There are endless places to explore and so much to see and do here in our National Park, and we didn’t even mention all the fun you could have at the nearby coast!