Easter Breaks in The New Forest

Spring transforms The New Forest into a magnificent holiday destination where ancient woodlands burst with new life, open heathlands shimmer with fresh growth, and wild ponies roam freely with their newborn foals.

Our selection of holiday cottages in The New Forest provides families with perfect bases for Easter adventures across this enchanting National Park, from cosy thatched cottages to spacious family lodges with hot tubs.

Exciting Easter Events Across The New Forest

The New Forest comes alive during Easter with activities that delight visitors of all ages. Furzey Gardens in Lyndhurst hosts its popular ‘Arty Eggs’ trail from April 5-21, 2025, where families can explore beautiful grounds while participating in creative Easter-themed challenges. Meanwhile, Mottisfont in nearby Romsey offers Easter adventures through blossoming gardens and historic buildings.

For something truly unique, try the Canoe Easter Egg Hunt with New Forest Activities between April 5-21, 2025. This exceptional experience combines a guided canoe tour along the picturesque Beaulieu River with an Easter egg hunt—offering an unforgettable way to explore the Forest’s waterways while searching for chocolate treasures.

 

New Forest in Spring Bloom

Easter marks the perfect time to witness The New Forest’s natural renaissance. Ancient woodlands transform with carpets of bluebells creating magical purple hues beneath mighty oaks just coming into leaf. The Forest’s famous heathlands showcase early-flowering gorse with its coconut-scented yellow blooms, while woodland edges burst with primroses and wood anemones.

Dawn walks reward early risers with sightings of New Forest wildlife at its most active—deer moving gracefully through morning mist, breeding birds singing territorial songs, and perhaps glimpses of new foals wobbling alongside their mothers. The unique New Forest environment, with its mix of ancient woodland, open heath, and rippling streams, presents a constantly changing tableau of springtime wonders.

 

Family Fun and Heritage Adventures

The New Forest offers wonderful Easter entertainment for families beyond egg hunts. Beaulieu National Motor Museum hosts an exciting Easter programme from April 5-21, 2025, featuring motoring parades, living history demonstrations, and a nostalgic new exhibition titled “We Had One Of Those!” that will delight multiple generations.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens presents their Easter Games Trail between March 29 and April 27, 2025—a self-guided adventure filled with fun activities set against a backdrop of magnificent spring blooms. The trail blends active play with opportunities to learn about spring flora and fauna, making education delightfully engaging for younger visitors.

 

Forest and Coastal Explorations

The New Forest offers diverse landscapes to explore during Easter breaks. Miles of cycling and walking trails wind through ancient woodlands and open heathlands, many especially beautiful during spring when seasonal flowers create natural carpets beneath budding trees.

For those seeking coastal adventures, The New Forest’s southern edge meets the Solent with beautiful beaches and seaside towns. Lepe Country Park combines woodland walks with beach access—perfect for brisk spring paddles or building sandcastles if the weather permits. Nearby Calshot offers opportunities for water sports enthusiasts wanting to test the spring waters.

Easter Activity	Location	Dates (2025)	Best For
Arty Eggs Trail	Furzey Gardens, Lyndhurst	April 5-21	Creative families
Easter Adventures	Mottisfont, Romsey	April 5-21	Heritage lovers
Canoe Easter Egg Hunt	Beaulieu River	April 5-21	Adventure seekers
Motor Museum Easter Events	Beaulieu	April 5-21	Car enthusiasts
Easter Games Trail	Sir Harold Hillier Gardens	March 29-April 27	Nature lovers
Frenchie Fest Eggstravaganza	Exbury Club	April 19-20	Dog lovers

Traditional Easter Celebrations with New Forest Charm

Easter in The New Forest combines cherished traditions with local character. Attend moving Easter services in ancient churches like St. Michael and All Angels in Lyndhurst, where spring light filters through stained glass onto centuries-old stonework. Many village communities host traditional egg-rolling competitions and Easter bonnet parades that welcome visitors to join the festivities.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate New Forest farmers’ markets showcasing seasonal produce—from spring lamb raised on Forest pastures to artisan chocolates and freshly baked hot cross buns. Local pubs serve traditional Easter lunches featuring New Forest ingredients, though booking ahead is essential during this popular holiday period.

 

Wildlife Watching at Easter

The Easter period offers prime opportunities for wildlife spotting in The New Forest:

• New Forest Ponies – April brings foaling season, when visitors might glimpse wobbly-legged new arrivals
• Deer – Dawn and dusk provide best chances to see fallow and roe deer with young
• Birds – Listen for the distinctive call of the returning cuckoo, traditionally first heard around Easter
• Reptiles – Warming spring temperatures bring adders and grass snakes out to bask on sunny heathland
• Butterflies – Early species like brimstones and peacocks flutter among spring flowers

 

Planning Your New Forest Easter Getaway

Ready to experience The New Forest’s Easter delights? Our carefully selected properties provide comfortable, luxury bases for exploring everything this magnificent National Park offers. With properties ranging from intimate cottages for couples to spacious homes for extended families, we have the perfect accommodation for your Easter break.

Book your stay now by calling 01425 517 311 or checking availability on our website. Remember that Easter represents a popular holiday period in The New Forest, so early booking is highly recommended to secure your ideal cottage. Our dog-friendly properties ensure the whole family can enjoy springtime walks together through blossoming woodlands and across open heaths.

Make Easter truly special with a Short Stay Homes break in The New Forest. Our friendly team is ready to help you select the perfect property for creating magical springtime memories in one of Britain’s most beautiful natural settings.