Samantha's Guidebook
The Park
from mid-February, our Showbar has live music, comedy acts and themed shows throughout the year. Cyril, Cybil, Pat & Woof are always on hand to entertain our younger guests too!
Two swimming pools, a day spa, gym and outdoor sports courts around the park ensure you can relax or be as active as you want here at Shorefield Country Park.
Shorefield Country Park®
Shorefield Roadfrom mid-February, our Showbar has live music, comedy acts and themed shows throughout the year. Cyril, Cybil, Pat & Woof are always on hand to entertain our younger guests too!
Two swimming pools, a day spa, gym and outdoor sports courts around the park ensure you can relax or be as active as you want here at Shorefield Country Park.
Sightseeing
Château de Hurst
An amazing site to hike to or ride the ferry from
Check out this unique array of family owned huts on the spit... and maybe check out the Lobster Shack whilst there
36 habitants recommandent
Mudeford Sandbank
Check out this unique array of family owned huts on the spit... and maybe check out the Lobster Shack whilst there
Best time to visit
Visit in spring to see arriving migrants such as wheatear, swallow, terns. Winter brings large flocks of brent geese, wigeon, pintail, waders.
About the reserve
The seawall offers stunning views across the mudflats, where a wealth of different bird species come to feed. Large numbers of Brent geese seek refuge here in the winter, along with roosting dunlin, black-tailed godwit and grey plover.
Keyhaven Marshes
Best time to visit
Visit in spring to see arriving migrants such as wheatear, swallow, terns. Winter brings large flocks of brent geese, wigeon, pintail, waders.
About the reserve
The seawall offers stunning views across the mudflats, where a wealth of different bird species come to feed. Large numbers of Brent geese seek refuge here in the winter, along with roosting dunlin, black-tailed godwit and grey plover.
Make a day of it and enjoy our beautiful grounds and beach, or take a stroll through Steamer Point Nature Reserve to Mudeford. Don’t miss the wonderful views across Christchurch Bay to the Isle of Wight.
112 habitants recommandent
Château de Highcliffe
Rothesay DriveMake a day of it and enjoy our beautiful grounds and beach, or take a stroll through Steamer Point Nature Reserve to Mudeford. Don’t miss the wonderful views across Christchurch Bay to the Isle of Wight.
A local company established for over 35 years offering sight seeing trips along the Lymington river. At the helm is a husband and wife duo who are passionate about providing memorable family days out. Based in the heart of picturesque Lymington, we offer 30 minute scenic river cruises aboard 'Puffin Billi' or a 30 minute pirate adventure cruise aboard 'Black Puffin'. A close encounter with sailboat cruisers & super yachts, salt grass marshes & stunning views. Spend time spotting some of the wildlife, which lives in abundance along these shores.
Puffin Cruises
Quay HillA local company established for over 35 years offering sight seeing trips along the Lymington river. At the helm is a husband and wife duo who are passionate about providing memorable family days out. Based in the heart of picturesque Lymington, we offer 30 minute scenic river cruises aboard 'Puffin Billi' or a 30 minute pirate adventure cruise aboard 'Black Puffin'. A close encounter with sailboat cruisers & super yachts, salt grass marshes & stunning views. Spend time spotting some of the wildlife, which lives in abundance along these shores.
A fabulous beach, area and all round part of the coastline with good parking and amenities... not to mention views! 🐚🦀🌊
28 habitants recommandent
Hengistbury Head Beach
A fabulous beach, area and all round part of the coastline with good parking and amenities... not to mention views! 🐚🦀🌊
A great day out and town, with a model village also - if you can make a day of it, then try and get the steam train to or from Swanage 🚂
Château de Corfe
A great day out and town, with a model village also - if you can make a day of it, then try and get the steam train to or from Swanage 🚂
A lovely little morning, afternoon or even day out - cross on the Ferry from Mudeford Quay and see the famous mix of beach huts on the spit. There's also a fabulous stretch of beach on the far side, great for relaxing and little ones.
In addition there is a "land train" that will take you further down towards Christchurch, where there's a cafe and some amazing coastline!
NB Parking can add up so put a few hours on or use Ringo to top up as/if needed!
8 habitants recommandent
Mudeford Ferry
Mudeford QuayA lovely little morning, afternoon or even day out - cross on the Ferry from Mudeford Quay and see the famous mix of beach huts on the spit. There's also a fabulous stretch of beach on the far side, great for relaxing and little ones.
In addition there is a "land train" that will take you further down towards Christchurch, where there's a cafe and some amazing coastline!
NB Parking can add up so put a few hours on or use Ringo to top up as/if needed!
Care-free and car-free! Leave the car behind and enjoy grandstand views of the New Forest National Park from the top deck of the open-top New Forest Tour bus from 1st July – 17th September.
Sit back and enjoy a spectacular, panoramic perspective whilst listening to an audio commentary telling the story of the history and heritage of the landscape, its people and culture, and some fascinating facts about its flora and fauna.Your ticket gives access to discount at Beaulieu National Motor Museum, the New Forest Wildlife Park, and local businesses participating in the Go New Forest card scheme.
9 habitants recommandent
The New Forest Tour
Avenue RoadCare-free and car-free! Leave the car behind and enjoy grandstand views of the New Forest National Park from the top deck of the open-top New Forest Tour bus from 1st July – 17th September.
Sit back and enjoy a spectacular, panoramic perspective whilst listening to an audio commentary telling the story of the history and heritage of the landscape, its people and culture, and some fascinating facts about its flora and fauna.Your ticket gives access to discount at Beaulieu National Motor Museum, the New Forest Wildlife Park, and local businesses participating in the Go New Forest card scheme.
Food Scene
Great wholesome, homemade grub in the center of town with outside area and playgrounds
21 habitants recommandent
The Smugglers Inn
88 High StGreat wholesome, homemade grub in the center of town with outside area and playgrounds
The Lighthouse
Hurst RoadCocktails, lite bites, sharers and great views!...
Keep it simple with fish and chips or fry ups and a fantastic view!...
9 habitants recommandent
Needles Eye Cafe
Hurst RoadKeep it simple with fish and chips or fry ups and a fantastic view!...
Right on the doorstep of the New Forest, grubs up!... restored, charming 16th century country inn set against the majestic backdrop.
Home-cooked food and locally sourced seafood specials are the order of the day, coupled with a well-stocked bar of real ales.
12 habitants recommandent
The Filly Inn
Lymington RoadRight on the doorstep of the New Forest, grubs up!... restored, charming 16th century country inn set against the majestic backdrop.
Home-cooked food and locally sourced seafood specials are the order of the day, coupled with a well-stocked bar of real ales.
The Royal Oak
Ringwood RoadA good old traditional pub, bar stools and all!...
A good size pub with good facilities including playground and deck...
17 habitants recommandent
The Rising Sun
Bashley Common RoadA good size pub with good facilities including playground and deck...
Mister Pink's
Church HillBest in the area we say ... expect queues 🐟🍟
Should you be in the area when on!...
15TH, 16TH AND 17TH JULY 2023
BATH ROAD PARK, LYMINGTON
A celebration of our rich cultural heritage, local produce and links to the sea.
Lymington Seafood Festival
Should you be in the area when on!...
15TH, 16TH AND 17TH JULY 2023
BATH ROAD PARK, LYMINGTON
A celebration of our rich cultural heritage, local produce and links to the sea.
Just a great place to visit and pick up some local, unique garden bits ... or just get a fabulous Brunch (booking advised!) 🍳🥓🥑
Setley Ridge
Lymington RoadJust a great place to visit and pick up some local, unique garden bits ... or just get a fabulous Brunch (booking advised!) 🍳🥓🥑
Fantastic little brunch spot near the main Highcliffe, clifftop car park - an excellent start or finish spot 🍳🥞
15 habitants recommandent
The Paddle Cafe Bar Eatery
397 Lymington RdFantastic little brunch spot near the main Highcliffe, clifftop car park - an excellent start or finish spot 🍳🥞
The Chequers Inn is a picturesque traditional 16th Century English Pub located between Keyhaven and Lymington. A ‘hidden gem’ running along the ancient maritime pathway on the edge of the historic Lymington Salt Marsh and Nature Reserve. It is an ideal ‘watering hole’ and a halfway house, or destination, if planning a coastal walk along the pathway which affords stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and beyond... and Mussels Yum!
13 habitants recommandent
The Chequers Inn
Lower WoodsideThe Chequers Inn is a picturesque traditional 16th Century English Pub located between Keyhaven and Lymington. A ‘hidden gem’ running along the ancient maritime pathway on the edge of the historic Lymington Salt Marsh and Nature Reserve. It is an ideal ‘watering hole’ and a halfway house, or destination, if planning a coastal walk along the pathway which affords stunning views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and beyond... and Mussels Yum!
One of the more local, short drive Gems. Good Food, Service and View for Brunch, Lunch, Tea or just a Cuppa!...
Beachcomber
One of the more local, short drive Gems. Good Food, Service and View for Brunch, Lunch, Tea or just a Cuppa!...
Activities
Explore by Electric Bike freely or on our or maybe by sea...
6 habitants recommandent
Jaunt-ebikes - electric bike hire
Keyhaven RoadExplore by Electric Bike freely or on our or maybe by sea...
About a 30 min drive but close enough if in the mood, not just Peppa either - Paulson's Park has some pretty good rides for grown ups too, worthy of a day out but make sure you book!
360 habitants recommandent
Paultons Park Maison de Peppa Pig World
About a 30 min drive but close enough if in the mood, not just Peppa either - Paulson's Park has some pretty good rides for grown ups too, worthy of a day out but make sure you book!
Grab the ferry to the castle for a unique little experience!...
9 habitants recommandent
Hurst Castle Ferries
Keyhaven RoadGrab the ferry to the castle for a unique little experience!...
Says it in the name ... with Kayaking, Winging & Sailing choices also!
23 habitants recommandent
The New Forest Paddle Sport Company
Says it in the name ... with Kayaking, Winging & Sailing choices also!
Yep, that's right, you can even brush up on your skiing or snowboarding skills just 30mins away ... with an amazing pirate ship playground!
49 habitants recommandent
Centre d'activités alpines et boutique de sports de neige Snowtrax
Matchams LaneYep, that's right, you can even brush up on your skiing or snowboarding skills just 30mins away ... with an amazing pirate ship playground!
Based in the New Forest National Park, just 10 minutes drive offering Riding Lessons, Pony Trails & Forest Rides in traditional or western saddles.
11 habitants recommandent
Burley Villa School of Riding
Bashley Common RoadBased in the New Forest National Park, just 10 minutes drive offering Riding Lessons, Pony Trails & Forest Rides in traditional or western saddles.
Adventure Wonderland has a great range of rides and attractions for younger children, plus meet and greets with popular characters, making it perfect for a family day out.
61 habitants recommandent
Pays des Merveilles de l'Aventure
Merritown LaneAdventure Wonderland has a great range of rides and attractions for younger children, plus meet and greets with popular characters, making it perfect for a family day out.
... well, it says it in the name. Change of clothes advised and definitely worth tagging in with a visit to the castle if you can!
44 habitants recommandent
Dorset Adventure Park
... well, it says it in the name. Change of clothes advised and definitely worth tagging in with a visit to the castle if you can!
Inflatable play zone & paddle boarding at a dockside pool, plus a cafe for lunch & ice cream... what's not to like!
Call ahead, Seasonal activities only
59 habitants recommandent
Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths
Bath RoadInflatable play zone & paddle boarding at a dockside pool, plus a cafe for lunch & ice cream... what's not to like!
Call ahead, Seasonal activities only
Bottle feed calves, feed the ducks, handle gentle small animals, go on tractor rides and even become a farmer for the day! About 30-40mis from the park but worth a visit with wee ones ... book in advance 🐄🐐🐓
77 habitants recommandent
Longdown Activity Farm
Deerleap LaneBottle feed calves, feed the ducks, handle gentle small animals, go on tractor rides and even become a farmer for the day! About 30-40mis from the park but worth a visit with wee ones ... book in advance 🐄🐐🐓
Discover amazing animals including the endangered Giant Otter and more, with interesting keeper talks and active fun at the fabulous adventure playgrounds - 40mins away but worth spending a day 🐺
98 habitants recommandent
Parc animalier de New Forest
Deerleap LaneDiscover amazing animals including the endangered Giant Otter and more, with interesting keeper talks and active fun at the fabulous adventure playgrounds - 40mins away but worth spending a day 🐺
sssssslippery snakes, newts, frogs and more, under 30 mins drive in good traffic... sssssplendid sssspace hidden in the beautiful New Forest 🦎🌳
20 habitants recommandent
New Forest Reptile Centre
A35 Bournemouth Rdsssssslippery snakes, newts, frogs and more, under 30 mins drive in good traffic... sssssplendid sssspace hidden in the beautiful New Forest 🦎🌳
Pick Your Own, Milkshakes & More
Here at The Cat & Fiddle Farm on the edge of The New Forest, we grow nearly 20 different fruit and vegetables. Some are grown for Pick Your Own, and some for selling ready picked through our farm shop and at Farmers Markets across the South of England....
7 habitants recommandent
Cat & Fiddle Farm & Café
Lyndhurst RoadPick Your Own, Milkshakes & More
Here at The Cat & Fiddle Farm on the edge of The New Forest, we grow nearly 20 different fruit and vegetables. Some are grown for Pick Your Own, and some for selling ready picked through our farm shop and at Farmers Markets across the South of England....