Discover Beyond The Beach
We’ll be the first to admit we’ve got some incredible beaches near our parks and we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to spend your holiday lounging on the beach and taking a dip in the south coast sea.
But why not also explore Beyond The Beach on your next Dorset or Hampshire holiday! With plenty of towns, villages and forests to explore, each with their own unique charm, you’ll be surprised at how much there is to do Beyond The Beach.
The New Forest National Park
We're incredibly lucky that our parks border both the New Forest and the South Coast. With miles of walks, cycle routes and even open top bus tours there's so many ways to explore the New Forest, known for it's free roaming ponies and other cattle! As well as beautiful heathland and wooded areas to explore you can also head in to the small villages and towns, such as Burley, for some great local produce and novelty gift shops. If you're after something a bit more unique to do in the New Forest you can opt for a tour around a working farm.
Bournemouth
Known primarily as a bustling seaside resort however, there's plenty to explore beyond Bournemouth's 7 miles of golden sands. Choose from The Russell Cotes Art Gallery, Bournemouth's Gardens, Oceanarium, shops, restaurants and so much more! Or choose to venture in to the towns surrounding Bournemouth: Boscombe, Westbourne, Pokesdown and Southbourne. Each with their own charm and plenty of independent shops, cafes and walks to explore! Including a vintage emporium in Southbourne.
Lymington
Just beyond the seaside town of Milford On Sea you'll find Lymington. Famous for it's sailing history, here you'll find independent shops along cobbled streets leading to two marinas. Take a dip in Lymington's popular sea water baths, jump on the inflatable obstacle course or hire a paddleboard/kayak. Take a stroll around the Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes nature reserve or hire an E-bike to explore the area!
Christchurch and Hengistbury Head
At the east end of Bournemouth's sandy coastline you'll find Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, a walk up here will provide incredible panoramic views across the sea to the Isle Of Wight but also inland across the historic town of Christchurch. In Christchurch you'll find harbours, quays and rivers. Perfect for the water lovers who still want to explore Beyond The Beach. You can hire self-drive motor boats along the river Stour for a fun river cruise!
More places to visit Beyond The Beach:
- New Forest Activities (10% off for Shorefield guests)
- Paultons Park
- Peppa Pig World
- Exbury Gardens
- Hurst Castle
- New Forest Paddle Sport company (10% Off for Shorefield Guests)
- Beaulieu Motor Museum
- Longdown Activity Farm
- Dorset Waterpark
- New Forest Water Park
- Burley Fudge Shop
- Jaunt E-Bike Hire
- Swanage Railway
- The Blue Pool
- Highcliffe Castle
Stay On Park:
And of course, you don't even have to leave our parks to experience fantastic entertainment and activities! Enjoy nightly live entertainment from our entertainment teams and the Squirrel Squad or get crafty in our Woof's Workshop sessions including sand art, slime school and pottery painting.
Our brand new on-park Escape Room is great fun for all ages. Plus we have a whole range of Go Active+ activities from archery to crazy carts!
Please note: Not all facilities are available on every park.
So whether you head out into the New Forest or explore the harbourside towns there's plenty to discover Beyond The Beach on your next Staycation.
