Top five autumn activities for couples in the New Forest and Hampshire
With fantastic discounts of up to 35% off stays, there’s never been a better time to book yourself a UK escape with a loved one!
Here at Shorefield Country Park, we have a great variety of accommodation that is bound to make your staycation special, from luxury hot tub lodges and caravans, to The Shrubbery, our intimate one bedroom woodland accommodation - there’s a choice to suit every pair of travellers.
Use a Shorefield staycation to relish in the peace and quiet of serene country and coastal surroundings, and enjoy spending quality time with your partner. Spend evenings relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of wine or watch films in your cosy caravan with a blanket and a box of chocolates. Come and stay with us for your anniversary celebration, or just for some time away from the kids!
If you’re thinking of staying with us this autumn, here you’ll find the top five activities couples can do in and around the New Forest.
Spa
Why not visit the Reflection Spa at Shorefield Country Park where you and your other half can make some time for yourselves and experience some much needed relaxation, without having to go off site? At the Reflection Spa, we use a range of luxurious products for our treatments, from leading spa brands like REN and St. Tropez.
We have highly trained therapists who will spoil you, leaving you feeling fully pampered with a sense of tranquillity. Treatments range from facials to body treatments, hand and foot treatments to holistic therapies.
Romantic walks
Autumn is arguably the most beautiful time of year to go for a romantic walk. As the season comes fully into swing, the park’s surrounding areas explode with colour from gold to crimson, and guests can enjoy crisp mornings and picturesque views during a leisurely stroll.
You can see the autumnal colours in all their glory if you visit the largest, most famous Knightwood Oak tree in the New Forest, which will be covered in leaves in every shade of the horizon. There are also miles of stretched out forested walks to explore including the walks all around our parks. Our newest is the Ancient Woodland walk, which starts at Shorefield Country Park.
Oakdene Forest Park and Forest Edge Holiday Park both lay within Hurn Forest so there is ample opportunity for exploring by foot with a warming flask of hot chocolate here as well.
For those who are looking to venture further afield for an outdoor activity, the Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway, just a 30 minute picturesque drive away from Shorefield Country Park, is home to a stunning River Walk along Beaulieu River filled with mature oaks and wonderful maples. With the ground celebrating more than 100 years of horticultural excellence, there is a lot to appreciate.
For the foodie travellers, Exbury Gardens has partnered up with local award winning caterer, The Little Kitchen Company based in Hampshire, providing delicious menus using locally sourced products. Whether it’s a hearty brunch or freshly made afternoon tea, this is a wonderful opportunity to try the culinary delights of the area including deliciously fresh baked goods and daily specials.
Forest Bathing
In terms of autumnal experiences, Exbury Gardens offers Forest Bathing sessions in September and October, modelled on the Japanese pursuit known as Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to 'bathing your senses in the atmosphere of the forest'.
This is a great opportunity to relax and unwind in a beautifully zen landscape. Visitors will be guided by a qualified and experienced Forest Therapy and Mindfulness guide through a series of group and solo nature-inspired activities designed to deepen the connection to the natural world. Tickets are £25 each and are available on the website.
Fireworks
As we head towards Bonfire Night, why not book a stay for the end of October or early November to watch one of the impressive firework displays in the area.
There are lots of displays taking place around the parks this year, but one of the biggest is the Firework Party of The Ageas Bowl, taking place on the 5th November. It’s a 50 minute drive from Shorefield Country Park, with music, games, food and drink, and of course a spectacular soundtracked fireworks display.
Totton and Eling Cricket Club are also hosting a firework display on 6th November, just a 40 minute drive away from Shorefield Country Park in Hampshire. You can expect to see fairground rides, bars, a delicious hog roast and BBQ and even a host DJ. Tickets can be bought on the website, or on site.
Dinner for two
During your stay at Shorefield you should certainly make time for a romantic meal to explore the area and its cuisine. Being a stone throw away from Milford-on-Sea beach, the restaurants around Shorefield Country park will provide you with the freshest seafood, or if this isn’t to your taste there are a whole host of dining venues serving deliciously hearty pub meals, tapas and a host of other cuisines. The Lighthouse offers the best of both worlds, serving traditional dishes as well as seafood and cocktails, just a six minute drive from Shorefield Country Park. Situated on the scenic seafront, The Lighthouse has stunning views, serving food all day.
If you enjoy tapas, then The Cave is a must do for a romantic evening. The specialist drinks merchant and tapas bar provides a cosy atmosphere in autumn with great tasting food and a huge range of wines and drinks to choose from.
