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Great value things to do in the New Forest

Do you believe that the best things in life are free (or as cheap as possible)? We do. With the cost of living crisis squeezing everyone’s budgets, don’t cancel your holiday plans just yet.

Shorefield Holidays

We’ve put together the ultimate list of great value or free things to do in and around Hampshire and Dorset to save you money when you escape with Shorefield Holidays, where seaside, forest, and countryside all collide, there’s truly something to suit everyone.

You can experience rich history, countryside vistas, and city culture, and still stay on budget. Hike, bike, search for animals, and walk on the beach, we have it all here at Shorefield Holidays.

There is always an adventure waiting in the woods.

The New Forest has so much to offer, with shaded paths meandering through ancient woodland, picturesque villages dotted amongst the landscape, stunning coastal routes and dozens of unique attractions it is one of the UK's best loved outdoor treasures.

If you like walking you will be spoilt for choice, there are over 140 miles of footpaths and tracks to explore whether you want to put on your walking boots for long distance hikes or fancy a short easy ramble through ancient woodlands, we have you covered.

A family of four—two adults and two children—walks together with a dog along a sunlit dirt path through a dense forest. The surrounding trees are tall and straight, with green foliage and ferns lining the path. The scene conveys a peaceful and joyful outdoor moment, suggesting a family hike or nature walk on a sunny day.

Get Out and Explore - Wander across open heathlands and spot the free roaming New forest Ponies or get on your bike and weave through quaint villages. Perhaps building a den deep in the forest, dipping your toes into babbling brooks and frolicking amongst the famed fauna and flora is more your thing? Whatever you want to do, the New Forest is bursting with things to do for free.

A group of brown and white cows are lying on the grass beside a quiet rural road. They are resting near a tall hedge, with trees and cloudy skies in the background, creating a peaceful countryside scene.

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest - Moors Valley Country Park is a forestry commission site near Ringwood and an excellent place for a day out with miles of fantastic walking and cycling trails. Explore the woodland play trial visiting the giant ants’ nest, snake pit and huge spider’s web if you dare!

New Forest Heritage Centre is a free-entry museum, gallery and library, in the heart of the New Forest, dedicated to sharing the history and traditions of this diverse and beautiful area. With a gift shop and café on site, it’s a great place to start your New Forest journey.

New Forest Reptile Centre - See all of Britain’s reptiles in one place, such as adders, grass snakes, smooth snakes, lizards, frogs and toads. All of the reptiles are kept in enclosures that mimic their natural environment, which means the best chance of seeing them is on a warm sunny day! The reptile centre is free, Forestry England just ask for a donation for their car park.

A close-up of a coiled snake with textured, patterned scales, lying on a forest floor covered in dry leaves and twigs. The snake has a triangular head and dark markings along its body, suggesting it may be a venomous species such as a European adder.

Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary – Getting a glimpse of the deer in the New Forest can be tricky business and is never a guarantee, but at Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary there is a purpose built viewing platform overlooking a meadow where herd of fallow deer regularly gather. The herd are fed daily by the local New Forest keeper, between the months of April and September, so the deer are more than happy to hang around and are very accustomed to human presence. This is an open part of the New Forest and open to the public all year round. Feeding time can be between noon and 3pm. Bring your packed lunch and use the large picnic area amongst the tall trees.

A close-up of a fallow deer with light brown fur and white spots, standing on green grass. The deer has short, velvety antlers and is gazing calmly into the distance, with another similarly patterned deer partially visible in the background.
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