What's nearby at Blackwood Forest, Hampshire
Nearby sites and attractions
Attractions and activities you'll find near Blackwood Forest, Hampshire
With so many fun things to do in Hampshire, we've listed what's on in Hampshire, Winchester sightseeing, and nearby attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Walking and hiking
The rolling hills of Hampshire offer glorious walking and hiking opportunities with breath-taking views, pretty villages and ancient landmarks. The predominantly chalkland downs give rise to crystal clear streams and rivers as well as rare species of wildlife, making walks a true joy. For free days out in Hampshire, discover the many walking and hiking trails at Blackwood Forest.
Hampshire cycling trails
If you're looking for things to do in Hampshire there are countless cycling trails, from circular routes in and around Winchester to longer distance trails across the downs. And that’s before you begin to explore the New Forest! Discover cycling at Blackwood Forest and plan your visit.
Hampshire attractions for family days out
Blackwood Forest is just 40 minutes from Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park. Little ones will adore this dedicated theme park, complete with Peppa’s house, and Paultons Family Theme Park itself has plenty more for all the family. For adventurers, meet rare birds, feed the penguins and hunt for dinosaurs at Birdland, or head to Marwell Zoo, to see over 180 exotic and endangered species in 140 acres of parkland. Or, if prefer puzzle-based escape rooms, try Exciting Escapes which have two locations in nearby Basingstoke. And don’t miss Beaulieu, in the heart of the New Forest National Park it houses the National Motor Museum. Marvel at the world's largest official collection of original James Bond cars, a host of vehicles from TV’s Top Gear challenges, and Ron Weasley's 'Flying' Ford Anglia.
History and heritage in Hampshire
If you're wondering what to do in Hampshire, the thrills of the capital city are just one hour away by train from the local station, Micheldever. Spend the day seeing the sights of London before heading back for a peaceful night in the forest. More locally, while away an afternoon in the pretty Test Valley town of Stockbridge or explore the cathedral city of Winchester, where you can eat out at the first Rick Stein restaurant to be opened outside Cornwall. A 40-minute drive brings you to Salisbury, with perhaps the finest medieval cathedral in the country. Or, if the coast is calling, head for ‘the great waterfront city’ of Portsmouth, a vibrant and modern city with a fascinating naval history.
Activities at Blackwood Forest
Fresh air and freedom
Go Ape Activities
Save 10% when you book with us!
Go Ape Forest Segway from £34.20pp
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure from £18.90pp
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure Plus from £23.40pp
Go Ape Tree Top Challenge from £29.70pp
Outdoor Activities
Hampshire Activities
Coast and beaches
Blackwood Forest is close enough to the south coast for an enjoyable day at the seaside. All the attractions of Bournemouth, one of England’s best seaside resorts, are just one hour’s drive away. A completely different experience awaits at Portsmouth, where you can explore the Historic Dockyard. Catch the Isle of Wight Ferry from Southampton for a sun-filled, fun-filled day on the Island, or stay on the mainland and visit Milford on Sea, another, quieter option, for a more old-fashioned seaside experience – and a dog-friendly beach.
Outdoor adventures in Hampshire
Alice Holt Forest is full of exciting outdoor adventures, from bushcraft and woodcraft activities to the treetop thrills of Go Ape. For more forest based adventures, The New Forest is just 30 minutes away and we recommend a guided walk to learn about its history, geology, wildlife and folklore – look out for the famous New Forest ponies too! Get close to nature at Hawk Conservancy Trust, where you can watch and meet birds of prey in their 22-acre woodland and wildflower home. For anglers, the peaceful Rooksbury Mill Local Nature Reserve in the Test Valley has day passes and a good range of species. It’s also a lovely spot for walks and is pushchair and wheelchair accessible.
Rainy day activities in Hampshire
A few drops of rain won’t spoil a great holiday in this part of the world. Take to the indoor slopes at Skiplex in Basingstoke, 20 minutes from Blackwood Forest, or head south to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where you can see the new Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory and many other ships and exhibits that tell the story of England’s maritime past. The Motor Museum at Beaulieu is another great rainy-day activity and so is Blenheim Palace, although you may not appreciate the full splendour of the gardens on a wet day. For the adults, a tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, just seven miles away, should definitely be on the agenda.
Alison Seymour
Forest Ranger, Blackwood Forest
I have a secret place which I call 'my sitspot' - it came to me when I was training as a Forest Therapy guide. One of the modules we had to do was find a sitspot and write down what thoughts came into our heads in that place for 20 minutes, 8 times a month. I kept a journal and it’s lovely to read about the creativity that I gained from this exercise and the healing power obtained from this special place in the forest.
Book your break
From the Hampshire countryside to the buzz of London and everything in between, you'll love a Forest Holiday at Blackwood Forest.