Outdoor adventures

Forests, fishing, and birds of prey

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.

Walking and hiking

Explore the Hampshire countryside

The rolling hills of Hampshire offer glorious walking and hiking opportunities with stunning 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.

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Hampshire cycling trails

Explore the downs and forests

There are countless cycling routes in this idyllic part of the country, 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!

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Family days out

Attractions for all the family

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.

Rainy day activities

Have fun whatever the weather

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.

Coasts and beaches

Visit the seaside

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.

Towns and cities

A day trip to London

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.