NEW LIFE: Mother and foal enjoying the New Forest spring sunshine. Picture credit: Trevor Woodward, www.thenewforest.co.uk
This summer’s exceptional weather has already prompted thoughts of next year’s holidays in the English countryside – and the New Forest, currently in focus as the subject of a TV series, is looking forward to opening its arms to visitors.
The Channel 4 Saturday evening TV series A Year in the New Forest is shining a spotlight on this romantic, ancient landscape – showing viewers the highs, lows and challenges of living on the land year-round.
But it’s also giving inspiration to those who want to discover the romance, history and the sense of well-being this natural treasure brings for themselves.
New life, pristine green shoots and invigorating air await in spring – but there are also endless attractions, sophisticated stays in top-class hotels, delicious dining and family fun to be had.
Now is the time to start thinking about booking up special events – like the popular Smoked & Uncut music festivals held at The Pig and Lime Wood hotels, featuring top names and pop-up restaurants.
Accommodation ranges from smart hotels, including the historic Burley Manor, to campsites where the whole family can get together to make memories to last a lifetime
The list of things to do in the New Forest grows as the weather warms up and the days lengthen in spring. Exbury Gardens is at its spectacular best, with world-famous displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. Downton Cuckoo Fair on the edge of the New Forest is a free family tradition which celebrates its 40th year in May 2019 – although the first recorded spring Downton fair was as far back as 1249.
Fine food and drink are always easy to find in the New Forest and everyone’s taste is catered for – from a vegan afternoon tea at Carey’s Manor hotel to a sumptuous Sunday lunch at Beaulieu’s Montagu Arms.
Anthony Climpson, CEO of Go New Forest, the not-for-profit organisation which protects and promotes this outstandingly beautiful part of southern England, said: “We’re thrilled that more than a million TV viewers are witnessing the beauty of the New Forest through A Year in the New Forest.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming some of them in person next spring to see for themselves how getting closer to nature can refresh and revitalise.”
For details of where to stay and what to do in the New Forest, see www.thenewforest.co.uk.
A Year in the New Forest concludes with summer on Saturday August 18, Channel 4 at 7pm.
- Media enquiries to Debbie Moore at Deep South Media on 01202 534487/ 07910 207325
