As the last of the summer slips away the New Forest enters what is arguably it’s best season, the Autumn. During this magical time the leaves change colour from their vibrant emerald, lime and chartreuse greens to the hues of fiery red, burnished orange and golden yellows. The Pannage season begins and the pigs are let out to forage for acorns, pubs light their log fires to create a warm and cosy welcome, the ponies grow their snug winter coats in preparation for the long winter ahead and mellow mists envelope the heathland and moors in the early morning. The weather, however, can still be mild, the ground dry and the days can be warm and sunny – the perfect conditions in fact, for camping. So why not come and visit the New Forest this Autumn and see what this beautiful time of year has to offer.
Exploring the New Forest on horseback is surely one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of this National Park and there are a plenty of stables to choose from to suit the beginner to the experienced horse rider.
Cycling in the New Forest offers the opportunity to explore not only the quiet country roads and villages but also the off road routes that pass through ancient woodland and heathland. Bring your own bikes or hire some from one of the numerous cycle hire companies operating in the area.
You could join in with the New Forest National Park’s multitude of organised activities including The New Forest Walking Festival which runs from 15th – 30th October 2016. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover more about the National Park, with guidance from friendly and knowledgeable walk leaders to help walkers of all ages unlock the secrets of the Forest.
Alternatively you could simply meander along the forest tracks yourself collecting blackberries, conkers, chestnuts to roast later on your BBQ and beautiful coloured leaves – great for the kids to make collages with in the evening.
Halloween falls during the Autumn half term and there are lots of spooktacular goings on in the forest for all the family to enjoy including the Exbury Ghost Train, a personal favourite of mine, and pumpkin carving at the New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst.
Beaulieu is regarded as one of the most haunted sites in Britain. The ruins of the 13th Century Beaulieu Abbey are said to stir at night to the sound of ghostly monastic chants whilst the darkened corridors of Palace House are patrolled by the spectral `Grey Lady’, so if you’re looking for something spine chilling to do this October half-term go along and follow the Halloween quiz trail, take a lucky dip in the mysterious box of delights, listen to spooky stories from the costumed guides in Palace House and have your face painted as a witch, skeleton or something equally as scary.
If that hasn’t scared you enough, don’t forget to visit the bewitched village of Burley which has strong links to witchcraft, smuggling and dragons. During the late 1950’s a famous ‘White’ witch named Sybil Leek lived in Burley. She was often seen wending her way around the village in a long, black cloak with her devilish pet jackdaw resting on her shoulder and was well known for her famous writings and teaching around the subjects of the occult and astrology, there is even a gift shop named ‘The Coven of Witches’ in her honour. The 16th Queen’s Head pub was notorious for smugglers and highwaymen. An eerie hidden cellar was discovered beneath the floor of the “Stable bar”, full of pistols, bottles and coins believed to be one of the hiding places of long gone smugglers.
With so many fantastic events happening throughout the forest this half term you can’t afford to miss out on what’s on offer for your family.
Why not call us today to make a booking!