Key Features
- Property code: A850
- Preferred changeover day: Friday
- Check in: 3pm
- Check out: 10am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Access statement available
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Dishwasher
- Ground floor accommodation
- Hot Tub
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Real fire
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Village
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
Goesmere Barns is an impressive barn conversion tucked away in the peaceful North West corner of the New Forest National Park, on the outskirts of the pretty village of Damerham. Comprising Ash and Oak Barn, the overall property comfortably sleeps 12 guests with plenty of space for a family get together. Each barn offers open plan living space under high ceilings and galleried landings. Ground floor accommodation is also provided which may benefit less mobile guests. The delightful surroundings and farmland views make for a peaceful getaway.
Damerham is steeped in history dating back to 12th Century and well worth a stroll from the property to include a visit to The Compasses, the popular village pub. Fordingbridge in the north of the New Forest is three miles away providing plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants. Within a 30 minute drive it is possible to visit Salisbury, walk, cycle or horse ride in the New Forest, explore Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park, or enjoy water based activities at the New Forest Water Park.
Hot Tub: Available at an additional charge of £100 for 3-4 night bookings and £200 for 7 night bookings. Please note that pool towels are not included.
Both Ash & Oak Barn can been booked separately sleeping 6 per barn.
Key Features
- Property code: A850
- Preferred changeover day: Friday
- Check in: 3pm
- Check out: 10am
- 2 or more bathrooms
- Access statement available
- Central heating
- Parking (see description for details)
- Dishwasher
- Ground floor accommodation
- Hot Tub
- Garden or outside space
- Nearby pub or restaurant
- Real fire
- Short breaks available
- Tumble dryer
- Village
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Description
Goesmere Barns is an impressive barn conversion tucked away in the peaceful North West corner of the New Forest National Park, on the outskirts of the pretty village of Damerham. Comprising Ash and Oak Barn, the overall property comfortably sleeps 12 guests with plenty of space for a family get together. Each barn offers open plan living space under high ceilings and galleried landings. Ground floor accommodation is also provided which may benefit less mobile guests. The delightful surroundings and farmland views make for a peaceful getaway.
Damerham is steeped in history dating back to 12th Century and well worth a stroll from the property to include a visit to The Compasses, the popular village pub. Fordingbridge in the north of the New Forest is three miles away providing plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants. Within a 30 minute drive it is possible to visit Salisbury, walk, cycle or horse ride in the New Forest, explore Go Ape at Moors Valley Country Park, or enjoy water based activities at the New Forest Water Park.
Hot Tub: Available at an additional charge of £100 for 3-4 night bookings and £200 for 7 night bookings. Please note that pool towels are not included.
Both Ash & Oak Barn can been booked separately sleeping 6 per barn.
Each barn includes the following:
Entrance into open plan ground floor living with underfloor heating.
Kitchen area with integrated electric oven, electric hob, dishwasher, microwave, larder fridge, separate freezer.
Dining table with seating for six. Relaxation area with wood burner, wall hung Smart TV with DVD player, digital radio with i-pod docking station, ample comfortable seating including recliners. French doors leading to the garden.
Ground floor bedroom 3 with king size bed (5ft).
Bedroom 2 with twin single beds (3ft).
Ground floor bathroom with free standing bath, separate walk in shower, hand basin and WC.
Stairs to galleried landing with further relaxation area with TV and built in DVD, overlooking the ground floor.
Spacious bedroom 1 with king size bed (5ft), Juliette balcony with views over open fields, en suite shower with shower cubicle, hand basin and WC.
Laundry room available which includes washing machine, tumble dryer, sink area and airer available to use.
Enclosed private south facing garden with artificial lawn, patio and garden furniture and hot tub. View over fields often occupied by sheep. There is a barbecue stand available for disposable barbecues only. Guests to buy and dispose of their own barbecues.
The houses, cob cottages and timber framed buildings are an eclectic mingle of modern homes and historic dwellings linked by narrow paths around flower filled water meadows.
The Grade I listed Church of St George is fascinating to look around and believed to date to Saxon times. It’s worth popping in to admire the wonderful 12th century Tympanum of St. George killing a Saracen.
The Compasses Inn is the excellent village pub, known as a destination in its own right for fantastic food. It does get busy though, so best to book in advance, especially at weekends. Also in the village is Damerham Trout Fishery. Regarded by those in the know, as one of the best still-water and chalk stream fisheries in the south. Bring your own rod and buy a day ticket, or hone your skills with one on one tuition.
Damerham has a lovely village hall and active community who schedule a fun filled calendar of events: snowdrop walks, duck races, a potato day and beer festival to name but a few. The highlight of the year is celebrated in July with Damerham Fair. The event attracts over 2000 people to see maypole dancing, duck herding, wheel barrow racing, live music, food, beer tents and many more smile inducing sights!
Ample off road parking outside close to the property for several cars.
Included: Bed linen and towels,(please bring own beach towels and hot tub towels), central heating (oil), electricity, WiFi, logs available for the wood burner in appropriate season. Travel cot (please bring own bedding) high chair and stair gate available upon request.
Hot Tub: Available at an additional charge of £100 for 3-4 night bookings and £200 for 7 night bookings. Please note that pool towels are not included.
Children All ages welcome.
Pets Sorry no pets.
Telephone Not available. Mobile signal variable.
No smoking
Nearest beach Avon Beach at Mudeford 15 miles. Bournemouth 20 miles.
Nearest shop Village shop in Sandleheath 2.4 miles away.
Nearest pub The Compasses 0.7 miles, Augustus John 2.5 miles.
Short breaks available low season bookable any time, mid and high season two weeks before the holiday start.
Changeover Friday.
Check in times: 3pm
Check out times: 10am
Property: Self-catering holiday house.
The Compasses Inn
(Less than a mile)
(8)
A superb gastro country pub, with heaps of character in a stunning village setting. There’s a plentiful choice of drinks and a good selection of real ales. The Compass Inn has two bars and collection of dining rooms, each with a lovely atmosphere and candlelit in the evenings. Outside is a huge beer garden and playing field for the kids to run around. Food is absolutely delicious, making good use of local produce with excellent cooking. Dogs welcome.
The Compasses Inn (T: 01725 518 231) East End, Damerham SP6 3HQ
Compasses Inn had friendly staff. Good food served quickly. A tad expensive for children’s menu.
August 2022
Long wait for our meal though pub wasn’t busy and food not very hot . Think whole fish should be changed to fillets .
July 2022
The Compasses has great potential, needs updating. It is currently not making the most of its location in the village had it been more comfortable it would have been my destination of choice during my stay in Damerham
August 2021
We had a lovely meal at the Compass on Saturday 10th July. The chips were slightly over cooked but otherwise all the food was good quality. There were dogs inside the pub which may be an issue for some.
July 2021
Would love to have tried this pub as we were within walking distance, but sadly the only Vegan/Vegetarian option was a salad ... not very inspiring for those in our party looking for options.
July 2021
Pleasant pub with fairly good food
October 2019
Plenty of choice and well prepared food at a reasonable price. Staff very friendly and our service was quick and efficient.
October 2018
Fabulous pub. Amazing food & staff. Highly recommended
March 2018
The Rose and Thistle
(2 miles)
(6)
In the pretty village of Rockborne, you’ll find the Rose and Thistle pub, which was once three thatched cottages, dating back to 1580. Inside it’s cosy and appealingly pretty with a large open fire. Outside there’s a beer garden with plenty of outdoor seating. The food here is all about being local and having provenance - game is a specialty. Once in the kitchen, ingredients are transformed in to delicious dishes in big portions. There’s a good selection of ales, wines and spirits served by friendly, efficient staff.
The Rose and Thistle (T: 01725 518236) Rockbourne, SP6 3NL
Did the 30 minute walk across the fields from the Chapel to this pub which is very quaint. Did not eat here, just had drinks but the pub and its garden is very nice.
March 2024
Great pub. Dog and child friendly, we were made to feel very welcome. Had booked ahead and had a lovely table next to the big log fire. The food was fantastic. Even my fussy 6 year old ate pretty much all of his Mac and Cheese as it was just as he likes it and very yummy. Highly recommend the Steak and Kidney Pudding, delicious!
January 2024
Fabulous pub with friendly staff, a great selection of food on offer and a great atmosphere. Would highly recommend
May 2022
Great establishment for outdoor puts licjdiwn refreshments
April 2021
Excellent food and service
September 2019
Fantastic food, great service and lovely atmosphere
September 2018
The Cartwheel Inn
(3 miles)
(7)
The food at The Cartwheel Inn is amazing, and people travel from afar to eat here. This popular, off the beaten track country pub, is a wonderful destination. You can sit outside in the large, sunny beer garden which has lots to keep the children entertained. And in the winter months, a log fire crackles away to keep you warm and cosy. Service is fast and friendly, and the pubs selection of drinks should be enough to keep everyone happy.
The Cartwheel Inn (T: 01725 518362) Whitsbury, Fordingbridge SP6 3PZ
Had an evening meal here on our first night at the Chapel. We hadn't booked in advance but the staff were very helpful and swopped around some tables so we could eat and the food was very good.
March 2024
Such a warm welcoming pub. Excellent food and service. A great autumn menu for adults and a tasty children's menu too. So good we ate there twice!
October 2023
We were staying in the village and visited the Cartwheel several times for just a drink or meals they were lovely people and welcomed us and our small dog every time, the atmosphere was excellent, food excellent we would recommend to everyone…..I am coeliac and nothing was too much trouble.
June 2023
A very tasty Sunday lunch, good sized portions and all the gravy you could ever need!
May 2023
Fantastic food and lovely staff. Best cheesecake!
April 2023
Delicious food friendly staff and atmosphere
October 2019
Good food and service
September 2019
The Crown - Fordingbridge
(3 miles)
(2)
A friendly, town centre pub in Fordingbridge, with some tables to the rear for when it’s warm. Inside there’s a nice open fire and plenty of tables. The menus are pub classics at a very reasonable price, which can be washed down with a good pint of real ale.
The Crown (T: 01425 652552) 62 High Street, Fordingbridge, SP6 1AX
Fabulous pub in a superb location by the river. The pistachio crusted trout was superb and the vegan/vegetarian options were excellent. Great service by very friendly and helpful staff.
July 2021
Very friendly atmosphere. Food good but not amazing.
May 2019
The Ship Inn - Fordingbridge
(3 miles)
(1)
In the centre of the town is the popular pub - The Ship Inn. Inside there’s an open fire, and traditional bar which stocks a good selection of drinks and cask ales. During the warmer months, you can sit outside in the walled beer garden. The main menu offers the usual pub fare which is supplemented by an extensive specials board. There’s live music at the weekends and monthly theme nights which are great fun.
The Ship Inn (T: 01425 654371) Fordingbridge, SP6 1AX
Excellent food.
November 2019
Rockbourne Roman Villa
(2 miles)
Take a step back in time to visit this Roman villa which was discovered in 1942 thanks to the remains of oyster shells and tiles. Once excavated, the treasures kept coming with a mosaic floor and foundations making themselves apparent until the entire villa was uncovered, not to mention the remains of an Iron Age timber roundhouse as well. Visit, explore, and see what you discover!
Click Here for further information
Insight Activities
(3 miles)
Feeling active? It’s Insight Activities for you then! Archery, combat tag, crossbows, axe throwing and woodland weaponry are all part of the game as you explore the New Forest in Robin Hood style. It’s perfect for anyone over the age of six, and is a chance to learn something new and have fun at the same time!
Click Here for further information
Fordingbridge Museum
(3 miles)
(1)
Preserving the rich history of the village of Fordingbridge on the edge of the New Forest, the former market town’s famed folk including artist Augustus John, its role during the Second World War, and its trade past are all documented in this former granary run by volunteers. They have a collection of temporary and permanent exhibitions available to see, as well as seasonal events.
Click Here for further information
Very interesting museum. Loved the dolls houses
October 2019
Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
(4 miles)
(1)
Dorset’s Heavy Horse Centre is the home of rare breed horses, in an award-winning environment that will entertain guests of all ages. These heavy horses have been man’s best friend across the centuries, and while life is a little more relaxed for them these days, you can learn about their heritage, and see farm animals or play in a variety of activity areas.
Click Here for further information
We think this is the best place to visit in the whole Dorset/New Forest area! We have been here three times over the years and it gets better every time. It strikes the perfect balance of being traditional, non-commercial and unique but also hugely entertaining and absolutely loads to do for young and old!
June 2019
Breamore House
(4 miles)
(6)
Set in beautiful parkland, the Elizabethan Manor House and Countryside Museum are open for visitors from April until the end of October. The Countryside Museum provides a fascinating insight into the days when the village was self-sufficient, with full size replicas including a blacksmith, village shop, school and dairy. It also boasts one of the finest collections of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools.
Click here for further information
We visited the museum (with our dog) and enjoyed snacks at the cafe. Definitely worth visiting with an extensive collection of historic equipment and the food was very good too!
May 2023
Brilliant afternoon spent at Breamore House and countryside museum. The house tour was a highlight. ? Excellent value for money and well worth a visit.
August 2021
Really interesting and excellent and informative guide.
September 2019
Breamore House is wonderful. The guides were fun and knowledgeable. They brought the history of the house and the families how have and do live there to life. The countryside museum is also fabuous.
September 2018
Really beautiful house with lots of history, the guided tour was really interesting and you can get a really close look at the furniture, paintings etc
July 2018
A great day out. Very historic and interesting tour
June 2018
Boscombe Beach
(16 miles)
(1)
Boscombe is a popular family beach with plenty of sand, and a small pier with extensive facilities including a children’s play area, several seafront shops and cafés, crazy golf, plenty of parking and a safe traffic free area perfect for cycling and scooters.
Lovely beach, we enjoyed our walk and we look forward to visiting again when we are next on holiday in the New Forest.
May 2023
Southbourne Beach
(16 miles)
Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.
The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.
Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.
Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.
Parking can be found on the clifftop, accessed via slopes leading right to and from the beach.
Southbourne Beach
(16 miles)
(1)
Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.
The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.
Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.
Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.
Wonderful sandy, dog friendly beach with spectacular, far fetching views. The addition of Sobo serving fantastic coffee is great.
October 2023
Avon Beach
(16 miles)
(2)
A family friendly beach close to Mudeford and Christchurch Harbour with plenty to do for all. For those with disabilities or small children there is a beach level carpark, and to keep everyone safe there is a designated bathing area and a seperate area allocated for watersports, all overseen by lifeguards in the summer months. This pretty sand and shingle beach is backed by trees and countryside and if you fancy some fresh local seafood or simply a coffee, ice cream or a cold drink, the beach is home to the excellent Noisy Lobster, serving breakfast, lunch and supper all year round.
Nice beach with good facilities
April 2023
Beautiful beach, lots of sand for youngsters- definitely been high on our favourites list, for more than 30 years and still is now the 'children' are nearly 30! - well worth the drive from New Forest. The Noisy Lobster is great and now has an 'outdoor upstairs' too. The Beach Cafe, half-way along, is excellent too- used to do very good carrot cake! The connecting beach towards Steamer Point is dog-friendly all year which is a bonus. Walking to the quay end, you can catch the ferry to Hengistbury Head which is beautiful beach too and often quieter (top favourite!) Even this last week (JULY 2021) the 'kids' wanted to crab-fish from Mudeford Quay!!
August 2021
Bournemouth Beach
(16 miles)
Nestled beneath stunning cliffs, Bournemouth Beach (also known as Bournemouth Central Beach) is the popular stretch of sand to the east and west of Bournemouth Pier. Enjoying its own micro-climate with some of the warmest sea waters in the UK, and with spectacular views of the Isle of Wight, this is one of the busiest parts of the full seven-mile stretch of sandy beaches that run along the Bournemouth coastline.
Easy walking distance from the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of Bournemouth, there are lots of things to do here too, from the selection of rides, amusements and boat trips that depart from Bournemouth Pier, to the shore zip wire, to a refreshing paddle in the waves, or a spell relaxing in the sunshine on a deckchair. Bournemouth Oceanarium is also located on the seafront, as are many bars, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste.
A Land Train runs along the promenade from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier, or to Alum Chine - perfect for children or anyone else who wants to save their legs whilst enjoying views of the beach.
Dogs are not permitted on this stretch of beach, but are allowed on a lead on the promenade.
April 2024
We had a great time. Houses were well equipped, the surroundings were fantastic and the owners very helpful. Very happy with the holiday.
January 2024
These barns do not disappoint! They are luxurious and spotlessly clean. They were warm and very cosy, perfect in every way! We can't wait to go back
July 2023
Our party of 11, in both Barns, all enjoyed their stay and would stay there again.
August 2022
We all had a great time. My Granddaughters loved feeding the sheep and the donkeys. The owners Mr and Mrs Gurr were very welcoming.
June 2022
The hosts (who live on site) are the loveliest, most helpful people. The area is absolutely beautiful and the accommodation is excellent.
April 2022
We had fantastic stay, perfect location for our extended family.
March 2022
Excellent facilities and accommodation utilising both barns for family, partners and children. Lovely countryside setting with good walks and pubs nearby
April 2024
We had a great time. Houses were well equipped, the surroundings were fantastic and the owners very helpful. Very happy with the holiday.
January 2024
These barns do not disappoint! They are luxurious and spotlessly clean. They were warm and very cosy, perfect in every way! We can't wait to go back
July 2023
Our party of 11, in both Barns, all enjoyed their stay and would stay there again.
August 2022
We all had a great time. My Granddaughters loved feeding the sheep and the donkeys. The owners Mr and Mrs Gurr were very welcoming.
June 2022
The hosts (who live on site) are the loveliest, most helpful people. The area is absolutely beautiful and the accommodation is excellent.
April 2022
We had fantastic stay, perfect location for our extended family.
March 2022
Excellent facilities and accommodation utilising both barns for family, partners and children. Lovely countryside setting with good walks and pubs nearby
The Compasses Inn
(Less than a mile)
(8)
A superb gastro country pub, with heaps of character in a stunning village setting. There’s a plentiful choice of drinks and a good selection of real ales. The Compass Inn has two bars and collection of dining rooms, each with a lovely atmosphere and candlelit in the evenings. Outside is a huge beer garden and playing field for the kids to run around. Food is absolutely delicious, making good use of local produce with excellent cooking. Dogs welcome.
The Compasses Inn (T: 01725 518 231) East End, Damerham SP6 3HQ
Compasses Inn had friendly staff. Good food served quickly. A tad expensive for children’s menu.
August 2022
Long wait for our meal though pub wasn’t busy and food not very hot . Think whole fish should be changed to fillets .
July 2022
The Compasses has great potential, needs updating. It is currently not making the most of its location in the village had it been more comfortable it would have been my destination of choice during my stay in Damerham
August 2021
We had a lovely meal at the Compass on Saturday 10th July. The chips were slightly over cooked but otherwise all the food was good quality. There were dogs inside the pub which may be an issue for some.
July 2021
Would love to have tried this pub as we were within walking distance, but sadly the only Vegan/Vegetarian option was a salad ... not very inspiring for those in our party looking for options.
July 2021
Pleasant pub with fairly good food
October 2019
Plenty of choice and well prepared food at a reasonable price. Staff very friendly and our service was quick and efficient.
October 2018
Fabulous pub. Amazing food & staff. Highly recommended
March 2018
The Rose and Thistle
(2 miles)
(6)
In the pretty village of Rockborne, you’ll find the Rose and Thistle pub, which was once three thatched cottages, dating back to 1580. Inside it’s cosy and appealingly pretty with a large open fire. Outside there’s a beer garden with plenty of outdoor seating. The food here is all about being local and having provenance - game is a specialty. Once in the kitchen, ingredients are transformed in to delicious dishes in big portions. There’s a good selection of ales, wines and spirits served by friendly, efficient staff.
The Rose and Thistle (T: 01725 518236) Rockbourne, SP6 3NL
Did the 30 minute walk across the fields from the Chapel to this pub which is very quaint. Did not eat here, just had drinks but the pub and its garden is very nice.
March 2024
Great pub. Dog and child friendly, we were made to feel very welcome. Had booked ahead and had a lovely table next to the big log fire. The food was fantastic. Even my fussy 6 year old ate pretty much all of his Mac and Cheese as it was just as he likes it and very yummy. Highly recommend the Steak and Kidney Pudding, delicious!
January 2024
Fabulous pub with friendly staff, a great selection of food on offer and a great atmosphere. Would highly recommend
May 2022
Great establishment for outdoor puts licjdiwn refreshments
April 2021
Excellent food and service
September 2019
Fantastic food, great service and lovely atmosphere
September 2018
The Cartwheel Inn
(3 miles)
(7)
The food at The Cartwheel Inn is amazing, and people travel from afar to eat here. This popular, off the beaten track country pub, is a wonderful destination. You can sit outside in the large, sunny beer garden which has lots to keep the children entertained. And in the winter months, a log fire crackles away to keep you warm and cosy. Service is fast and friendly, and the pubs selection of drinks should be enough to keep everyone happy.
The Cartwheel Inn (T: 01725 518362) Whitsbury, Fordingbridge SP6 3PZ
Had an evening meal here on our first night at the Chapel. We hadn't booked in advance but the staff were very helpful and swopped around some tables so we could eat and the food was very good.
March 2024
Such a warm welcoming pub. Excellent food and service. A great autumn menu for adults and a tasty children's menu too. So good we ate there twice!
October 2023
We were staying in the village and visited the Cartwheel several times for just a drink or meals they were lovely people and welcomed us and our small dog every time, the atmosphere was excellent, food excellent we would recommend to everyone…..I am coeliac and nothing was too much trouble.
June 2023
A very tasty Sunday lunch, good sized portions and all the gravy you could ever need!
May 2023
Fantastic food and lovely staff. Best cheesecake!
April 2023
Delicious food friendly staff and atmosphere
October 2019
Good food and service
September 2019
The Crown - Fordingbridge
(3 miles)
(2)
A friendly, town centre pub in Fordingbridge, with some tables to the rear for when it’s warm. Inside there’s a nice open fire and plenty of tables. The menus are pub classics at a very reasonable price, which can be washed down with a good pint of real ale.
The Crown (T: 01425 652552) 62 High Street, Fordingbridge, SP6 1AX
Fabulous pub in a superb location by the river. The pistachio crusted trout was superb and the vegan/vegetarian options were excellent. Great service by very friendly and helpful staff.
July 2021
Very friendly atmosphere. Food good but not amazing.
May 2019
The Ship Inn - Fordingbridge
(3 miles)
(1)
In the centre of the town is the popular pub - The Ship Inn. Inside there’s an open fire, and traditional bar which stocks a good selection of drinks and cask ales. During the warmer months, you can sit outside in the walled beer garden. The main menu offers the usual pub fare which is supplemented by an extensive specials board. There’s live music at the weekends and monthly theme nights which are great fun.
The Ship Inn (T: 01425 654371) Fordingbridge, SP6 1AX
Excellent food.
November 2019
Rockbourne Roman Villa
(2 miles)
Take a step back in time to visit this Roman villa which was discovered in 1942 thanks to the remains of oyster shells and tiles. Once excavated, the treasures kept coming with a mosaic floor and foundations making themselves apparent until the entire villa was uncovered, not to mention the remains of an Iron Age timber roundhouse as well. Visit, explore, and see what you discover!
Click Here for further information
Insight Activities
(3 miles)
Feeling active? It’s Insight Activities for you then! Archery, combat tag, crossbows, axe throwing and woodland weaponry are all part of the game as you explore the New Forest in Robin Hood style. It’s perfect for anyone over the age of six, and is a chance to learn something new and have fun at the same time!
Click Here for further information
Fordingbridge Museum
(3 miles)
(1)
Preserving the rich history of the village of Fordingbridge on the edge of the New Forest, the former market town’s famed folk including artist Augustus John, its role during the Second World War, and its trade past are all documented in this former granary run by volunteers. They have a collection of temporary and permanent exhibitions available to see, as well as seasonal events.
Click Here for further information
Very interesting museum. Loved the dolls houses
October 2019
Dorset Heavy Horse Centre
(4 miles)
(1)
Dorset’s Heavy Horse Centre is the home of rare breed horses, in an award-winning environment that will entertain guests of all ages. These heavy horses have been man’s best friend across the centuries, and while life is a little more relaxed for them these days, you can learn about their heritage, and see farm animals or play in a variety of activity areas.
Click Here for further information
We think this is the best place to visit in the whole Dorset/New Forest area! We have been here three times over the years and it gets better every time. It strikes the perfect balance of being traditional, non-commercial and unique but also hugely entertaining and absolutely loads to do for young and old!
June 2019
Breamore House
(4 miles)
(6)
Set in beautiful parkland, the Elizabethan Manor House and Countryside Museum are open for visitors from April until the end of October. The Countryside Museum provides a fascinating insight into the days when the village was self-sufficient, with full size replicas including a blacksmith, village shop, school and dairy. It also boasts one of the finest collections of steam powered farm machinery, tractors, barn machinery and historical tools.
Click here for further information
We visited the museum (with our dog) and enjoyed snacks at the cafe. Definitely worth visiting with an extensive collection of historic equipment and the food was very good too!
May 2023
Brilliant afternoon spent at Breamore House and countryside museum. The house tour was a highlight. ? Excellent value for money and well worth a visit.
August 2021
Really interesting and excellent and informative guide.
September 2019
Breamore House is wonderful. The guides were fun and knowledgeable. They brought the history of the house and the families how have and do live there to life. The countryside museum is also fabuous.
September 2018
Really beautiful house with lots of history, the guided tour was really interesting and you can get a really close look at the furniture, paintings etc
July 2018
A great day out. Very historic and interesting tour
June 2018
Boscombe Beach
(16 miles)
(1)
Boscombe is a popular family beach with plenty of sand, and a small pier with extensive facilities including a children’s play area, several seafront shops and cafés, crazy golf, plenty of parking and a safe traffic free area perfect for cycling and scooters.
Lovely beach, we enjoyed our walk and we look forward to visiting again when we are next on holiday in the New Forest.
May 2023
Southbourne Beach
(16 miles)
Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.
The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.
Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.
Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.
Parking can be found on the clifftop, accessed via slopes leading right to and from the beach.
Southbourne Beach
(16 miles)
(1)
Southbourne Beach is a Blue flag award winning beach with wide, clean, part sand and part shingle beach to the east of Boscombe Pier. With views stretching right across to the Isle of Wight on a clear day and Old Harry Rocks/Swanage to the west.
The beach is popular all year round and during the summer months you can find kiosks serving ice creams and drinks dotted along the promenade.
Other facilities include toilets, baby changing facilities, lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations and pubs. There are many beach huts along Southbourne Beach and they are available to rent all year round from the local beach office.
Dogs are not permitted on Southbourne beach from 1st May – 30th September however they are permitted on the promenades all year round when on a lead.
Wonderful sandy, dog friendly beach with spectacular, far fetching views. The addition of Sobo serving fantastic coffee is great.
October 2023
Avon Beach
(16 miles)
(2)
A family friendly beach close to Mudeford and Christchurch Harbour with plenty to do for all. For those with disabilities or small children there is a beach level carpark, and to keep everyone safe there is a designated bathing area and a seperate area allocated for watersports, all overseen by lifeguards in the summer months. This pretty sand and shingle beach is backed by trees and countryside and if you fancy some fresh local seafood or simply a coffee, ice cream or a cold drink, the beach is home to the excellent Noisy Lobster, serving breakfast, lunch and supper all year round.
Nice beach with good facilities
April 2023
Beautiful beach, lots of sand for youngsters- definitely been high on our favourites list, for more than 30 years and still is now the 'children' are nearly 30! - well worth the drive from New Forest. The Noisy Lobster is great and now has an 'outdoor upstairs' too. The Beach Cafe, half-way along, is excellent too- used to do very good carrot cake! The connecting beach towards Steamer Point is dog-friendly all year which is a bonus. Walking to the quay end, you can catch the ferry to Hengistbury Head which is beautiful beach too and often quieter (top favourite!) Even this last week (JULY 2021) the 'kids' wanted to crab-fish from Mudeford Quay!!
August 2021
Bournemouth Beach
(16 miles)
Nestled beneath stunning cliffs, Bournemouth Beach (also known as Bournemouth Central Beach) is the popular stretch of sand to the east and west of Bournemouth Pier. Enjoying its own micro-climate with some of the warmest sea waters in the UK, and with spectacular views of the Isle of Wight, this is one of the busiest parts of the full seven-mile stretch of sandy beaches that run along the Bournemouth coastline.
Easy walking distance from the shops, bars and restaurants in the centre of Bournemouth, there are lots of things to do here too, from the selection of rides, amusements and boat trips that depart from Bournemouth Pier, to the shore zip wire, to a refreshing paddle in the waves, or a spell relaxing in the sunshine on a deckchair. Bournemouth Oceanarium is also located on the seafront, as are many bars, cafes and restaurants to suit every taste.
A Land Train runs along the promenade from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier, or to Alum Chine - perfect for children or anyone else who wants to save their legs whilst enjoying views of the beach.
Dogs are not permitted on this stretch of beach, but are allowed on a lead on the promenade.
Your selected break
Other available dates
Book now & only pay 1/3 today
With our advanced booking deposit scheme only pay 1/3 today (available on bookings over 6 weeks in advance).
Your booking is safe and secure