Autumn is a magical time to visit the New Forest. As summer fades, ancient woodlands transform into a patchwork of golds, coppers, and russets, while the air takes on that notable crispness that makes you want to breathe more deeply and savour the season. Wildlife is at its peak, and every path, village, and coastal vista offers a new way to experience this time of year.
From walks among falling leaves to thrilling ghost tours, creative workshops, and even wellness escapes, this is a season to be fully embraced. Whether you’re travelling solo, looking for a romantic retreat, gathering with or planning a family break, autumn in the New Forest has something for you.
Take an Autumnal Walk
For solo travellers, the Bolderwood: Radnor Trail is a true gem. This circular route winds through chestnut, oak, and beech trees, with benches perfect for pausing to read your favourite book, sketch, or simply enjoy the peace. As you walk through the woods, fallen leaves crunch underfoot, and the path leads towards Bratley Water, eventually bringing you to a deer viewing platform. If you visit during rutting season, you may witness the dramatic displays of fallow deer, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!
Alternatively, couples and families might prefer a coastal walk such as the Keyhaven Marshes. This path is rich with birdlife, such as spoonbills and other waders which gather in the salt marshes. Catch views across to Hurst Castle, the lighthouse, and the Isle of Wight, with the iconic Needles etched against the horizon. It’s the perfect walk for photography, conversation, or simply enjoying the wide-open skies.
Visit Milford on Sea
Families looking for a traditional day out by the coast will love Milford on Sea, just 10 minutes from Stanwell House. The village offers two distinct beaches: Hordle Cliff Beach, with sweeping views, and Hurst Road Beach, known locally as Keyhaven Beach, which is closer to the village centre and ideal for younger explorers. Colourful beach huts are dotted across the promenade, adding a splash of character to the Solent views.
Back in the village, there’s a butcher, a greengrocer, and a bakery for stocking up on picnic supplies, while homeware stores and gift shops make for enjoyable browsing for all ages. Couples can enjoy a leisurely walk followed by freshly brewed coffee in one of the independent cafés, while families can let children run free on the beach before tucking into a hearty pub lunch.
Discover New Forest Wildlife
Few places rival the New Forest in autumn for wildlife encounters! For couples or families exploring together, seeing animals roam freely is one of the area’s greatest joys. Ponies, donkeys, and cattle are a familiar sight, and spotting them grazing against a backdrop of golden hues is an experience like no other.
Autumn also brings something unique: the pannage pigs! From mid-September until late autumn, pigs are released into the forest to feast on fallen acorns, which are harmful to both ponies and cattle. Watching them snuffle through the crispy leaves is both entertaining and a fascinating glimpse into a centuries-old tradition. For those who’d like a more active experience, consider horse riding or a horse-drawn carriage ride. Riding through the forest offers a sense of adventure, while the slower pace of a carriage allows you to relax. Both experiences are perfect for couples looking for something different or groups of friends wanting to try something new together.
Take a Leisurely Cycle
Cycling is a wonderful way to experience the New Forest— the fresh air that fills your lungs, the scenery changes, and there’s always something new to discover.
At Stanwell House, we’ve partnered with New Forest Cycling Tours to offer exclusive rides for our guests. Run by local guide Steve, these tours cater to everyone, solo travellers, families, couples, and groups of friends, and range from gentle two and three-hour rides to full-day adventures.
One of the most popular routes is the Lymington to Keyhaven route, a relaxed 13-mile journey that takes around three hours. Starting in Lymington, cycle towards the coastal village of Keyhaven, with plenty of chances to stop for coffee or hot chocolate. The return leg along the sea wall offers stunning views of the Isle of Wight. For something a little more adventurous, the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive ride takes you through enchanting woodland and picturesque Hampshire villages, with the added bonus of spotting ponies, donkeys, and pannage pigs.
For the ultimate day out, the full-day explorer ride sets off from Lymington and takes you through woodland trails, open heathland, and along the coast. There’s a stop for cake and coffee, plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and to take some well-earned photographs.
For those who want to make a day of it, the full-day explorer route covers woodland, open heathland, and coastal views, complete with a coffee-and-cake stop. It’s great for those who love adventure or those looking to take some well-earned photographs.
Attend a Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Event
For couples, few things feel more indulgent than an afternoon of wine tasting. Just 20 minutes from Stanwell House, the Beaulieu Vineyard is hosting a tour and tasting event on Thursday, 18th September. From 4pm to 7pm, take a guided walk, listen to Sandy Booth of New Forest Fruit Farm share insights, and sample wines and drinks from local producers, paired with delicious canapés.
Savour the flavours of the region, while supporting the Countryside Education Trust. At just £25 per ticket, it’s a luxury that adds sparkle to any autumn stay.
Enjoy Alfresco Dining
Groups of friends will love the sociable atmosphere of Stanwell House Garden, open all through September (weather permitting). By day, it’s the perfect spot for long lunches under calm skies; by evening, it becomes a classy space for autumnal inspired cocktails, pizza, and shared plates.
Treat yourself to crispy wood-fired pizzas, chorizo in rich red wine, tear-and-share flatbreads, and dishes inspired by land, sea, and our own garden. There is even the barbecued catch of the day in light of our coastal location. The Garden Bar complements it all with wines, refreshing beers, and drinks that can warm your hands in the cooler air.
On Fridays, live music and DJ sets bring the garden to life! With Ibiza beats in the air, enjoy a relaxed, buzzing space brimming with feel-good energy.
Discover New Forest Marque
For families and friends alike, the New Forest Marque is a wonderful way to connect with the local community. Established in 2004, it champions farmers, growers, and artisans, showcasing everything from fresh produce and ciders to handmade crafts, from locally made candles, soaps and skincare products, locally sourced wool and more.
This autumn, Stanwell House will host an event on Thursday, 25th September, inviting guests to meet local producers and sample their creations. Additionally, on the weekend of 25th–26th October, the Autumn Market at Everton Nurseries in Lymington will be in full swing. Visitors can browse food, drink, and crafts, picking up everything from seasonal vegetables to handmade pottery. It’s a chance to shop locally, support small businesses, and discover unique gifts.
Get Crafty with Local Workshops
When the weather turns cooler, workshops at Stanwell House offer a great way to combine creativity with delicious food and drink.
On Saturday, 20th September, join award-winning jam maker Jennifer Williams of Naked Jam for a Jam Making workshop! Learn traditional techniques, experiment with a range of fruity flavours, from Raspberry to Strawberry & Champagne, and take home your own jars — perfect to keep or gift at Christmas. The session ends with a cream tea, enjoyed with the jam you’ve just created too!
For those with a keen eye for painting and photography, artist Kate Smith is also leading a Printmaking workshop inspired by autumn leaves. Scheduled for Saturday 18th October, partake in sketching and carving to inking and printing, and create your own lino cut artwork to take home. The day begins with a rich hot chocolate and ends with a well-deserved cream tea, making it a truly decadent and creative experience.
Take a Spooky Ghost Walk
For couples and groups of friends, autumn nights call for mystery and adventure. The Tales & Ghosts Walk, hosted by Haunted New Forest, combines eerie folklore, chilling history, and the paranormal in an immersive experience.
Hear tales of cursed paintings, mythical dragons, and spirits such as Florence Nightingale and King William Rufus, while exploring towns like Lymington, Winchester, Lyndhurst, and Romsey. For something extra atmospheric, join the Halloween special in Burley, which promises an extra touch of enchantment, starting outside the famous Coven of Witches shop.
Unwind in our Revitalise Hub
Sometimes, the best autumn memories are made by simply slowing down and reconnecting with your loved ones. For couples or groups of friends, the Revitalise Hub, just five minutes from Stanwell House, offers a unique wellness escape. Plunge into reinvigorating ice baths that awaken the senses or relax together in the eight-person sauna as your aching muscles ease. Each 60 minute guided session, designed for up to five guests, combines cold-water immersion with heat therapy. It’s the perfect complement to a day spent exploring the forest, or simply a memorable way to unwind together.
A Season to Savour
Autumn in the New Forest is more than just a season. It’s an invitation to walk beneath golden canopies, taste the flavours of local produce, laugh with friends over shared plates, create something with your own hands, or simply sit quietly and breathe in the stillness of the forest.
While for solo travellers, it offers reflection and escape, for couples, it’s a chance to reconnect in gorgeous surroundings. For families, it’s about making memories outdoors, but for groups of friends, it’s the perfect blend of adventure, food, and fun.
