Planning a family holiday this summer that will keep wandering toddlers, bored teenagers and adults equally entertained can often be a serious challenge, but the New Forest and surrounding Hampshire coastline make it surprisingly easy. From wildlife encounters and thrilling adventure parks to historic landmarks and woodland gardens, there’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions within easy reach of Stanwell House.
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a week-long summer break, we offer a fantastic base to explore the very best our region has to offer. With many attractions located between 15 and 45 minutes away, you can spend less time travelling and more time spending quality time together. After a day of adventure, return to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes, relax in comfortable accommodation and embrace a slower pace with The Stanwell Switch-Off experience.
Stay at Stanwell House for Your Family Summer Holiday
At Stanwell House, families are within easy reach of the New Forest National Park, the local coastline and some of the South Coast’s most popular attractions. Our central location means you can easily plan a different adventure each day without lengthy car journeys.
No matter if you’re fuelling up before heading out or winding down after an action-packed afternoon, our dining options make family travel effortless. From leisurely breakfasts and lunches to relaxed evening meals made with seasonal local ingredients in our restaurant, Samphire, there’s something to suit every appetite.
And if you’re planning more than a day trip, staying overnight means you can experience even more of the area without rushing.
Family Attractions for Animal Lovers
The New Forest is renowned for its wildlife, making it a superb destination for children who love animals. Whether they want to meet friendly farm animals, watch birds of prey soar overhead or discover rare wildlife species, these attractions combine fun with fascinating educational experiences.
1. Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre
Approximately 20 minutes from Stanwell House by car, Liberty’s Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre offers a great day out for families fascinated by birds and reptiles. Children can watch spectacular flying demonstrations featuring owls, hawks and falcons before learning more during engaging keeper talks. Young children can even get up close to the birds through an owl experience or bird of prey experience, both of which involve learning more about the early stages of handling, as well as everyday care.
Alongside the impressive birds of prey, visitors can also meet a fascinating collection of reptiles, making this attraction ideal for curious young explorers interested in wildlife conservation.
2. New Forest Wildlife Park
Only around 20 minutes from Lymington, New Forest Wildlife Park provides one of the area’s most enjoyable wildlife experiences. Open from 10am daily, the woodland setting helps keep temperatures cooler during hot summer days, making it especially comfortable for families visiting in peak season.
Home to wolves, otters, northern lynx and European bison, the park offers ample opportunities to learn about native and endangered species through several conservation programmes. Daily keeper talks, keeper experiences and feeding sessions provide extra insight, while shaded walking routes create a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. The wildlife park is also home to Go Wild! An exciting adventure playground for kids who wish to burn off some much-needed energy, with climbing ropes, swings and much more.
3. Longdown Activity Farm
Located roughly 25 minutes from Stanwell House, Longdown Activity Farm is perfect for younger children who enjoy hands-on animal experiences, from bottle-feeding calves and goats to becoming a farmer for a day.
Families cuddle small animals and enjoy popular tractor and trailer rides around the farm, while indoor and outdoor play areas ensure children stay entertained whatever the weather, making it one of the New Forest’s best attractions for toddlers and preschool-aged visitors.
4. Paultons Park (Home of Peppa Pig World)
Situated approximately 30 minutes from Stanwell House, Paultons Park consistently ranks among the UK’s best family theme parks!
While younger visitors will love exploring Peppa Pig World, older siblings and teenagers can enjoy over 70 exciting rollercoasters, while Dinosaur Land and a variety of thrill rides. During warmer weather, splash zones also provide welcome relief from the summer heat, making this an excellent full-day destination for families with children of different ages.
Adventure Days for Active Families
For families with energetic children or teenagers, the New Forest offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, try something new and burn off some holiday energy.
5. New Forest Water Park
Nothing says summer quite like spending the day on the water.
Home to the UK’s largest Wibit Aqua Park, New Forest Water Park is only around 25 minutes from Stanwell House and is a favourite during hot weather thanks to its giant inflatable floating obstacle course. Families with confident swimmers can also enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking and wakeboarding, making it one of the region’s most exciting summer attractions for adventurous visitors and those who love open water swimming.
6. Calshot Activities Centre
For families looking for something a little different, Calshot Activities Centre offers one of Hampshire’s widest ranges of adventure activities, whatever the weather.
On sunny days, head out onto the water and choose from kayaking, sailing, winging (a mixture of windsurfing and kitesurfing), powerboating and more. Younger adventurers aged 7–16 can also enjoy action-packed adventure days filled with exciting outdoor challenges.
When the weather takes a turn, the fun moves indoors. Older children and teenagers can tackle the climbing walls, hit the slopes or experience the thrill of riding the boards at the only indoor banked velodrome in the south of England. If precision is more your style, test your aim with archery or air rifle shooting.
With its unique location overlooking the Solent, Calshot Activities Centre is a fantastic place to spend a full day enjoying the great outdoors.
7. Moors Valley Country Park
Just 35 minutes from Stanwell House, Moors Valley Country Park combines outdoor adventure with beautiful woodland scenery.
Its enormous adventure playground is one of the largest in the region and is home to one of the most popular Go Ape locations, where the high ropes course provides an exciting challenge for older children and adults, allowing all ages to swing through the trees with ease. Families can also enjoy cycling trails, woodland walks, ride the charming steam train through the forest or play a round of Adventure Valley mini golf.
With plenty of picnic areas and shaded woodland, this award-winning attraction remains an ideal destination for warm summer days.
8. Flip Out Trampoline Park
If the weather takes an unexpected turn, Flip Out provides an excellent indoor alternative.
Approximately 35 minutes from Stanwell House, this action-packed trampoline park is the perfect place for families to let off some energy. With interconnected trampolines, dedicated toddler soft play areas, inflatable obstacle courses and exciting drop slides, there’s something for children of all ages to enjoy.
It’s an excellent option for keeping children active while escaping the rain or midday heat.
Discover Local History and Culture
Not every family day out has to be packed with adrenaline. The New Forest also offers quieter attractions where children can discover local history, enjoy beautiful gardens and explore centuries-old landmarks.
9. Furzey Gardens
For families looking for a more relaxed day out, Furzey Gardens offers a magical woodland escape unlike anywhere else in the New Forest. Located around 25 minutes from Stanwell House, this enchanting garden is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy time together in nature.
Children will love exploring the woodland trails, discovering hidden fairy doors and uncovering the garden’s many little surprises, while adults can admire the beautifully maintained gardens and tranquil surroundings.
With an on-site café and a play area for little boots, it’s easy to spend a few relaxing hours immersed in the beauty of the outdoors. In the afternoon, head to the charming, thatched tearoom and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea or traditional English cream tea.
10. Red House Museum
Head to the Red House Museum and Gardens in Christchurch, which introduces families to the fascinating history of the area through engaging exhibitions and interactive displays. Children can take part in seasonal activities and family trails while adults learn about the area’s rich heritage while wandering the expansive gardens. It’s an excellent option for cooler or rainy days.
Upon leaving, families can enjoy peaceful walks beside the nearby River Stour or Christchurch Quay. With plenty of green spaces nearby, it’s easy to combine sightseeing with a relaxed family picnic.
Make the Most of Your Family Holiday
One of the greatest benefits of staying at Stanwell House is having some of Hampshire’s best family attractions right on your doorstep. From adventure-filled days exploring the New Forest to visits packed with fun and discovery, there’s always something new to experience, and after a busy day out, you can return to the comfort of our hotel and enjoy quality time together without the stress of planning meals or searching for somewhere to eat.
Our relaxed garden and menus, inspired by fresh local ingredients, provide the perfect setting for families to unwind and reconnect. Whether you’re starting the day with breakfast before heading to Paulton’s Park or enjoying dinner together after an adventure at Calshot Activities Centre, our dining experiences make every part of your stay feel easy and effortless.
Family time is all about slowing down and enjoying each other’s company. Spend your days discovering hidden woodland trails, spotting wildlife, exploring gardens or enjoying Hampshire’s many family attractions, then return to the welcoming surroundings of Stanwell House to relax and recharge. Families can also embrace The Stanwell Switch-Off experience, designed to help families embrace a more relaxed pace, reconnect and make the most of everything the New Forest has to offer.
Enjoy the freedom to fill your days with adventure while having a comfortable retreat waiting for you at the end of each day.
