Lost and Found in Lymington and the New Forest

Have you lost something precious or found an item that someone could be missing? 

Email us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or message us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LymingtonHampshire/) with details.

Lost - toy/mascot chimp (PG Tips chimp)

Lost toy/mascot chimp (PG Tips chimp) in the vicinity of Beaulieu while visiting the autojumble on Sunday 2nd Sept. Approx 4" tall and wearing a homemade blue knitted jumper with his favourite Ogri badge on. Seems he slipped out of the backpack side pocket either while walking around the autojumble or on the way out (via the exhibitors car
park and bus to overflow parking). If anyone finds him we'd love to welcome him back home. See his facebook page at..
https://www.facebook.com/monkeetomms/

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Lost - Pearl Drop Earring

On 10 August - pearl drop earring, between High Street and  Bath Road Park.  Debbie parked up the high street on same side as joules etc and walked down to the Quay, then along to Bath Road Park (which was subsequently the scene of the Lymington Seafood Festival!)  She was sitting next to the children's park. It was her birthday and a present from her husband that very day. 

Bit of a long shot!  But you never know - somebody may have picked it up and been wondering what to do with it... so just in case you found it, please contact  Debbie on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Lost

On 9th July 2017 on Lymington Quay: small light green medical bag (pictured). Please contact Matthew Barnes if you have found it on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

 

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Found

FOUR WEEKS FOR THE PRICE OF THREE AT COURT LODGE IN LYMINGTON 

THAT’S A WHOLE WEEK OF FREE REST AND REJUVENATION

Do you need a break from caring?  Or simply from having to look after yourself?  

Does a holiday in a beautiful, peaceful haven in Lymington surrounded by loving care sound appealing?

Take a break from being a carer or caring for yourself.

Colten Care are offering four weeks short or “respite” stay at leafy, airy and just lovely, Court Lodge in Lymington.

This is a great opportunity to try out what it’s really like to live in a very special care home.

Four weeks for the price of three – no strings attached!

 

About Court Lodge 

About the benefits of a respite break 

Summer Beer Festival at the Turfcutters Arms - 18-20 August 2017

 

ALL WEEKEND ALES, CIDERS, BBQ & HOG ROAST, CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT, LIVE MUSIC

The “best pub in the New Forest” – aka World Famous in East Boldre! -  invites you to THE Beer Festival of the Summer!

The Turfs summer festival takes place over the weekend of 18-20 August and promises a fantastic weekend in this lovely forest pub which consistently scores top reviews on Facebook and Trip Advisor from locals and visitors alike, on the open New Forest at East Boldre.

Large garden - plenty of covered areas and big children's play area

There's a large garden with summer bar and a great big play area for the children.  (There's plenty of shelter to protect you from whatever the British weather throws at us -although because it rained last year the Turfcutters reckon it’s their turn this time for glorious sunshine!)

Wide range of ales, ciders, wines, plus BBQ and Hog Roast

Twenty plus lovely ales and ciders for your tasting – as well as the usual excellent range of wines

Fantastic selection of eats for your delectation including BBQ and Hog Roast

For the children...

Bouncy castle, face painting and fabulous play area for the kids

Dogs welcome and plenty of parking available

Well behaved dogs welcome as always (on leads)

There’s plenty of parking at the back and along the road – BritStoppers make sure you get there early!

Live entertainment lined up for the whole weekend starting Friday and not finishing until late Sunday evening

And last but certainly not least, a brilliant line up of music – see programme below

Fri 18 August

18.30-21.30 Jazz Wran and the Ruby Welts – if you haven’t heard Jazz sing before you are in for an enormous treat!

Sat 19 August 

12.30-14.30  Ocean Harmony Chorus – it’s an amazing voices only choir, in glorious harmony

15.30-18.30  Riverside Blues Band – and late afternoon is THE time to listen to the Blues..

19.00-22.00 Below the Belt –brilliant traditional rock band, with masses of space for everybody to have a good bop, in whatever their preferred style!

Sun 20 August

12.30-14.30  Beaulieu Brass Band – always a treat to listen to the old Brass Band favourites,  always with something new in the mix too...

15.00-18.00  Daughters of Davies – two gorgeous girls with acoustic guitars playing happy music, perfect for a Sunday afternoon...

18.30-22.00 Re-Issue – sounds from the 50’s and 60’s to wrap up the weekend

 

CURIOUS ARTS FESTIVAL 2017 - bigger and brilliant despite the weather

 

Curiouser yet more familiar, now a fully established annual Lymington event 

 

The fourth Curious Arts Festival held once again in the beautiful if this time slightly soggy grounds of Pylewell Park last weekend 21-23 July has really established itself now as the star of the annual festival calendar for many visitors and locals.

This uniquely “curious” family friendly literature, music and arts festival takes place in the walled garden and extended grounds of the ancestral home of The Hon David and Melanie Roper-Curzon. 

The scene is set by the large house itself with its spectacular views across the gardens down to the sea and across to the Isle of Wight.  

The Curious Arts Festival, brainchild and result of the unstinting efforts of Claire Conville and Patrick Keogh has been compared to other festivals but it is surely unique in its impossible to describe quirkiness – it has simply to be experienced!  

It has grown steadily since its small beginnings three years ago and this year the significant leap in numbers was noticeable from first sight of the camping and campervan field full of families and friends enjoying the vast grassy tree lined “free” campsite literally a stone’s throw from the Solent shore, and the gigantic Big Top style Gorse Tent set up for the promising musical line up including Friday night headliner Izzy Bizu and Tom Odell on Saturday.

Rain did not stop play once – from the annual “Authors vs Pylewell Park” cricket match on Friday afternoon right through to the final trumpet sounds of the Philharmonic on Sunday evening.  All the entertainments take place in vast, eccentrically cleverly decorated tents and there was shelter for all from every storm!

So 4,500 people from very young to pretty old mingled to enjoy a plethora of entertainment ranging from the daily news round ups to the enormously popular comedy nights featuring a number of comic acts with Ed Byrne the star, from fascinating and insightful discussions in various tents with a wide variety of authors including the legendary Joanna Trollope and the brilliant Dave Eggers to the children’s entertainments and adventures, from yoga classes and join a choir for a morning to the fantastic line up of music including all day acoustic tent and guest appearances on the evening stage by John Illsley and Birdy.

From life drawing, midnight bat walks and cocktail masterclasses to snail racing, poetry workshops, pop-up fine dining and the weekend long reading aloud of Paradise Lost, there was something for everybody.

On Saturday night John Illsley, founding member and bass guitarist of Dire Straits who owns the East End Arms and lives locally close to Pylewell joined the London Whoredogs who transformed themselves into Dire Straits for an electrifying performance forty years on of favourites “Sultans of Swing” and “Money for Nothing”, and ancient rockers who remember the originals as yesterday and young things recognising a great classic danced together in their own little heavens!

 

This was followed by a spellbinding guest performance by the incredibly talented home grown Birdy from Pylewell who joined hugely popular singer songwriter Tom Odell for two hauntingly beautiful duets.

 

The climax was the Sunday night spectacle when the rain had finally abated and the clear skies made all the more dramatic and unlikely the stirring sight and glorious sound of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

They played for two sublime hours covering 50 years of the most famous James Bond film themes including Diamonds are Forever, Goldfinger and the rest, concluding movingly as dusk turned to night with “this is the end” - Skyfall. 

 

 

 

 

http://curiousartsfestival.com/about/

https://twitter.com/curiousartsfest

 

 

 

Lymington Carnival 2017 was a glorious day!

Thanks to everyone who participated and all those who supported the procession and the fete.

 

Congratulations to everybody that took part in the Carnival Procession - a fantastic effort made by all. The Carnival Queen and Carnival Princess were transported around the town in a RIB provided and driven by BHG Marine. It was fabulous for everyone taking part to see so many supporters lining the route around town.

A community event run by the Lions Club of Lymington and Brockenhurst, this year celebrating 100 years of the Lions Club International, chose the theme "100 Years of Musicals".

Colten Care were delighted to have supported the Lymington Carnival and Fete for the 4th year running. Staff, residents and families dressed as Mary Poppins and stepped in time along the procession, with penguins, umbrellas, chimney sweeps and other characters alongside Mary herself. 

Colten Care arranged a VIP roadside viewing area for their residents, giving them the 'best seats in the house' to safely and comfortably watch the Carnival procession. Take a look at some more great photos of Carnival Day here: http://www.coltencare.co.uk/carnival

Read on to find out the Carnival winners and to see photographs of the event.

 

 

The winners of the carnival procession

And here are the results:

Overall Winners of the Day: Milford Pre-School (The Lion King) and Winner of the Pre-School category: Milford Pre-School (The Lion King) Photo: Steve Elson

 

Winner of the Trade category: Barry Frampton (The Wizard of Oz) Photos: Bill Porter / Steve Elson

Well done to the Barry Frampton team for a 4th consecutive win in this category!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winner of the Youth Organisation category: New Forest Academy of Dance (Hairspray) Photo: Steve Elson

 

Winner of the Senior/Charity/Organisation category: All Saints Luncheon Club (Singin' In the Rain) Photos: Steve Elson and Bill Porter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winner of the Infant School category: Pennington Infants (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory) Photo: Bill Porter

 

Winner of the Junior School category: Lymington Junior School (Olivia) Photo: Steve Elson

 

Winner of the Youth Sports Team category: Lymington Sprites. Photo: Steve Elson

 

Winner of the Adult Pedestrian category: Ocean Brothers (Pirates of Penzance) Photos: Steve Elson and Bill Porter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Winner of the Child Pedestrian category: Lions of the Future 

Winner of the Equestrian category: Leen Family (War Horse) Photo: Steve Elson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winner of the Steam category: Harvey Family (Grease)

 

And a special mention for Lymington Dementia Action Group who dressed up at Cats and played their music all around the Procession! Photos: Bill Porter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Gallery

Many thanks to everyone who has sent us photographs to display here.

 

 

Feeling groovy as Colten Care home celebrates Sixties style icon

A fun day of reminiscence prompted memories and conversation about life in the 1960s 

The sights and sounds of the 1960s were back in vogue as a Dorset nursing and residential home tuned into a fun day of reminiscence.

The action at Colten Care’s Avon Reach in Mudeford centred around four Mini Cooper S cars, a style icon favoured by well-known Sixties’ figures such as Peter Sellers, Paul McCartney, Lulu and Lord Snowdon.

There was a chance to spend time sitting in the classic road rally cars, specially brought along for the occasion by members of the enthusiasts’ car club, the Mini Cooper Register.

After lunch, residents watched a screening of the 1969 Michael Caine crime caper The Italian Job, which featured Mini Coopers as getaway cars.

Residents, staff and visitors got into the spirit of peace, love and flower power by donning Carnaby Street and hippy-style fashions while singer Joanna Gray performed pop hits from the decade.

Home Manager Ruth Wildman, resplendent in green flares, psychedelic blouse and bandana, said: “We all love dressing up and it was fabulous to spend a day stepping back in time. The Mini Coopers were a great talking point for everyone, prompting lots of conversations about trips in the past and what people remember from 50 years ago.”

Avon Reach resident Doreen Priddle said: “I can’t honestly say if life was really better in the 1960s but judging by the fashions on show today it was certainly more colourful.”

Reminiscence, recalling events from the past using the senses - objects to touch and hold, smell, sound, taste – can help retrieve long-ago memories. 

As we get older, the day-to-day issues of living can overwhelm the past. Connecting with long-ago memories can help with communication and confidence, creating new pathways in the brain as the past is remembered. Remeniscence can really give a sense of purpose and of course preserves stories and memories for the younger generation.

Remeniscence and being with like-minded people are just a few of the great reasons to live in a Colten Care home.

Find out more about Colten's local homes below, and click here to find out more about life in a care home in our article "Considering a move to a care home, but anxious?".

 

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLTEN CARE'S LOCAL HOMES

Colten Care operates six residential nursing and care homes in the local area, including three in Lymington: Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and dementia specialist Linden House. There are also homes in Brockenhurst (Woodpecker's), New Milton (Kingfisher's) and Mudeford (Avon Reach). Click on the links to find out more about each home...

    

    

 

 

Major works at London Waterloo from 5th to 28th August

Plan your train journey from Lymington, Brockenhurst and other New Forest stations

 

From 5 to 28 August platforms 1-10 at London Waterloo, the UK’s busiest station, will be closed so work can start to extend platforms for longer trains.

If you regularly travel to London, or are planning to visit during the summer holidays, do take note and avoid commuter times as trains and stations will be busier than usual.

Information from South West Trains:

Although the number of passengers travelling in August is lower than other times of the year, passengers should still expect:

• Severe disruption
• Extremely busy trains
• Queues at stations

If you are able to avoid travelling on this route, either by using alternative options, working from home or taking annual leave, you should consider doing so. Passengers are also strongly advised to avoid changing trains at Wimbledon, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction as queuing and one-way systems will be in place. You will have a better and more comfortable journey if you are able to travel outside of these times.

For more detailed information; including ticket acceptance options for other routes, timetables, advice and a regularly updated FAQ, please click here for more information.information.

South West Trains are doing everything they can to reduce inconvenience and make your journey as smooth as possible, including:

• Working round the clock to get the works finished as quickly as possible
• Running longer trains throughout the day to provide more space and help you travel outside of the busiest times.
• Temporarily opening platforms 20-24 (the former Waterloo Internati onal Terminal) to reduce some of the impact of closing platforms 1-10.
• Providing over 1,000 extra staff at stations to help you during the works.

 

What’s on in Lymington and the New Forest over the summer holidays.

Ideas of things to do for children and families, whether local or visiting Lymington and the New Forest.

updated 17 July 2017

Last week we published our Summer Events in Lymington and the New Forest, with details of all the main events happening in July and August. There are lots of other exciting things happening in Lymington, the New Forest and surrounding areas over the school summer holidays, for visitors and locals.

Here is a roundup of 'things to do' for families and children in and around Lymington and the New Forest. Take a look also at our fun days out feature if you're looking to venture slightly further afield. And for those having to juggle work with school holidays, we have information about holiday childcare.

To see what's on day by day, take a look at our What's On section which details events in and around Lymington. Remember, if you're organising a local event then add your event to the Lymington.com calendar for free! We will be updating this page throughout the summer, so do keep checking back for ideas!

 

Things to do on the water...

• The Lymington Sea Water Baths are open throughout the school holidays from 10am to 6pm each day, whatever the weather. Inflatables, zorbs and SUPs are waiting... great fun, whatever the weather - and let's face it, once you're wetsuited up and in the water the rain doesn't matter! Snacks available
• Elmers Court also has an outside pool, open daily for non members as well as members and guests at the hotel from 10am to 8pm. Cold drinks and snacks are available to purchase either from the snack shack near the poolside or the Scottish Steak Club which is a short walk away.
• Kayak or paddle board with the New Forest Paddle Sport Company at Keyhaven near Milford on Sea. A great family activity - SUP taster sessions and kayak taster sessions, as well as tours to Hurst Castle along the beautiful Keyhaven coastline. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• New Forest Activities offers kayaking and canoeing on the Beaulieu River and throughout the summer combine kayaking with cycling in the New Forest for Family Adventure Days.
• Learn to sail! Find out more about learning to sail in Lymington.
• Stay on a boat! Beds on Board have boats available in Lymington as well as all over the world! Find out more.

For all sports holiday camps and clubs, see our Holiday Childcare article... 

 

Things to do in Lymington...

• St Barbe Museum reopens on Sunday 29th July. Visit to find out all about Lymington and it's history. All ages are welcome.
• Lymington Cinema will be showing: My Life as a Courgette (PG) on Mon 31st July, Tues 1st, Weds 2nd, Thurs 3rd and Fri 4th August at 11am, Despicable Me 3 (U) on Mon 14th, Tues 15th, Weds 16th, Thurs 17th and Fri 18th August at 11am and Cars 3 (U) on Tues 29th, Weds 30th, Thurs 31st August and Fri 1st September at 11am
• Lymington Charter Market is every Saturday 8am to 4pm on Lymington High Street - come and explore the wealth of different stalls! Find out more about Lymington's famous market...
• Explore the bargains at the New Forest Car Boot Sale on Sunday 28th May and Sunday 4th June from 6.30am to 1pm. A great way to find some different pre-loved toys to play with!
• Learn more about Lymington! Lymington Town Tours provide walks with an interesting insight around the local area on Wednesdays and Sundays. Wed 30th Jul The walls walk. Sun 30th Jul and Sun 27th Aug: The story of Lymington. Wed 2nd Aug: Milford: voices from the grave. Sun 6th Aug: Victorian Lymington. Wed 9th Aug: Courts and Alleyways. Sun 13th Aug: The story of Milford. Wed 16th Aug: Sea, Salt and Smuggling. Sun 20th Aug: The story of Pennington. Sun 3rd Sept: Trains, tolls and tributes.
• Discover Lymington's playgrounds! Find out more about where to play from some intrepid experts...

• Pick your own strawberries at Goodall's Farm! And whilst you're there, try out the New Adventure Golf next door!
• At Lymington Library, Rhyme Time continues throughout the holidays every Tuesday 2-2.30pm and every Wednesday 11-11.30am for children aged 0-4 with their parents/carers. The Construction Club also continues through the holidays 2.30-4pm every Saturday. All these events are free of charge.

 

Family fun in the New Forest...

• The New Forest & Hampshire County Show will be taking place on 25th, 26th and 27th July at New Park in Brockenhurst. There is 15% off tickets purchased online before 18th July and 5% off tickets purchased online thereafter. Frequent direct shuttle buses will be running between Brockenhurst Station direct to the heart of the Show (free for advanced ticket holders, otherwise £3 for adult return/£2 for child return).
• The New Forest Tour buses are back in operation until 11th September, with three routes again this year. Two of the routes stop in Lymington: the green route (Lymington, Beaulieu, Exbury, Hythe, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst) and the blue route (Lymington, Brockenhurst, Burley, New Milton, Barton on Sea, Milford on Sea).
• It's Wild Wednesday at the New Forest Reptile Centre every Wednesday in August, with fun activities for the whole family. Quiz trail and ‘making’ activities for children. Come and see the ‘live’ bird on the nest and the reptiles and amphibians. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Booking is not required.
• New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst is holding Family Discovery Days on various dates throughout the school holiday (check link for dates). New Forest themed trails, quizzes and craft activities for all the family. Suitable for all ages, small charge for materials. Standard Museum entry (accompanied under 16s go free), no booking required.
• At Bolderwood from 29th July to 3th September, be a Gruffalo Spotter! £3 per pack, dogs welcome on leads. There is also a downloadable app. Whilst you're there, cross over the road and see if any deer can be spotted in the Deer Sanctury. A lovely walk on forest paths.
• Also at Bolderwood on 1st, 15th and 29th August, Rock up and explore the New Forest with a volunteer ranger. Rock up and explore at Blackwater on 8th and 22nd August.
• If you're wild about ponies, find out more at Bolderwood on 3rd and 24th August at Bolderwood and on 17th August at Hatchet Pond.
• Big Owls, for 4-6 year olds will be taking place on 28th July at Home Farm: a morning of plant themed fun and games at the Farm. 
• At Lepe Country Park there is a summer holiday trail available every day throughout the holidays. Plus Marine Wonders on 8th and 9th August, Seashore discovery trail on 3rd August, Nature Detectives on 1st and 17th August, Bat Walks on 23rd and 24th August. There is also a beach clean up day at Lepe on 3rd September.

 

Living history

• Head to Beaulieu for a fun-filled family day out this summer, as a fascinating programme of living history brings Beaulieu to life with the sights and sounds of the past this Summer from 22nd July to 3rd September. Transport yourself back to the middle ages and meet Brother Peter in the Beaulieu Abbey! Falconry demonstrations, discover what life was like in the 1800s and enjoy Victorian music in Palace House. See veteran and vintage cars driving around with occupants in period costumes. All included in the general admission ticket which includes the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey, Palace House and World of Top Gear.

Lymington.com top tip! Save money by buying your tickets for Beaulieu online in advance. You can visit again for free within 6 days (there's so much to do, you'll have great fun twice!)

• Just down the road from Beaulieu is Bucklers Hard. Discover the Maritime Museum and Bucklers Hard story, brought to life by living history characters.

Take a look at our Fun Days Out article for more ideas on places to visit locally...

 

If you hear of any other exciting things to do locally over the summer, do get in touch with us and let us know!

Quiz boosts Lymington dementia action

Caring brains thanked for raising funds for Lymington Dementia Action Group

Team members from five New Forest care homes went into battle for a ‘fiercely competitive but fun’ quiz in aid of the Lymington Dementia Action Group.

Around 50 players, mainly staff from the family-owned Colten Care group, took part in the event at the Lymington Town Sailing Club, raising more than £200. Homes represented were Belmore Lodge, Court Lodge and Linden House in Lymington, Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst and Kingfishers in New Milton.

Joining in were colleagues from the homes’ support team at Colten House in Ringwood plus friends from St Mark’s Church in Pennington.

A mix of trivia, general knowledge and Colten-specific questions eventually saw the team from Linden House declared the winner.

Janie Pearman, Home Manager at both Belmore Lodge and Woodpeckers, said: “The evening was a great opportunity for colleagues from our local family of homes to get together. The competition was fierce but fun.

“While we hoped to raise money for a charity, we didn’t make the choice. It was our residents who wanted us to donate it to the Lymington Dementia Action Group, and that’s just what we’ve done.”

Action Group Chairman Ian Erridge said: “A huge thanks to all who took part in the quiz and the residents who were so keen for the funds to come to us.

“Funding is vital to help us reach out to the wider community, build awareness, provide local support and maintain Lymington as a dementia friendly community.”

Find out more about Lymington Dementia Action Group.

Find out about Dementia Matters locally.

 

Summer events in the Lymington and New Forest area

Whether you're interested in music, art, film, food, cars or the countryside, there's something for everyone 

Holidaying in the Lymington and New Forest area this summer? Or local and planning a staycation?

Whether you're planning a visit to Lymington and the New Forest or are local to the area, you'll be spoilt for choice at the events on offer this summer. Take your pick from the fantastic line up of local events...

9-23 July: Rick Stein's Sunset Cinema at the Chewton Glen

The Pop-Up Picture Company, creators of unique food and film experiences, have teamed up with Rick Stein to bring Sunset Cinema to Chewton Glen. Whilst you watch a classic film on a compfy outdoors, you'll be served a two-course set meal curated by Rick Stein himself. Experience diverse menus featuring plenty of Rick’s signature seafood dishes and Tom Kerridge's famous Hand & Flowers ice cream in the interval. Discover a film you’ve never seen, or enjoy a classic in a unique new way – the choice is yours. With comfy sofas, a luxurious location and indulgent alfresco dining, it’s the perfect cinematic experience. It's not too late - a few tickets do still remain (if you're quick!). Find out more.

16 July: Lymington Carnival and Fete

This year, Lymington's annual Carnival celebrates the Lions Club international centennial with the theme '100 years of musicals', which will undoubtedly give endless possibilities for entrants to show off their imagination and flare. The Carnival Procession will start at the Town Hall, with event sponsors Colten Care stepping in time with their Mary Poppins themed entry! The procession lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours and if you're not taking part then it is well worth watching and cheering along the route (NB roads will be closed for the duration). The procession is followed by the carnival fete at Lymington's Sports Ground, with stalls and fun activities for everyone. Find out more.

21-23 July: Curious Arts Festival

The Curious Arts Festival is for everyone of all ages!  This quirky festival, set close to Lymington in the grounds of Pylewell Park on the Solent Shore, has been quietly growing and gathering followers - and this year has received a lot of national publicity including the Saturday Telegraph. This is a festival for for literary as well as music lovers (headline acts this year Izzy Bizu and Tom Odell), with absolutely tons on offer for people of all ages, including children and families. The weekend simply oozes creativity and fun. Take part in a songwriting workshop, join in a yoga class, try new things! You don’t have to attend the whole weekend there are day tickets for families and adults. Find out more.

25-27 July: New Forest and Hampshire County Show

Taking place just outside Brockenhurst in the heart of the National Park, the New Forest and Hampshire County Show is one of the top ten agricultural shows in the country, offering visitors thirty acres of showground to explore. For the New Forest this is THE event not just of the summer but the whole year, and a real must if you’re holidaying in the New Forest that week! Each year the magnificent Heavy Horses Musical Display brings a tear to many eyes and the showjumping attracts the top riders plus there's a host of entertainment for all. There’s something new every year too and in this its 97th year the New Forest Polo Club will be demonstrating their skills and educating visitors about the equipment used and their polo ponies. Surrounding the main arenas are lanes of stalls, agricultural and countryside displays and shows and fun for everyone. Find out more.

29 Jul–5 August: Cowes Week

Cowes Week is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events and is a key highlight of the British sporting summer. Around 8,000 competitors now participate, ranging from Olympic and world class yachtsmen to weekend sailors. The spectacle that the racing provides, together with the vibrant festival atmosphere attracts over 100,000 visitors to Cowes during the event. It is easy to travel to Cowes from Southampton, alternatively watch the yachts as they pass from Calshot beach or Lepe Country Park - in particular, the Friday night fireworks are usually worth watching. Find out more.

5-6 August: Supercar weekend at Beaulieu

No list of local events would be complete without mention of world famous Beaulieu Motor Museum! The Supercar Weekend would be a good weekend to visit - a family-friendly spectacular that brings some of the world’s most exclusive and desirable motors to Beaulieu; prestigious supercars with their distinctive engine notes as they unleash their horsepower on the demonstration run! Tickets include entry into the Motor Museum, as well as the other attractions Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey and the World of Top Gear. Find out more. 

6 August: Lymington Summer Spectacular and Classic Car Show

This year heralds the 18th annual Summer Spectacular and Classic Car Show at Woodside Park. A fantastic day out with lots to do, with live music (Zac and the Zeros are headlining). In the "Events" arena the Interactive Magic Circus will be inviting children to join in. The ever popular Birds of Prey will be featured as will Punch and Judy and the Cara Fun Dog Show. Huge car boot sale and a full size Fairground. The Classic Car Show is a major part of the show with over 270 Classic Cars in relaxed surroundings. Find out more.

12-13 August: Lymington Seafood Festival

This is a first for the historic market town of Lymington and much anticipated! Entry is free, to then get a chance to sample the produce of some of the region’s most exciting chefs, restaurants and artisan producers. The Festival will play host to an array of over 60 producers and pop-up restaurants across the weekend, including renowned New Forest based Chewton Glen, The Montagu Arms and Carey's Manor. Taste lobster, local hand dived scallops, clams, crab, mackerel….the list goes on. In addition to pop-up food stalls there will be an arts and crafts area as well as live music across the weekend with leading bands and artists playing a mix of soul, blues, ska and rag-time – plus a 12-strong sea shanty band. Well worth a visit! Find out more.

27 August: Bath Race at Lymington Sea Water Baths

This hilarious event organised by Lymington Town Sailing Club now takes place annually at Lymington's famous Sea Water Baths. The contestants make a standard bath into a sea-worthy, racing craft to take part in the paddle driven heats in the Sea Water Baths. Adults and children have a wonderful time competing for the much wanted Bath Trophy. Combine the event with a walk along the sea wall (otherwise known as the Lymington - Keyhaven nature reserve, picking up a New Forest Icecream from the kiosk at the Sea Water Baths along the way! Find out more.

31 August–3 September: Bournemouth Air Festival

Award-winning and internationally renowned, the Bournemouth Air Festival is the UK’s biggest air festival providing four days of action and entertainment in the air, on land and at sea. Take a look at the website for a taste of last year’s festival and confirmed times for the Red Arrows on display. The festival also provides a reason to visit Bournemouth - a very pleasant seaside town with lots going on at all times and a fabulous sandy beach. The town does get very busy for the festival, so it is well worth checking out the event park and rides or travelling by train. Find out more.

 

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