New Forest with Kids: The 10 best family-friendly holiday parks

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If you’re looking for somewhere family-friendly to stay with the kids near the New Forest – then you’ll be delighted to know I’ve found 10 fabulous holiday parks nearby and some hot tub accommodation options too. But first, let me fill you in on where exactly the New Forest National Park is to help you to decide which holiday park location is best for your trip away with the kids.

Where is the New Forest National Park?

The New Forest National Park, in southern England, is mainly in Hampshire (with a little tiptoe into Wiltshire). It’s a stunning mix of ancient woodlands, open heathland and even a bit of coastline to explore. It’s steeped in history – dating back to William the Conqueror in 1079 – and is now home to a charming collection of free-roaming horses, deer and cattle. Officially designated a National Park in 2005, it’s a fab spot for families and nature lovers alike, with over 140 miles of trails perfect for walking, cycling and letting the kids burn off some energy. Whether you’re after budget-friendly outdoor fun or a peaceful picnic among the trees, the New Forest is a real gem worth exploring.

The New Forest National Park also borders Dorset, and the Isle of Wight isn’t far from it’s Southern edge either, so it can be a great location for a family holiday as you can actually visit the New Forest from Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. So, if you’re looking for the best places to stay with the kids for your New Forest adventure, here are 10 family-friendly holiday parks within a 45 minute drive of the National Park – with the closest being just 2 minutes away! And, make sure you keep scrolling too as I’ve added in some more information for your New Forest getaway below, as well as links to family holiday itineraries for Hampshire and Dorset.

1. Away Resorts: Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Hampshire

Set in the stunning New Forest, Sandy Balls Holiday Village is a firm family favourite and it’s great base for a holiday with the kids – it’s less than a mile from the New Forest National Park, which is just a 2 minute drive, so you can be wandering the forest in no time at all. We stayed at Sandy Balls for our last New Forest visit – click here to check out my review. Guests can enjoy hot tub accommodation options, as well as a range of on-site amenities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, activities and entertainment for the kids. If you want to blend in some theme park fun with your nature adventures, Paultons Park / Peppa Pig World is only 20 minutes away too. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Sandy Balls on the Away Resorts website.

2. Haven Holidays: Rockley Park, Dorset

Rockley Park Haven is a fantastic option for families who love outdoor activities and scenic surroundings – it’s around a 35 minute drive from the New Forest National Park, and you can explore the coast too. Located on the edge of Poole Harbour, the park offers its own private beach, ideal for water sports like paddle-boarding and kayaking. The indoor pool (with a waterslide), outdoor splash zone and nature trails provide plenty of on-site entertainment for the kids. Rockley Park’s proximity to Sandbanks Beach and the Jurassic Coast adds to its appeal. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Rockley Park Holiday Park on the Haven Website.

3. Shorefield Holidays: Shorefield Country Park, New Forest

Perfectly located between the coast and the New Forest, Shorefield Country Park in Milford-on-Sea offers a brilliant mix of seaside and countryside fun. This one is also really close, if you’d like the New Forest National Park on your doorstep, as it’s just over a 10 minute drive. On-site, families will love the indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds and evening entertainment, and the accommodation ranges from caravans, to tree houses and luxury hot tub lodges. You’re also just a short walk from the beach and it’s 30 minutes from Paultons Park if you’d like a change of pace. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Shorefield Country Park on the Shorefield Holidays website.

4. Parkdean Resorts: Warmwell Holiday Park, Dorset

Set amidst the picturesque woodlands of Dorset, Warmwell Holiday Park offers a tranquil retreat with a variety of accommodations, including lodges equipped with private hot tubs. The park boasts unique amenities such as a 110-metre dry ski slope, an indoor heated pool and fishing lakes – so there’s plenty on offer to keep the kids busy and the whole family entertained. Its proximity to the Jurassic Coast makes it an ideal base for exploring the area’s natural beauty, and it’s a 45 minute drive from New Forest National Park so the location of this holiday park has loads to offer. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Warmwell Holiday Park on the Parkdean Resorts website.

5. Park Holidays: Solent Breezes Holiday Park, Southampton

Solent Breezes Holiday Park offers peaceful seaside vibes with lots of open space and sea views but you can still reach the New Forest National Park with a 30 minute drive. It’s ideal if you want to combine forest adventures with a more laid-back holiday by the coast. The park has an outdoor pool, play area, tennis courts and a restaurant overlooking the water. It’s a little quieter than some other sites – perfect for winding down after a busy day – but you can also reach Paultons Park in around 30 minutes if you’d also like an action packed day out with the kids! For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Solent Breezes on the Park Holidays website.

6. Parkdean Resorts: Sandford Holiday Park, Dorset

Parkdean Resorts Sandford Holiday Park, in Dorset, is a fantastic choice for a holiday with the kids – it’s around a 30 minute drive to both the New Forest National Park and the stunning Jurassic Coast with Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Nestled in a beautiful woodland setting, the kids can enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, complete with a waterslide and splash play areas. There’s also a high ropes course, crazy golf and multi-sports courts, ensuring plenty of activities for all ages – plus they have hot tub accommodation too! For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Sandford Holiday Park on the Parkdean Resorts website.

7. Shorefield Holidays: Oakdene Forest Park, Dorset

Tucked in the woodlands near Bournemouth, and just a 10 minute drive from the New Forest National Park, Oakdene Forest Park is a brilliant base for families who love nature. This holiday park also offers a packed schedule of activities including adventure golf, zorbing and arts and crafts – plus there’s an indoor pool (with a flume), a heated outdoor pool and evening shows. Accommodation includes lodges or caravans, with hot tub options, so it’s well set up for families with kids of all ages. Paultons Park is also only around 25 minutes away. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Oakdene Forest Park on the Shorefield Holidays website.

8. Away Resorts: Mill Rythe, Hayling Island

Away Resorts Mill Rythe, on Hayling Island, is another lovely choice for families looking to blend a coastal break with a trip to the New Forest National Park – it’s around a 40 minute drive away. There’s an indoor swimming pool as well as a children’s splash play area (perfect for the summer months), soft play, a playground and plenty of green space for the kids to run around. It’s an easy drive to Portsmouth (Portsmouth Historical Dockyard is just 25 minutes away) and they have hot tub accommodation as well as more budget-friendly options. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Mill Rythe on the Away Resorts website.

9. Forest Holidays: Blackwood Forest, Hampshire

If you’re seeking a relaxing woodland escape with a bit of luxury, Blackwood Forest Holiday Park in Hampshire is a top contender. Nestled within 270 hectares of beech forest, the site offers secluded cabins which come equipped with essentials like a dishwasher, washing machine and a private hot tub – ideal for unwinding after a day of forest adventures. For budget-conscious families, look out for sales, book off-peak if you can and bring your own groceries. This one is about 25 minutes from the New Forest National Park. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Blackwood Forest Holiday Park on the Forest Holidays website.

10: Park Holidays: Sandhills Holiday Park, Dorset

Sandhills Holiday Park, nestled right by the beach in the charming seaside town of Christchurch, is a brilliant choice for a family getaway with the kids – and you can reach the New Forest National Park with just a 25 minute drive. The park’s got a lovely outdoor pool, a cosy clubhouse and a small play area for the little ones – just enough to keep everyone happy without the noisy hustle of bigger resorts. You’re just a stone’s throw from the beach, and with caravans and lodges to suit different budgets, it’s a fab base for a budget-friendly family getaway. For more information, and prices for your dates, click here to check out Sandhills Holiday Park on the Park Holidays website.

What are the best things to do in the New Forest area with kids?

I hope that this article has been useful – there are some brilliant places to stay with the kids within a short drive of the New Forest National park and it’s location makes it perfect for Hampshire and Dorset family holidays. You could also combine your New Forest adventure with a trip to the Isle of Wight, as you can catch a ferry from nearby Portsmouth, which is also a fantastic base for a family holiday.

Hampshire is packed full of things to do with the kids – I think the location makes it perfect for a UK family staycation with days out to places like Paultons Park / Peppa Pig World and Moors Valley Country Park on your doorstep. Plus walking through the New Forest on a deer hunt won’t cost you a penny! You can also visit New Forest Wildlife Park (take the kids the Blue Peter Badges with you to get them in for free), get soaked at New Forest Water Park, or head to Portsmouth with older kids to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. For more information, and lots more ideas, check out my article: The 10 best things to do in Hampshire and the New Forest with kids.

If you decide on a Dorset base instead, you can still access Moors Valley Country Park (with Go Ape) and, as well as the obvious perks of being close to some of the most gorgeous coastline in the UK, there are loads of great days out to be had there too. You can take the kids to places like the SEA LIFE Centre in Weymouth, take a ride on Swanage Railway or visit the monkeys at Money World – Ape Rescue Centre. For more ideas for Dorset days out, check out my article: The 10 best things to do in Dorset with kids. Have a fabulous time! 😊