Our Bench - PLaces to Visit - Accessible New Forest Attractions

Suggestions of Day Trips

There are lots of places to visit and activities within a couple of hours of the New Forest National Park. We have included a variety of ideas and suggestions that you might like to explore - some places have an admission fee, some may need booking in advance of your stay, some are seasonal and others are open all year. Not every activity will be accessible to everyone - so please check first if you have specific requirements or access needs. These are some of our favorites, but we would suggest carrying out your own research too!

Marwell Zoo

This wonderful wildlife park is in a beautifully landscaped setting, with enclosures designed to be as close as possible to the animals’ native habitat. The site is large and hilly, with plenty of slopes, but power-chair users will have no problems getting around. With hundreds of species to see around the 140-acre park, all the viewing platforms above the animal enclosures are wheelchair-friendly so guests can get stunning views. The zoo lends out manual wheelchairs, though you may require some help getting up and down some of the steep hills (carers go free). There is also a wheelchair-accessible carriage on the land train that trundles around the park. As well as this there is a downloadable sensory trail mp3 for guests who are blind and hearing loops are available too. They were the first zoo in the UK to install a Changing places facility, they also offer a sensory trail mp3 which you can download in advance. Marwell Zoo.

Adventure Wonderland, Hurn

A fun theme park and indoor play world - Wild Things - ideal for family fun and adventure. Theme park rides, live shows, and seasonal entertainment, level paths, wheelchairs available (first come first served) - more details

The Watercress Line, Alresford

A fantastic heritage railway in Hampshire with a variety of events through out the year - they have two wheelchair accessible carriages, please see website or telephone 01962 733810 for up-to-date information about operating times. It makes a great day out for all the family. Watercress Line.

Longleat

An amazing safari park - in fact it is the UK's number 1, there is a drive through safari to enjoy, Longleat House and gardens to discover, an Adventure Castle offering a dream playground for children, a river cruise to see the Gorillas, a giant maze and a railway. They host the Mobiloo on several dates during the year, and hold an active programme of events - the Festival Light each winter is stunning, the ballooning events in the summer incredible, well worth the drive. Longleat.

Highcliffe Castle and Nature Reserve

Park at Highcliffe Castle, walk through the grounds and on to the Nature reserve - from there you can enjoy a tarmac walk down to the sea and along the promenade all the way to Mudeford Harbour, there are kioisks for coffee, a tea room and a pub at the end of the walk - along with an accessible toilet and then you can walk back again along the promenade next to the sandy shore looking out accross Christchurch Bay, or in summer - this is a great place for sandcastles - are nearest sandy beach.

Fort Nelson, Fareham

We love this place - 19 acres of ramparts, outer fortifications, underground tunnels and more in this restored Victorian Fort run by the Royal Armouries and amazingly it is free for everyone. There are ramps to most of the site, the galleries are stunning containing some of the biggest guns ever made and you can enjoy a glimpse into the past with the barrack rooms, hospital and kitchen. Fort Nelson.

Winchester Science Centre

An exciting family destination, Winchester Science Centre is the South of England's interactive science and technology centre with the largest standalone planetarium in the UK. Open 7 days a week, we provide exciting, hands-on science experiences to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of great scientists! With two floors of fascinating, interactive science exhibits, stunning South Downs National Park surroundings and a vibrant events programme, the Science Centre makes for a brilliant action-packed family day out whatever the weather! Wheelchair friendly with a Changing Place facility. More details

Hengistbury Head

Hengistbury Head is a fascinating places for its wider variety of habitats, explore heathland, grassland, freshwater wetland and the coastline. There are smooth tarmac paths to follow, a fantastic visitors centre and there is an accessible route to the top of the headland. There is a wheelchair friendly land train too, which is great if you don't want to talk to far, it departs regularily near the car park. More details

The Tank Museum

The chance to learn about the armoured warfare from World War one to present day - six large halls to explore and over 300 vehicles regarded as the best collection in the world. The site is fitted with broad paths, lifts and ramps so it is easy to get around. This is an incredible museum a and a great insight into our miltary history. Find out more - the Tank Museum.

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

You can get really up close and personal with the animals at this heart-warming primate rescue sanctuary. The primates live in natural surroundings, so you can watch them interact in their family groups, just as they would in the wild. Most of the paths are tarmac, and access is possible to all the monkey enclosures – you can even venture inside the lemur enclosure for close encounters of the primate kind. There’s a great adventure playground too, with a wheelchair swing for human monkeys to enjoy. The site is hilly, so it’s a good idea to borrow one of the sanctuary’s motor scooters (reserve in advance with a refundable cash deposit). Dual Control and manual wheelchairs are available for visitors as well. Sensory statues are also available, and the keeper talks can be requested in written format too. More details

Book your local wheelchair accessible Holiday Cottage -  Availabilty shown Below !