Making life a holiday with interesting vacation and adventure ideas.

It seems like only yesterday that the curtain came down on last year's New Forest Show but incredibly the doors will be open again in a few weeks time for the 2009 show. The New Forest and Hampshire County Show, to give the full title, is one of the UK's top ten agricultural and equestrian shows, and runs 28, 29 and 30 July, (08.15 to 19.00 daily), As in previous years, there is plenty of free parking but with the huge quantity of cars converging on a few fields, access can be a nightmare and you may prefer to use the pay-as-you-go shuttle bus service from Brockenhurst mainline train station.

The show was first held in 1921 and now attracts 90,000 visitors over the three days. It brings together traditional country pursuits, new exhibitions and practical demonstrations, with something to attract all age groups. This year, one of the highlights is sure to be the Pig Racing Championships!

Labels: 2009, New Forest, New Forest Show, UK

If you haven't caught up with the BBC's Autumnwatch program yet, it is worth visiting the website. This year, the Autumnwatch team have set up home on Brownsea Island, just off the UK's south coast, opposite Poole Harbour.

The island, which last year was the focus of celebrations for the the 100th anniversary of the scouting movement, is well known for its populations of red squirrels, sika deer and many species of woodland and water birds.

Labels: 2008, Autumn Watch, New Forest, UK

On Friday 12 and Saturday 13, September, 2008, in a beautiful pointy field by a lake, right on the edge of the New Forest, musicians, performing artists, festival goers, fun lovers and several fairies will be gathered for arguably the best music festival in the south of England.

The Pointy Field Faust Fest is where people come together, share delicious food and drink, listen to great live music, and whole families can immerse themseves in workshops and activities.

And you know what, 100% of the profits from the Faust Fest go to the development of cultural centres in Kenya, helping to provide traditional musicians and their communities with a sustainable source of income.

Labels: 2008, England, festival, music, New Forest

If your in the UK and you fancy visiting an agricultural and equestrian show, you might join the other 90,000 visitors to the 2008 New Forest Show. It is on the 29, 30 and 31 July, (08.30 to 19.00 daily), there is plenty of free parking but with the huge quantity of cars converging on a few fields, access can be a nightmare and you may prefer to use the pay-as-you-go shuttle bus service from Brockenhurst mainline train station.

The show was first held in 1921 and now enjoys a reputation as one of the top ten shows in the country. It brings together traditional country pursuits, new exhibitions and practical demonstrations, with something to attract all age groups. This year, visitors will be able to see Christian Moullec, flying his microlight in formation with his geese!

Labels: 2008, England, New Forest, New Forest Show, UK

February, 2007, is car-free month in England's New Forest. Visitors can get up to half price room rates, two for the price of one dinners, a spa massage, free transport to and from New Forest railway stations and other benefits, provided they travel by public transport to the national park during the month.

The forest provides great pleasure for those prepared to explore it walking or by bike and although it is likely to be wet under foot, the weather in the New Forest is generally mild during February. Cycles can be hired from a number of outlets in the New Forest.

Twelve top quality New Forest hotels, guesthouses and self catering cottages are participating in the scheme. So leave the car at home and discover the joy to be had from one of the UK's most fascinating landscapes.

Labels: Car-free, England, National Park, New Forest