In the grounds of Croft Cottage and the lodge there is a volleyball and a badminton net, 2 netball posts, football goal, table tennis, Wendy house, slide and small adventure playground (tree house out of bounds for reasons of safety).  We have an old pony who is now retired, 4 chickens and a very friendly Airedale dog.

 

It is excellent locally for Walking, cycling and riding in the surrounding New Forest National Park.  Arnis Stable is within walking distance and offers riding directly onto the open forest, it is advisable to book in advance.

We are about 30 minutes drive from wonderful beaches whether  you are looking for the more commercialised beaches of Bournemouth or quieter spots like Hengistbury Head and Highcliffe.

Shopping at Salisbury. Bournemouth and Southampton  are all within a 30 minute drive. 

The Fighting Cocks Pub serves delicious food and is within a 5 minute walk.  For a longer walk of perhaps 30 – 40 minutes across the

open heathland will take you to The Foresters Arms at Frogham, or alternatively across the water meadows will take you to the Tudor Rose or Surma Valley (Indian Cuisine) at Burgate. 

Further afield

through heath and forest (about one and a half hours walk) would take you to the 18^th Century Royal Oak Pub at Fritham, where you can enjoy homecooked food in front of the open log fire in colder months.

 

 

 

 

 

Sandy Balls Holiday Centre is open to the general public (not the swimming pool in August) this has a gym, swimming pool, beauty treatments, adventure playgrounds, cycle hire etc.  The entrance to Sandy Balls is approximately 150m from the lodge  

 

www.sandy-balls.co.uk

 

 www.paultonspark.co.uk

 Paultons is the theme park for families.  There are over 50 fantastic rides and attractions waiting for your family to discover set in over 140 acres of beautiful landscaped parkland. 

There really is something for all age groups from the splashing fun of Water Kingdom and the adventure of Trekking Tractors for younger guests to the high octane excitement of Edge and the exhilaration of The Cobra rollercoaster for older children and adults who crave something a little more thrilling! 

Don’t forget there’s also an amazing collection of exotic birds, meerkats, giant tortoises And wallabies to see as well as seasonal live shows and enchanting walk-through attractions like Wind in the Willows, The Magic Forest and for those that are brave enough – Land of the Dinosaurs! Paultons is a 25 minute drive from The Lodge.  Exit at Junction 2 of the M27.  Take the first exit at the roundabout.  Take the first exit at the following roundabout.  Poultons is about half a mile on the right.

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Longdown Activity Farm

www.longdownfarm.co.uk

Visitors of all ages enjoy a “hands-on” experience at this friendly farm.  Join in with daily activities such as bottle-feeding the kid goats and calves, cuddling baby rabbits and chicks, and feeding the ducks and pigs. 

The indoor play areas are great fun and are brilliant for wet weather days.  The children can let off steam in the Farmer’s Straw Den, dive into the ball pool in the soft play area or bounce on the trampolines – all under cover.  For quiet indoor play, there is the indoor sand pit and infant playroom.  Outside are go-karts, motorised vehicles (coin operated), table tennis, and a large outdoor play area with climbing frame and swings.  Enjoy a ride on the trailer pulled by a tractor (weather permitting).

www.moors-valley.co.uk

Moors Valley Country Park

There are many miles of paths and tracks through Moors Valley Country Park and Forest. You are welcome to walk on any of these paths.

Play Trail and Tree Top Trail

For a short walk in the Forest - discover the play trail with its unique pieces of wooden play equipment situated on a three quarters of a mile walk.
Half way along the Play Trail there is the option to divert onto the Tree Top Trail; a wooden walkway that gives you a birds eye view of the Forest.