Embrace the Great Outdoors in the New Forest

Start your morning with a (much-needed) boost at The Paddle on the Green, a third-wave cafe with a boho-chic vibe. There’s great coffee here, best enjoyed on the eponymous green opposite. And if you’re not full, there are energy-enhancing smoothies, such as the Breakfast Boost (banana, peanut butter, honey and oat milk).
Monday, 08:00 to 14:00; Thursday to Saturday, 08:00 to 14:00; Sunday, 09:00 to 14:00

Powered up, head to the New Forest Paddle Sport Company to explore the Keyhaven river and salt marshes. Your best bet is to book a one-hour private kayaking lesson. You’ll get plenty of time on the water with an expert leading the way. Other watersports are available, including stand-up paddleboarding and winging. Booking ahead is essential.
Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 17:00; Sunday, 10:00 to 13:00

For an alternative outdoors adventure, head to the New Forest Wildlife Park, an animal centre focusing on the conservation of creatures native to Britain. It’s particularly good for families – with all manner of furry, winged and clawed critters on show – though there’s plenty for adults to get excited about too. Highlights include the giant otter, grey wolf and Scottish wildcat.
Monday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:30

It’s been a busy morning, so pop into The Pig for lunch. Within this grand country manor is one of the finest farm-to-table restaurants in the country. Many of the ingredients come from the kitchen garden. Everything else is sourced from within a 25-mile radius. The menu changes twice a day (for lunch and dinner) to make the most of those freshly plucked ingredients.
Monday to Friday, 12:00 to 14.15; Saturday to Sunday, 12:00 to 14.15

Take a post-lunch stroll at Hatchet Pond, the largest lake in the New Forest. And as you walk along the water’s edge, look out for the local residents: newts, dragonflies and plenty of fish. It’s also a good spot to see the wild New Forest ponies. Don’t forget your camera.

It’s been a busy weekend, so enjoy a gentle stroll through the 18th-century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard. The centre of the action is the high street, two picturesque rows of red-brick homes, divided down the middle by a stone path. It’s a romantic spot to park yourself on a bench and watch boats float by on the neighbouring Beaulieu River.

The adventure culminates with a well-earned drink at The Master Builder’s – a pub-hotel that forms part of Lord Montagu’s Beaulieu Estate. Grab a seat on the outside terrace and enjoy your drink with views of the river. There’s food too – a delightful selection of modern European dishes. Once you’re done, pick up the car and drive back to Brighton.
Monday to Sunday, 12:00 to 21:00

You've already seen one grand cathedral this weekend, so compare and contrast with a stop at Chichester. It was built in an intoxicating mix of styles – Norman and gothic – and the dominating spire can be seen for miles. You're not going in, but take time to admire the 900-year-old structure while you take a break from driving.

It would be a sin to pass by Arundel without taking time to admire the medieval castle that stands sentinel over the town. Your best viewing spot? The Black Rabbit, a country-style pub with views over wetlands to the landmark. And if you're a movie fan – or a champion of boy wizards – check out the boat used in a Harry Potter movie that's mounted on the wall.
Monday to Sunday, 11:30 to 22:00