Plan your May half term fun at Milford on Sea!

With the weather warming up and the beach looking even more tempting than usual, May half term is the perfect time to visit Milford on Sea – whether for a couple of hours, a day trip or even the whole week, there’s plenty to discover here.

If you’re looking for a completely different day out for the family over the holidays then why not try New Forest Paddle Sport Company Hurst Castle SUP experience, where you and your family can paddle to Hurst Castle with an experienced instructor from Keyhaven. On arrival at the castle, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch and experience the castle before heading home via ferry.

Also check out Hurst Castle May half term activities! There will be lots on offer for all the family to join in with, as well as centuries of history to explore and spectacular views across to the Isle of Wight from the top of the Tudor keep. You can take the leisurely ferry across from Keyhaven or walk the 2-mile shingle spit to the castle – it’s a great day out!

If getting your toes wet on holiday is your thing then Rowing Adventures offers coastal rowing taster sessions from Keyhaven for 8 years plus. The ‘Try Rowing’ session is the perfect way to be introduced to rowing a single scull. The session covers safety, launching and recovering and an introduction to the basic movement pattern. It gives you the opportunity to get a taste to see if coastal rowing is for you.

On land, there are also plenty of things to do with beautiful coastal walks along Milford’s beachfront or into its very own nature reserves, the Pleasure Grounds or Sturt Pond . Whilst at Sturt Pond, the children could have a go at crabbing from one of the two bridges here, but please remember to use crabbing netting bags (no hooks) to keep our local wildlife safe. Crabbing gear can be purchased from the village and don’t forget the bacon as bait!

Guided walks are also available in the village with a local tour guide – giving you the option of two possible walks – Discover Milford on Sea’s Hidden Woodland and the Insider’s Guide to Milford on Sea – available Thursday mornings at 10.30am. You can secure your place by booking online here.

If you want to explore the area by bike but don’t have room in the car to bring them then don’t worry as bikes can be hired from New Forest Bikes in Lymington or if you’re staying in Milford they can be delivered direct to your holiday accommodation. There’s easy access to the Solent Coast Path from their shop in Lymington, where you can take in the glorious sea views from Lymington to Milford on Sea, perfectly safe for children.

For the golf enthusiasts, golf is always an option when holidaying at Milford on Sea. There’s the stunning Barton on Sea Golf Club situated on the coastal cliff between Highcliffe and Milford on Sea. It is a 27-hole course and can be played with a choice of three alternative 18-hole combinations and visitors are welcome.

Back in the village you won’t be short of plenty of places to eat if you feeling peckish try The Coastal Bakery and the Pickled Weasel for a takeaway lunch to enjoy on the village green. Otherwise, there’s the Paddle on the Green, Saltwater, Polly Pantry Tea Rooms, Ray’s Italian Kitchen or Needles Eye cafe for a sit down lunch.

You can also enjoy lunch or dinner at La Perle, Smugglers Inn, The Lazy Lion, The Lighthouse, The Beach House, Britannia Thai or The Gun Inn in Keyhaven.

Also check out the local pubs during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend as many are playing live music and the Milford on Sea Community Centre is holding a special Jubilee lunch on Saturday 4th June – tickets are available to purchase from here.

Plus, there’s a craft and gift market in the community centre on Sea Road on Thursday 2nd June and Friday 3rd June.

And if you fancy a short day trip whilst here then Paultons Park, the UK’s Number 1 family theme park could be the perfect day out for you. Home to more than 70 exciting rides and attractions, set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland and just 40 minutes drive from Milford on Sea. It’s also home to the UK’s Exclusive Peppa Pig World for your younger guests.

Or check out Beaulieu, a 25 minute drive from Milford on Sea, which is home to the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, World of Top Gear and a new adventure play area, Little Beaulieu, so something for the whole family here.

So whatever you decide to do in Milford on Sea this May half term, there’s no doubt you’ll have an unforgettable experience.