Top Things to Do in Milford on Sea 2026
New Year is a great time for making plans to get away, whether you’d like to go in the next few weeks, over Springtime or if you are looking forward to those long summer days. Whenever you choose to visit, Milford on Sea is a special treat, whatever the time of year.
With a friendly welcome and plenty to see and do now is the time to book your visit to this wonderful village nestled between the New Forest and the sea.
So if you’re looking for a relaxed break or want to keep yourself busy with a choice of activities, attractions or events here you will find our Top Things to do in 2026 in and around Milford on Sea.
Activities
If you are searching for an activity during your 2026 visit to the village there’s plenty on offer. Walks are the best way to explore, you can check out our recommended walks here.
Fancy the two-wheel option? There are a number of cycle routes if you’d like to explore by bike, and if you can’t bring your own bike Jaunt-E Bikes provides cruiser style bike hire. You can book online or by phone and the bikes can be dropped to your accommodation. It’s a great way to explore the local area and you can choose from one of their carefully curated e-bikes experiences, including:
* Pedal & Puzzle: An outdoor escape-room-style ride full of clues, codes, and coastal trails.
* Bike’n’Brunch: A deliciously relaxed morning with coffee, New Forest cycling and great food.
* Wine & Brewery Safaris: Sip your way through local vineyards and craft breweries.
* Pedal & Picnic: A picture-perfect day out spotting our wild ponies, complete with gourmet picnic goodies.
* Pedal & Paddle: Combine cycling with kayaking for the ultimate in outdoor thrills.
The standout attraction in Milford on Sea is Hurst Castle, built in 1544. Commanding the entrance to the Solent, it offers one of the best views in England. Hurst Castle played a part in the imprisonment of Charles I in the 17th century and defended England from threats in the 19th and 20th centuries. Open from 28th March – 1st November, it’s a great day out for the whole family with activities taking place throughout all the school holidays.
Access to the castle is a leisurely ferry ride from Keyhaven (charges apply) or a 2-mile walk along Hurst Spit. The café is open daily (Apr-Oct) and dogs on leads are welcome in the castle and on the ferry.
Why not get out on the water with Lymington Kayak Hire with its a fleet of sit on top kayaks, ideal for individual paddlers or family kayaks that can take two adults and a child to hire. There’s a lot to see as you take a leisurely paddle along the Lymington River – meandering through an eclectic mix of boats on their river moorings and past Lymington’s two prestigious marinas.
Creative experiences can also be enjoyed in the village by visiting Vinegar Hill Pottery, its owners Lucy and Dave offer one-day and long weekend pottery courses. With only 8 places per pottery course it can tailor the class to suit all levels of skill and creativity. The courses are all based on the potter’s wheel – learning the basic techniques of throwing the perfect pot!
Or do you fancy hitting a golf ball? Then head over to Barton on Sea Golf Club situated on the coastal cliff where you can enjoy this spectacular 27-hole golf course. With the added advantage of a choice of 3 18-hole combinations and unparalleled views of the sea over to the Isle of Wight on every hole.
One for the family is also the New Forest Adventure Golf, a must-do attraction for families of all ages when visiting Milford on Sea. Based in Lymington, it is an exciting new concept in mini golf. Although built with children in mind, it will also challenge the short game competitor. The beautifully landscaped course is a high spec 18 hole Adventure.
Expertly crafted to mirror the New Forest, the 18 holes lead us from The Isle of Wight across the Solent to Lymington by moving ferry. The two rivers flowing through the site are Lymington River and Beaulieu River with towns and villages authentically represented, including Bolton’s Bench in Lyndhurst, the ancient mariner port of Bucklers Hard and Exbury Gardens to name just a few.
Finally, check out The Bridge that provides a wide variety of events and entertainment for all ages, our two playparks for your little ones situated at Hurst Road and Carrington Lane or why not have a go at crabbing at the two bridges by Hurst Spit – it’s a fun activity to keep you busy for an hour or so.
Food and Drink
For such a small place Milford on Sea is well known for its places to eat and we’re particularly proud of this. After day out visiting the area you’ll no doubt be after somewhere to sit down, relax and have a drink or bite to eat. The village will not disappoint you!
Cravings for flat whites and sourdough can be best met at Melleford, voted Tripadvisor’s the no.1 café in Hampshire and also The Paddle on the Green, dominating its prime position overlooking the village green. On a warm day The Paddle will serve you whilst sitting on the village green – a lovely way to spend an hour or so watching our bustling village.
Big on flavour and taste is Ray’s Italian Kitchen run by local restaurateur, Stacey Crouch. Known for its cheeses, characturie and speciality salads from its deli, you can also enjoy coffee and brunch or their traditional pasta dishes and pizzas within its sun-drenched courtyard or inside the tasteful restaurant.
Never to disappoint is Britannia Thai, a family run establishment that brings the authentic taste of Thailand to Milford on Sea. Its experienced chefs will ensure that you enjoy the fresh flavours of authentic Thai food in wonderful surroundings.
If you’re after the true authenticity of a true English local then we are lucky to have two smashing pubs in the village The Smugglers Inn and The Beachhouse – you must make time for both!
The Beach House also has two beautiful dining rooms with sea views, a cosy snug and a chilled out lounge with roaring fire. It also has over 200 outside covers with its fantastic, raised patio areas and extensive gardens and offers great views across to The Needles and the Isle of Wight on a clear, sunny day. It has an extensive family friendly menu and is known for its favourites like the Steak & Tangle Foot Pie, Forum Lager Battered Fish & Chips and its famous Chargrilled Double Cheese Burger.
Also be sure to make a stop at the The Crown Inn a welcoming pub dedicated to serving traditional, home-cooked meals crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients in the heart of nearby village, Everton.
A trip to the seaside wouldn’t be complete without a portion of fish and chips. You’ll probably see the queues in the summer for the top place in the village for this – Mister Pink’s – definitely worth the wait.
Many wash down their fish and chips with a drink from our independent bar – The Cave, known for their speciality beers and ales, wines and cocktails.
If you’ve ventured up to the seafront and are looking for a bite to eat, then pop in to see our friends at the Needles Eye cafe with the best sea view or its sister establishment, The Kiosk at Hordle Cliff.
Also, on the seafront and featured in the Times as one of the best UK seaside restaurants is The Lighthouse. An independent seaside bar and restaurant, it serves up fresh, local dishes 7 days a week across breakfast, lunch and dinner and all the bits in between! It’s passionate about great food and drink, coupled with the best hospitality so you’ll be sure to have a fun, laid back time with them.
Just on the edges of the village we also have a couple of options depending which way you are headed! In Keyhaven The Gun Inn, a Grade II listed pub has been sympathetically renovated to create beautiful surroundings, serving the best in seasonal and local produce.
And finally just as you enter the village is the South Lawn Hotel with its Cedar Tree restaurant, popular with locals and visitors.
With so many independent establishments you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Shopping
Known for its traditional village green Milford on Sea is also home to many businesses, including homeware, clothing shops and gift shops surrounding this beautiful green space.
One of our favourite independent shops is No64 Biscuit House, an interior lifestyle business that is home to the most gorgeous products, sourced by husband and wife team, Clare and Glenn. The shop never stands still as the owner and stylist Clare is always revamping her shop to give it the wow factor.
You’ll notice the beautiful display at the village florist New Seasons so drop in to see Nichola to pick up a pop of colour with either a bouquet or one of her planted pots. There’s always something new depending on the time of year and owner, Nichola is a wealth of knowledge and will be pleased to help you.
Finally on the shopping front, if you are lucky enough to have one then don’t forget your four-legged friend. Your constant companion will find all they need at Paddy’s Pool. Not only is it a canine hydrotherapy centre, it also offers a dog grooming and teeth cleaning service and a well-stocked pet shop with plenty of non-food items too, such as the Ruff and Tumble drying coats.
Top Events
The New Forest and surrounding towns and villages offer an exciting calendar of events for your enjoyment – check out some of our favourites and book your stay in Milford on Sea around them.
Starting with our very own Milford on Sea Music Festival, back this year on 26th-28th June celebrating all that is great about music, good company and our amazing community spirit here in Milford on Sea.
Beaulieu is also a marvellous day out and is approximately a 20-minute drive from Milford on Sea . It includes the National Motor Museum, Palace House, Beaulieu Abbey, World of Top Gear and a new adventure play area, Little Beaulieu.
It also has a whole host of events and a special mention must go to the ever-popular BBC Gardeners World Spring Fair on 1st-3rd May 2026. Best to head over to their website to see what is on offer and then book your visit to Milford on Sea around what takes your fancy!
Paultons Park, the UK’s Number 1 Family Theme Park and home to Peppa Pig will run seasonal events throughout 2026. The Park is a great day out and just a short drive from the village. Here you can enjoy rollercoaster rides, flumes, many play areas and meeting the characters from Peppa Pig.
Be sure to visit as there is always something new to see at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway. In spring, its world-famous collection of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas sets them apart from other gardens. These stunning shrubs are at their best in April and May, lining the paths with elegant flowers. Spring also sees a spectacular display of camellias and magnolias, and a stunning show of spring bulbs in Daffodil Meadow and the River of Gold.
It hosts a varied programme of events throughout the season, including school holiday workshops, family games and trails, creative workshops for adults, and theatre and music events. Highlights of the year, include its ever-popular Halloween Ghost Train during October half term and its Christmas at Exbury event, including the Christmas Fair.
A visit is also not complete without a stop to Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum owned by motorcycle legend, Sammy Miller MBE and is home to the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes, with the collection constantly evolving as new bikes are acquired.
The New Forest and Hampshire Show is also one event not to miss, taking place on 28th, 29th and 30th July 2026 at the New Park Showground, Brockenhurst and is approximately a 20-minute drive from Milford on Sea. The New Forest Show has a long and varied history starting as a small, one-day agricultural show in 1920 and developing into the 3-day spectacular event of today. With main ring attractions, family fun area, over 600 shopping and trade stands and local produce market to name just a few there’s something here for everyone.
In neighbouring Lymington, you’ll discover The Lymington Seafood Festival – celebrating its 10th birthday this year from 10th to 12th July 2026. This little boutique festival brings together food, drink and live music alongside the beautiful Solent views of Lymington.
Other food festivals to look out for are The New Forest Food Festival from the 15th-16th August and the Christchurch Food Festival 23rd-25th May, celebrating the best in food and drink here on the South Coast.
Bringing your dog? Well, a visit to Dogstival is a must – taking place on the Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May at Burley Park, your hound will love you for it. The event is crammed full of canine approved entertainment with dog-shows, activities, talks, assault courses, live music and lots of local food for your dog and you!
So, whatever the reason or time of year you choose to Visit Milford on Sea there’s plenty to do in 2026! We look forward to welcoming you soon.