Top Things to Do This Summer
It looks like an exciting summer in Milford on Sea and when the sun is shining there’s no better place than this unique village by the sea.
We’ve put together a list of must dos when visiting us this summer:
Milford on Sea Music Festival – 21-23 July
This July, thousands of people will gather on Milford on Sea’s iconic village green for a celebration of local musical talent with 19 musical acts over three days, headlined by the legendary John Illsley of Dire Straits.
The Milford on Sea Music Festival is the very essence of a community event, at a time when bringing people together and sharing culture has never been more important.
This year the festival will have its highest production values yet, with top quality staging and sound system.
The festival is free to attend but please support the festival by buying the programme at various shops in the village.
Have a go at Paddle Boarding
If we’ve inspired you with our paddle boarding/kayaking blog then check out our friends at New Forest Paddle Sport Company and give one of their taster sessions a go or book one of their ‘Experience’ packages from sunset picnics, moonlight paddles or the Hurst Castle paddle and tour.
Barton on Sea Golf Club
Visitors are welcome at Barton on Sea Golf Club with amazing views across the Solent and The Needles.
This 27-hole golf course provide a good test for golfers of all abilities, with the added advantage of being able to have a choice of three alternative18 hole combinations with unparalleled views of the sea on every hole.
This friendly golf course is a short drive from Milford on Sea and has a clubhouse where you can enjoy a meal or drink too.
New Forest Tour
Leave the car behind and enjoy grandstand views of the New Forest National Park from the top deck of the open-top New Forest Tour Bus from 1st July – 17th September.
Sit back and enjoy a spectacular, panoramic perspective whilst listening to an audio commentary telling the story of the history and heritage of the landscape, its people and culture, and some fascinating facts about its flora and fauna. Your ticket gives access to discount at Beaulieu National Motor Museum, the New Forest Wildlife Park, and local businesses participating in the Go New Forest card scheme.
There are three routes – Blue, Green, Red – which cover different parts of beautiful countryside and coast. Interchange points: Blue/Green at Brockenhurst and Lymington, Blue/Red at Burley, Green/Red at Lyndhurst.
The Blue route takes in the coast and stops at Hurst Road and Sea Road in Milford on Sea. One ticket allows you to travel everywhere.
If you plan your day, you can experience all three routes in one day, hopping on and off along the route.
Hurst Castle
Come and discover one of the best days out in the New Forest and visit this artillery fortress built by Henry VIII. Located 1.5 miles outside of Milford on Sea, commanding the entrance to the Solent, Hurst Castle offers one of the best views in England and is a ‘must see’ if staying in the village or surrounding area.
Over the summer there will be plenty to do with lots of open space for families to explore, a summer trail plus much more.
Access to the castle is via a leisurely ferry ride from Keyhaven (charges apply) or a 1.5 mile walk along Hurst Spit. Café is open daily and dogs on lead welcome in the castle and on the ferry.
Guided walks
Get outside and enjoy the village, leaving the route to us. Our knowledgeable, local guides will be able to fill you in on the inside guide to the village, the best views and possibly where to find the perfect cup of coffee! The walks are bookable online, with only 10 places per walk so be quick to secure your place.
There are two walks available – ‘Discover Milford on Sea’s Hidden Woodland’ and the ‘Milford on Sea Then & Now’ – which take place alternate Thursdays at 10.30am from the village green.
The walks cost £7.00 per person and can be booked online here.
Live Music in the village
Every Wednesday night don’t miss out on live music at The Cave, overlooking the village green. Here is a list of events for July:
July 12th David Mein
David is a regular at The Cave and never gives less than 100%. His eclectic range of tracks spreading through the decades from the 60’s to the modern era will have you fully engaged, up on your feet and singing along. If that’s not enough, he’ll work through his array of unusual guitars throughout the performance. What’s not to like, see you there!
July 26th Static Tandem
Millie joins The Cave again for an energetic performance that will have you up on your feet or just foot tapping to your hearts content. Back by popular demand, you will not want to miss this performance! ‘Pocket Rocket’, doesn’t even come close.
Give them a follow on Instagram @thecavewinebar to check out August’s events.
You can also enjoy live music at 6pm* every Friday from June to September at The Lighthouse. Live music is outside on the terrace, so is weather dependent. No need to book, just grab a drink and a spot on the sea wall to kick start your weekend!
Sculpture at Beaulieu 2023
Sculpture at Beaulieu is back for 2023 and is now open! Between the 17th of June and the 24th September view a unique collection of 300 pieces by over 57 renowned sculptors in the atmospheric ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, and the intimate setting of Palace House and its grounds and gardens. The sculptures range from figurative to abstract and cover a diverse variety of mediums, so the exhibition provides something to suit all tastes. Also, enjoy the light summer evenings at Beaulieu with one of the exclusive Sculpture at Beaulieu evenings, available to book now.
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend
Head to the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 5th-6th August, for one of the biggest supercar events on the south coast. With demonstration runs, sound-off and amazing displays, it’s an unmissable day out for families and enthusiasts alike. 2023 will see the special Forza Ferrari display, along with a display marking 60 years of McLaren.
Paultons Park
Visit Paultons Park this Summer and have the BEST. DAY. EVER! With 5 amazing, themed lands including Tornado Springs and Peppa Pig World, plus an incredible variety of animals to meet, and stunning gardens, there’s something for the whole family! Don’t miss out- A Magical Pirate Adventure Show will be performed every day throughout the summer holidays!
Summer events at Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum
Sammy Miller is a motorcycling legend, 11-time British Champion, winner of over 1400 events and still winning competitions more than 50 years after his first victory.
The museum located in nearby New Milton, houses one of 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 museum is a great day out from Milford on Sea and they hold an impressive events programme which can be found here.
Milford on Sea Community Centre
Milford on Sea Community Centre provides a wide variety of events and entertainment for all ages to enhance your visit to Milford on Sea. Set in the heart of the village, the centre aims to engage all ages of local and visiting people, whether for the first time or returning. A full list of what’s on can be found here.
New Forest Bikes
Whether you want to enjoy Milford on Sea by bike or go further afield to the surrounding areas in the New Forest, New Forest Bikes provide bike hire for visitors to the village.
From its shop on Quay Street in Lymington, you can gain easy access to a part of the Solent Way coast path from Lymington to Milford on Sea, taking in amazing sea views and an array of wildlife.
Bookings are easy online with a choice of bikes available to hire from the classic mountain bike to an electric version that provides comfort and ease, allowing you a trouble-free way to enjoy the outdoors. There is also a hybrid version available that provides a different feel to that of a mountain bike. Hybrid bikes take elements from both road and mountain bikes and offer the best of both worlds. You can use it with confidence on multiple surfaces from gravel to our coastal routes.
Children’s bikes are also available to hire, along with a Hamax bike trailer and a tagalong if you prefer. Prices include helmets, backpack, pump, lock and toolkit.
Vinegar Hill Pottery
Based in Milford on Sea, Vinegar Hill Pottery runs one-day and long weekend pottery courses, both non-residential for anyone visiting or living nearby and residential, using its fabulous B&B accommodation for those who want to make a trip out of it.
There are only 8 places per pottery course, meaning it can tailor the classes 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!
David Rogers is the master potter, teaching the pottery classes and producing his very own range of tableware and basins – handmade on the potter’s wheel.
The pottery days must be pre-booked – so please contact them prior to your visit.
There is also a gallery shop at the pottery, where David’s stoneware is available to view and purchase. Just rock up at the pottery and someone will show you around.