Explore the New Forest from the Green House Hotel

The New Forest is buzzing this summer with things to do and see, that will leave a warm feeling without contributing to heating the planet. Why not book a short stay at The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth’s most eco-friendly luxury boutique hotel, as a base, then get out there and explore?Here we outline just a few of the events on offer.

Electric biking

Why didn’t somebody invent this sooner?  Forest Leisure Cycling is offering electric bikes for riding the many New Forest trails. Perfect for the, ahem, “leisure rider”, they have an electric motor matched to an RPM sensor that allows you to store the energy you generate by pedalling on the easy bits, and use it to propel you up the hard bits! Of course, more serious bikers can choose from the more traditional mountain and hybrid varieties, including the “29er” which comes with 29-inch wheels and fancy geometry for a “super smooth off road experience”.  From £20 at www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk

Ladies’ kayaking

Take the sisterhood to new levels with these women-only evening sessions at the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve. There’s nothing like messing about in boats to melt away the stresses of the day, and even better if you can have a good old giggle with the girls at the same time.  Ideal for those wanting to try something new or polish up on their skills, the sessions run until 25 August at £32 each. www.newforestactivities.co.uk/2015/04/ladies-kayaking/

Ferret-racing

We know agricultural shows aren’t for everyone, but if you do fancy watching a bit of ferret racing, or showjumping, or cow milking or participating in some good old-fashioned face-stuffing, then head down to the New Forest & Hampshire County Show at New Park, Brockenhurst on 28, 29 or 30 July. The local food and farming areas promise to be interesting, hosting over 35 local producers, including favourites of ours here at the Green House Hotel and Arbor Restaurant. And at the well-stocked bar you can sample some of the area’s locally brewed beers. Online tickets (discounted by 5%) are on sale at www.newforestshow.co.uk

Pub-paddling

A pleasing variation on the pub crawl, this also (obviously) involves canoes – paddling along the picturesque Beaulieu river, exploring as you go and spotting wildlife, stopping off for a little sustenance here and there and ending the journey at historic Bucklers Hard. It’s all well organised with a meet at Baileys Hard and a quick shuttle run to drop cars at the end point (though why not just take a taxi?), before heading off into the sunset for a well-earned drink. £26 each. www.newforestactivities.co.uk/2015/04/paddle-to-the-pub/

History-living

Over 800 years of history have come to life at Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum this summer with a living history programme aimed at young and fully grown kids alike. Meet fascinating characters from the past as you explore the grounds. Watch as veteran and vintage vehicles pass by, perhaps even catch a ride. Join the Victorian house party in Palace House or (far more interesting in our view) take a tour of the Kitchen Garden with the Victorian gardener  and find out how produce for the Big House was grown. Meet Brother William, the Cistercian monk, in Beaulieu Abbey and hear his talks on the folk lore of herbs and the life of the monks who lived there. www.beaulieu.co.uk/beaulieu-events/summer-holiday-activities

For more information or to book a stay at the Green House Hotel, call us on 01202 498900 or email info@thegreenhousehotel.com