Most popular UK destination for an autumn break has country’s best family theme park, cute beaches and wild ponies
THE New Forest has taken the crown as the most popular place for an out of season break.
The Hampshire destination topped the list of UK holiday spots, followed by the Peak District and Somerset.
The list was put together by holiday letting experts from holidaycottages.co.uk and includes a diverse range of locations across the UK to suit every type of holidaymaker.
They looked at the most cost-effective time to book a holiday let, the most popular areas to visit, and the destinations which are most up and coming for an off season break.
The places were then ranked in order based on popularity, affordability, and a variety of things to see and do.
The New Forest in Hampshire deservedly earned the top spot because of its coastal location and many attractions.
Here are some things to get up to during your stay…
Visit the quaint seaside towns and hidden beaches
There are a number of small seaside towns and villages dotted around the New Forest waiting to be visited, such as Milford on Sea.
The village has a beautiful shingle beach, colourful beach huts, stunning views of the Solent, and the impressive Hurst Castle, with its panoramic views across the Needles Passage to the Isle of Wight.
Thanks to its coastal location, there are plenty more beaches to be explored, including Tanners Lane – a small beach with a mixture of sand and pebbles that’s a secret spot for New Forest ponies.
The easiest way to get there is by walking or cycling as there’s no parking.
Enjoy a wide variety of attractions, including Paultons Park and Ringwood Brewery
Paultons Park is the number one family theme park rated on Google, with over 70 exciting rides and set within 140 acres of beautiful parkland on the edge of the New Forest National Park.
It’s also home to the UK’s only Peppa Pig World, with nine fun Peppa-themed rides.
Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway is a 200-acre informal woodland garden, with a narrow-gauge steam railway, a play area, and well-esteemed restaurant.
New Forest Deer Safari at Burley Park allows visitors to get up, close and personal to its red deer, with a 30-minute tractor ride through the park and a chance to feed the deer their daily treat – strawberries and raspberries.
Beer fans can book onto a 90 minute guided tour around the famous Ringwood Brewery, where you can see how it’s all made before enjoying a tasting session in the Pin Bar.
Adventure in the forest
No trip to the New Forest is complete without a walk in the forest.
The New Forest National Park is the perfect place for walking as there’s over 140 miles of trails and footpaths suitable for all ages and abilities.
You don’t need a map as you can follow wooden posts with coloured marker bands. All you have to do is enjoy the incredible views along the way.
Also look out for the famous free-roaming New Forest ponies.
Top 10 out of season holiday destinations in the UK
Ranked in order based on popularity, affordability, and variety of things to see and do by holidaycottages.co.uk:
1. New Forest
2. Peak District
3. Somerset
4. Isle of Wight
5. Devon
6. Kent
7. North Yorkshire
8. Suffolk
9. Northumberland
10. Sussex