Tag: theoutdoors

  • Why the New Forest National Park Is a Refreshing Retreat for Families

    Why the New Forest National Park Is a Refreshing Retreat for Families

    Have you visted the New Forest National Park?

    If your family is craving fresh air, open space, and a break from screens, the New Forest National Park delivers all of it—without needing a complicated itinerary. With ancient woodlands, wide-open heathlands, and its famously free-roaming ponies, it’s an easy place to breathe deeper and slow down.

    We’re lucky enough to live here and enjoy the national park every day. But I wanted to share a little insight with readers farther afield, so you can add the New Forest to your bucket list and hopefully love it as much as we do.

    Top 5 Reasons to Visit the New Forest

    1. The Free-Roaming Wildlife

    Ponies, donkeys, cattle, and even pigs wander freely through the forest and villages. They’re an iconic part of the landscape and a huge highlight for visitors of all ages.
    (Important: Admire them, photograph them, appreciate them—but don’t touch or feed them. They are genuinely wild animals and should stay that way.)

    2. Family-Friendly Cycling and Walking Routes

    Miles of flat, accessible trails make the New Forest great for young children, pushchairs, bikes, and even tired adults who didn’t realise “short walk” could mean 40 minutes (or 4 hours if you’re with me 🤣). The scenery changes often, keeping everyone engaged.

    3. A Calm, Unhurried Atmosphere

    Unlike many busy tourist hotspots, the New Forest has a gentle pace. Villages feel authentic rather than overly curated, and even popular areas have quiet corners. It’s ideal for families who want space without crowds.

    4. A Strong Sense of History and Identity

    Despite its name, the New Forest is almost a thousand years old. Established in 1079 by William the Conqueror as a royal hunting ground, it has evolved into one of the UK’s most treasured natural landscapes. That long history is woven into everything you see—ancient woodland, traditional commoning practices, and villages that still echo the past. You can feel it in the landscape and the way people and wildlife coexist. Sharing a few fun history facts as you explore can also make your visit more engaging and educational for kids.

    5. The Wellbeing Boost

    Being surrounded by nature has a real impact: reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep, and peaceful moments for the whole family. Children settle into the environment quickly, and adults benefit just as much. It’s a simple but powerful reset.

    Why the New Forest Works So Well for Families

    Families love the New Forest because it’s easy to enjoy without strict plans. There’s plenty of open space, safe paths, and endless opportunities to explore at your own pace. It offers variety without overwhelm and calm without boredom.

    How Nature Supports a Better Lifestyle

    Outdoor time naturally encourages slower thinking and calmer living. The forest has a way of quieting mental noise and grounding you in the moment—something many of us don’t experience enough in daily life. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or sitting beneath a tree, the shift in mindset is noticeable.

    A Relaxed Escape With Lasting Benefits

    The New Forest isn’t about flashy attractions. Its magic lies in its landscapes, wildlife, and the chance it gives families to reconnect with nature—and each other. Bring comfortable shoes, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to slow down.

    The forest will take care of the rest. 🌲✨️

    Look out for my upcoming blog posts where I’ll be sharing my favourite places to visit and the best spots to stay within the New Forest National Park. Whether you’re planning a family adventure or simply need a peaceful break, there’s plenty more inspiration on the way!

  • Forest adventures made easy – What to pack for a day out exploring with the kids

    Taking kids into the forest isn’t just a casual stroll—it’s an adventure, full of opportunities for exploration, learning, and discovery. That said, it’s also an exercise in patience and parenting. Within ten minutes, someone will be hungry, too hot, too cold, tired, or in desperate need of a wee.

    I’ve spent so many days with my kids trudging through mud, climbing trees, and building dens — the kind of messy, magical days that stay with you forever. I hope that years from now, we’ll all look back and laugh about the muddy puddle tantrums and those heartbreaking moments when we had to leave a beloved stick or rock behind.

    Before your next outdoor adventure, grab your backpack (or three) and pack smart. Here’s what you really need to survive—and thrive—a day in the woods with kids.

    Henry aged 5

    ☔ 1. Packaway Raincoats

    Waterproofs save lives. Whether it’s raining, sunny, or somewhere in between, a lightweight, packable raincoat comes in handy. Use it for rain, as an extra layer for “I’m cold” moments, or even for unexpected UV protection on sunny days.

    🌱 2. Packaway Ground Sheet

    Somewhere to sit that isn’t a muddy patch? Yes, please.
    A ground sheet doubles as a picnic blanket, emergency shade, or a spot to pile the ever-growing collection of sticks, pinecones, and “treasures” your kids insist on collecting.

    🏕 3. Packaway Hammock

    Optional, but highly recommended. Easy to set up, a hammock gives you the perfect spot to relax and watch the kids explore, soaking up nature without feeling like you’re missing half the fun.

    🧻 4. Toilet Roll & Baby Wipes

    Nature calls. A lot.
    From impromptu tree “bathrooms” to messy hands and faces, wipes save your sanity. Trust me—parents know.

    🗑️ 5. Bin Bag

    Leave no trace.
    Carry your rubbish home, keep the forest beautiful, and teach your kids the importance of caring for the environment.

    🧊 6. Refrigerated Snack Bag

    The lifeblood of any outdoor adventure.
    Pack more than you think you need—kids will remind you they’re starving every five minutes. Bonus: snacks can double as bargaining tools for minor meltdowns.

    💧 7. Water Bottles with Clips

    Clip them to backpacks and avoid the constant chorus of “Mum, I’m thirsty!” Hydration equals happiness—and fewer complaints.

    🚑 8. First Aid Kit

    Plasters, antiseptic wipes, and eye-cleaning drops (yes, sticks go in eyes more often than you think) are essentials.
    If you believe a day in the forest can happen without a few scrapes, you either have perfect kids—or you’re new to parenting.

    🦟 9. Bug Spray & Suncream

    Even on cloudy days, bugs are relentless and sunburns sneak up. Apply generously and often—consider it a full-contact sport.

    🔋 10. Portable Charger

    Your phone is your camera, map, and lifeline. Keep it charged—you’ll want those snaps of muddy faces, puddle crashes, and “look what I found” moments.

    🎒 Bonus Tip: Let the Kids Carry Stuff

    If they’re old enough, give them a small backpack. Sure, it’ll probably end up full of sticks and pinecones, but they’ll feel useful—and you’ll carry less.

    Henry aged 7

    🌳 Final Thoughts

    A day in the forest with kids isn’t about perfection or Instagram-worthy moments. It’s about snacks, mud, minor injuries, questionable decisions, and, most importantly, fun.

    Pack smart. Live in the moment. And remember: if no one cries, did you even leave the house?

    Henry aged 4

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest reviews and recommendations. Thank you for your support!

  • Why a Walk in the Forest is the Best Free Therapy for You and Your Kids (Yes, Even When You’re Up to Your Nips in Mud)

    Why a Walk in the Forest is the Best Free Therapy for You and Your Kids (Yes, Even When You’re Up to Your Nips in Mud)

    Let’s be honest — parenting is magical and rewarding and all the other lovely things people say in Instagram captions… but it’s also hectic, loud, and occasionally involves negotiating with a 9-year-old who’s furious because you won’t let them eat crisps for breakfast, while simultaneously fishing a remote control out of the 9-month-old’s mouth.

    Enter: The Forest.

    There is nothing quite like bundling the kids up and heading into the great outdoors. Specifically, the New Forest National Park, which, in my humble and slightly muddy opinion, is the ultimate parenting hack — and it won’t cost you a penny.

    Henry aged 6. Chasing the sunset.

    A Muddy Pro’s Guide to Forest Walking
    As a seasoned dog walker for many years, I’m no stranger to mud, squelch, and the occasional slippy slope that leads to a puddle that looks a lot deeper than it should. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to navigate these beautiful woods without needing the air ambulance to come and rescue me from a sudden sinkhole on a Sunday afternoon.

    So when I recommend walks for you and your family — pram-friendly, child-safe, and absolutely fun — you can trust that they’ve been tested and approved by someone who knows her mud.

    Henry age 3 loving the muddy puddles

    Sticks, Stones & Sanity Breaks

    You know what the forest has? Fresh air, wide open spaces, and an infinite number of sticks and rocks. That’s right — infinite.

    Your child will enthusiastically collect every. single. one. of them and insist on bringing them home as if they’re sacred relics.

    Here, they can climb trees, run free without a care, and throw rocks into streams to their heart’s content — all while you soak up some much-needed calm (or at least try to).

    Always up a tree. Henry aged 6.

    Physical & Mental Wellbeing (Disguised as an Adventure)

    Walking in the forest isn’t just about tiring the kids out, so bedtime runs smoothly — it’s actually good for you. For all of you. A good stomp among the trees can – reduce stress (deep breaths, no WiFi), improve your mood (unless someone falls in a puddle, but that’s character building), and get your heart pumping (especially if you’re pushing a pram through mud so thick you’re up to your nips in it).

    It’s also a great way to reconnect with your family. Being outdoors and surrounded by nature gives you lots to talk about and bond over some tree hugging (if that’s your thing).

    For the kids, it’s sensory heaven.

    Rustling leaves, squelchy mud, birdsong, squirrel sightings — it’s like CBeebies, but better. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the New Forest ponies, deer, or even some really big scary looking cows!

    My Favourite (Pram-Friendly!) Forest Walks

    If you’re local or visiting the area, here are our Top 3 Family & Pram-Friendly Walks in the New Forest that won’t leave you sweating through your raincoat or swearing under your breath (too much).

    All three have great parking, are perfect for bikes, and offer circular routes with options to make your walk longer or shorter depending on how much time you’ve got. Just a heads up — none of these are scooter-friendly.

    🌲 1. Dibden Inclosure
    Ideal for prams and bikes, with flat gravel paths and plenty of space to explore. The circular route means you can tailor the walk to fit your schedule. While scooters aren’t suitable here due to some uneven sections, it’s a lovely mix of open areas and woodland where you can usually spot ponies near the car park — and yes, there’s always a rogue puddle ready to surprise you.

    🦌 2. Deerleap, New Forest
    A hidden gem with wide, easy tracks perfect for prams and bikes. The circular route offers flexibility for shorter or longer adventures. You’ll find actual peace and quiet here (until the kids start shouting about who found the best stick). Keep your eyes peeled for deer, and enjoy the shady spots perfect for summer walks.

    🌳 3. Hawk Hill Inclosure
    A beautiful spot all year round. Think golden autumn leaves, spring wildflowers, and that lush, mossy green in winter. Pram and bike-friendly circular paths with some fallen logs for impromptu balance beam practice, and plenty of options to make your walk just right.

    Henry age 7. Loves a log.

    All-Year Beauty & Free Fun
    Rain or shine, the forest always shows up.

    It’s gorgeous in every season — from the crunchy leaves of autumn to the fairy-tale fog of winter and the butterfly-chasing days of summer. Just make sure to bring wellies and a sense of adventure.

    And best of all? It’s totally free.
    No entry fees. No overpriced cafés selling dry flapjacks. Just you, the kids, some squirrels, and a bag full of increasingly suspicious-looking pebbles.

    Chilling in someone’s den. Henry aged 7.

    Final Thoughts: Just Go Outside
    Whether you’re trying to avoid soft play, reset your mind, wear out the kids, or just avoid cleaning the house for an hour, a walk in the forest is always a good idea.

    So next time cabin fever hits, stick on the waterproofs, embrace the mud (and trust me, I’ve been there), and go get your boots dirty. Who knows what you’ll find — a stick, a snail, a moment of peace — or maybe even your sanity again.

    Chasing another sunset. Henry aged 8.

    Like this post?
    Share it with a fellow parent who needs a gentle nudge out the door (and possibly a flask of coffee and a biscuit for the journey).

  • The Hauck Runner 2 – The Best Pram for Forest Trails and Off-Road Adventures

    The Hauck Runner 2 – The Best Pram for Forest Trails and Off-Road Adventures

    The Hauck Runner 2: The Best Outdoor Pram for Parents Who Love Adventures


    As a parent who loves being outdoors, I was determined not to let motherhood slow down my adventures. That’s why discovering the Hauck Runner was such a game changer for me and my daughter. It can be used from birth, so we wasted no time in getting outside!

    Whether we’re weaving through the forest trails or exploring the open paths of the New Forest National Park, this pram has been by my side every step of the way—and I honestly don’t know what I’d do without it.


    Built for the Outdoors

    Unlike a standard stroller that struggles on uneven paths, the Hauck Runner thrives off-road. Its pneumatic air wheels make it glide effortlessly over tree roots, gravel, and bumpy terrain. I never find myself fighting with it—it just rolls smoothly wherever I go, letting me enjoy the journey instead of worrying about every bump. Despite being so sturdy, it’s surprisingly lightweight and incredibly easy to manoeuvre, which makes a big difference when navigating winding trails or busy areas.

    Comfort for Baby (and for Me!)

    One of the things I love most is how comfortable my daughter is in it. She’s had countless naps while we’ve been out exploring, thanks to the reclining backrest and the spacious, cushioned seat. The UPF 50+ canopy and XL mesh window mean she’s protected from the sun while still getting plenty of airflow, which is perfect for warm days.

    From my perspective (being a 5ft 2 shorty!), the height-adjustable handle makes a world of difference. Whether I’m walking or running, I can set it at the right level for comfort, which keeps long outings enjoyable instead of tiring.

    Practical Features for Everyday Adventures

    The Hauck Runner isn’t just about comfort and sturdiness—it’s also practical for everyday parent life. The large storage basket is a lifesaver for carrying snacks, toys, or even a picnic blanket, and the rain cover means a little drizzle never ruins our plans. I also love how easy it is to fold down when it’s time to head home, making it hassle-free to pack into the car. Plus, it comes in a range of stylish colours, so you can pick one that suits your personality and lifestyle. It feels like everything has been thought through for parents who don’t just want a pram for the high street, but for the real outdoors.

    Why I Rate It So Highly

    I can honestly say the Hauck Runner has transformed the way I get outside with my daughter. It’s reliable, robust, lightweight, and thoughtfully designed for parents who want more than just the basics. Whether you’re a runner, an explorer, or simply a parent who refuses to be confined to smooth pavements, this pram delivers.

    For me, it’s more than just a pram—it’s the reason I can keep living the active, outdoor lifestyle I love while sharing those adventures with my little one.

    Click here to find the Hauck Runner 2

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a link to a product and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing honest reviews and recommendations. Thank you for your support!