What to Do in the New Forest This Easter Holidays 2026

candlesoftheforest
2 days ago
3 min read

Creative Experiences, Forest Ponies & Time Well Spent in Lyndhurst

If you’re planning a visit to the New Forest National Park during the Easter holidays 2026, you’ll find it’s a wonderful time to explore. Spring brings new growth, lighter evenings, and the gentle return of colour to the Forest — along with the familiar sight of free-roaming ponies grazing calmly through villages and open heathland.

At the heart of the Forest lies Lyndhurst, often described as the capital of the New Forest. With woodland walks leading straight from the village, independent shops, cosy cafés, and the infamous Boltons Bench, Lyndhurst is an ideal base for families, couples, and anyone looking for a slower, more meaningful Easter break.

Alongside forest walks and village exploring, Easter is also the perfect time to enjoy something creative — especially when the weather is unpredictable.

A Fun Easter Activity: Candle Making in Lyndhurst

Candles of the Forest offers candle making and wax melt classes in a warm, welcoming studio right in Lyndhurst village. These sessions are ideal for visitors looking for a relaxed indoor activity to balance out time spent outdoors.

Our candle-making classes are suitable for beginners and are designed to be calm, enjoyable, and unhurried. During the session, you’ll:

Learn how to hand-pour your own scented candle
Explore a range of New Forest–inspired fragrances
Create a candle & a variety wax melts to take home
Enjoy a cosy, creative experience away from the crowds

It’s a lovely Easter holiday activity for adults, couples, friends, and older children, and a thoughtful alternative to traditional souvenirs. Instead of buying something, you make something — inspired by your time in the Forest.

Easter Fun for Children: Candle Painting Classes

During the school holidays, including Easter, Candles of the Forest also offers candle painting sessions for children. These are designed especially for under 16s and run as a walk-in service with no booking required.

Each session lasts around 30–45 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy holiday day.

Children can:

Choose a candle to paint, including forest mushrooms, fairy houses, or vehicles
Use a full range of candle paints and varnishes
Sit and paint their own candle in a relaxed studio setting

Children must be accompanied by an adult, making it a lovely New Forest bonding experience for families. To finish, each candle is tagged and labelled “Hand Painted by [Child’s Name]” — a small detail that turns it into a treasured Easter holiday keepsake.

Why Easter Is a Special Time in Lyndhurst

Easter in Lyndhurst feels gentle and unrushed. Ponies are often seen grazing near the village centre, spring flowers begin to appear along woodland paths, and the Forest feels full of quiet promise after winter.

Many visitors enjoy:

Easy woodland walks straight from the village
Watching ponies and cattle roaming freely
Exploring local shops and cafés
Mixing outdoor time with cosy indoor activities

Adding a creative experience like candle making or candle painting brings something extra to your Easter visit — a chance to slow down, get hands-on, and make lasting memories.

Planning Your Easter Holidays in the New Forest 2026

If you’re searching for what to do in the New Forest this Easter holidays 2026, Lyndhurst offers the perfect combination of nature, village charm, and creative experiences. Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or on your own, it’s a place where simple pleasures shine.

From forest walks and free-roaming ponies to hand-poured candles and children’s craft sessions, Easter in the New Forest is about enjoying time together — at a slower, more meaningful pace.