Sandyballs

[graysquirrel]

Hi there, we are off to Sandy Balls in the New Forest during the Easter holidays.
Would love some ideas of places to visit and days out nearish (but happy to travel) as the area is fairly unexplored by us as a family.
We've two girls an 8yr old and a 6 yr old who would be turning 7 while there. Ideally thinking of something seaside based, something a bit more activity based (really good parks as they love a bit of freedom and a climb), and somewhere special we could take the birthday girl for a treat day out and/or meal.
(We've done Paultons park before so don't fancy that)
I realise lots to do in sandyballs but as we're there a while want to explore.
Thanks!

Avon Heath country park is brilliant.

The cafe has fantastic food and kids options i would actually let my kids eat. There is a brand new playground, which is ginormous. And there are lots of walks through the forest and over the Heath with hunts etc from the education centre

Adventure Wonderland is a good value day out and your dc are just about young enough to really enjoy it. It’s a sort of small scale theme park

Moors Valley country park is brilliant. We have hired bikes from Lyndhurst before the hire shop is in the car park behind the high street they provide route maps as well depending on where you want to go. We have also driven down to Bournemouth for the day as not too far .

There is a deer sanctuary at Bolderwood here. Just off the A36. There are some lovely walks.

If your family are into watery activities, new forest water park is good in fordingbridge. If you don't mind the drive, walk along Poole quay then get the boat to Brownsea Island?

Oooh the deer sanctuary reminded me there's an owl sanctuary close by too.

It is not the original owners name 🤨 it's named after it's landscape. Two very large mounds within the park which are mostly made up of sandy soil, mentioned as far back as Tudor times. Granted they called them Sandy Ballas but that's where it came from. Good Friday Hill and Giants Grave I think they're called now.

Original owners where the Westlake Family.

Worked their for 10 years + so I definitely know a thing or two about the place!

Ok I stans corrected. I can't believe I spent so much time there and never knew that!

Watching with interest as we also going over Easter!