From paddling to the pub to boarding a train, there's so much to do with your doting Dad this Father's Day. 

Here's our guide to five fantastic ways to treat Dad to a day out in the New Forest and show him how much you love him...

Half price at Exbury Gardens...

(Image: Exbury Gardens)

Classic car and steam engine fans will be chuffed with a Father’s Day weekend event boasting trains large and small, plus British-made Austin cars at Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway.

On Sunday, Father’s Day, dads will get half-price admission to the Gardens where they can enjoy the car and train events, plus explore the beautiful ‘horti visitor attraction in its early summer colours.

The Austin Counties Car Show will be taking place on the lawns near Exbury House. A selection of beautifully restored Austin Cars, manufactured between 1939 and 1954, will be on display. An event ideal for classic car aficionados, vehicle owners will also be available to chat and answer questions about their Austins.

On Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be treated to an array of model railways, owned by members of the New Forest Model Railway Society, as well as various working steam engines, all displayed within Exbury’s very own working railway shed. Enthusiasts will be on hand to give hints and tips on how to build model railways at home, with layouts sized from 30ft long to those you can keep on a windowsill. 

A popular tourist attraction, Exbury Gardens’ narrow gauge steam railway departs from a replica Victorian station, Exbury Central, and runs along its 1 ½-mile Rhododendron Line through the famous woodland garden.

On the Beaulieu River...

(Image: New Forest Activities)

Treat your father figure to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities.

Enjoy paddling together through the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve as a family, ending at the Master Builder's pub on the riverside where Dad can wet his whistle with a nice cold beer.

Boating and bevvies, there couldn't be a more perfect combination for the deserving Dad in your life. 

At Longdown Activity Farm...

 

If you like tractors, you’ll love Longdown when friends from The New Forest Tractor & Engine Preservation Society are visiting for the weekend.

Tractor enthusiasts will be delighted to have the opportunity to see a variety of tractors from yesteryear featuring names such as Ferguson, Fordson, Nuffield, and many others.

Plenty of experts will be on hand to answer questions and to talk tractors. There will also be a static display of stationary engines to watch, as they puff and steam away. For those that enjoy a bumpy ride, tractor and trailer rides will be on offer at intervals during the day as well as a full programme of the usual animal activities.

At Beaulieu...

(Image: Supplied)

For the chance to admire a unique range of vehicles and enjoy some great entertainment, Beaulieu’s Custom and American Show is the place to be this Father’s Day. 

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at one of the most highly-anticipated shows on Beaulieu’s events calendar, from an impressive range of cars and bikes in the showground to live music and entertainment as well as the whole of the Beaulieu attraction to explore.

This year’s Custom and American Show is set to be bigger and better than ever, with even more American motors, vibrant custom cars and awesome bikes and trikes plus a variety of musical performances and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can expect a stellar line-up of large, loud and lively machines that are sure to gather a crowd.

Most exciting of all, this event showcases some of the most individual designs of the motoring world - showgoers won’t know which creation to admire first! Filling the showground will be everything from outrageously modified custom classics and hot rods to powerful American muscle cars and sedans.

At New Forest Wildlife Park...

(Image: Supplied)

With over 200 animals from 30 different species, nestled amidst the beautiful woodland of the New Forest, it's a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a perfect day out for Dad.

Imagine Dad's delight as he comes face-to-face with majestic wolves, playful otters, curious wallabies, and even the endangered giant otter cubs and Scottish wildcat. The park offers a tranquil setting for observing these fascinating creatures in specially crafted habitats.

Want to make Father's Day extra special? Consider a unique Keeper Experience?