Sandy Balls, New Forest?

[cailean]

Off there this weekend with 2 kids (5 & 7 years old) and in laws. Has anyone been and any tips on what to do or to avoid? I have seen some mixed reviews. Are there cycle tracks off into "the forest" from SB or is it more of a short drive away from the actual New Forest?

[craigjm]

As a PH'er make sure you get yourself to Lyndhurst an have a nose around the Ferrari / Maserati dealer and get yourself to Beaulieu. Don't go to Bucklers Hard its st for the money and you could always catch the ferry from Lymington to Yarmouth for a day on the Isle of Wight.

[DBSV8]

cailean said:

Off there this weekend with 2 kids (5 & 7 years old) and in laws. Has anyone been and any tips on what to do or to avoid? I have seen some mixed reviews. Are there cycle tracks off into "the forest" from SB or is it more of a short drive away from the actual New Forest?

several places moors valley not far as is paultons park / Peppa pig world
http://www.moors-valley.co.uk/

http://www.peppapigworld.co.uk/


if you have boys this age as posted beaulieu for the cars James Bond exhibition on at the moment.
http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/

and visit Bovington about 20 miles away for the tank museum

http://www.tankmuseum.org/

next door monkey world
http://www.monkeyworld.org/

great beaches , sandbanks , over the Poole ferry to studland , swanage , corfe castle , railway

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/

for cycling a good guide
http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/activities/cycle-map...


http://www.newforestexplorersguide.co.uk/sitefolde...

enjoy

[boobles]

It's a beautiful location with plenty of things to do. Hopefully the weather will be kind.

[Funk]

Agreed, had a few days there a month ago and couldn't fault it. Would recommend it and would go again!

[tezzer]

Jeez, went there as a kid on a family caravanning holiday, one of the best holidays EVER ! Mind you I was about 10, and am now in my 50's so it's probably changed a bit !

[Jamie VTS]

I havent been for about 4 years but; It was lovely and there is lots to do! I used to really enjoy going and playing table tennis with my dad, there is a nice swimming pool (inside and out) and also a good gym!

The on-site pub is quite nice too and the food is very reasonably priced!

How about a trip down to the coast for a day?

Jamie

[rev-erend]

Beauleigh is worth a look.

[mybrainhurts]

Sandy balls? Bet that makes you walk funnily..

[Johnnytheboy]

Every time I drive past their sign I titter like a schoolboy.

[carlove]

This thread made me think of 'Juvenile things that make you laugh'

[DBSV8]

If you like Sandy balls ..........yer missus is going to love this New forest pub ..not far away too

[Mark.]

DBSV8 said:

If you like Sandy balls ..........yer missus is going to love this New forest pub ..not far away too

[eric twinge]

Sandy Balls is a great place, you'll love it. Been plenty of times over the years.

[mybrainhurts]

eric twinge said:

Sandy Balls is a great place, you'll love it. Been plenty of times over the years.

Sandy Balls...eric twinge...

[Wacky Racer]

Well worth a visit.....

http://sammymiller.co.uk/

[cailean]

Thanks for the really helpful replies. The tank museum looks like a must.

[Johnnytheboy]

Tank Museum excellent for boys. They really do have one of every tank ever. If so, from Sandy Balls go along the B-Road through Cranborne to Wimborne, that's a nice scenic route. Then stick to the A31 as far as Bere Regis to avoid Poole.

It's definitely worth swinging by the Ferrari dealer (they had 2 x 458s outside last time I went past) if you go to Beaulieu, but bear in mind passing through Lyndhurst almost always involves a queue...

[carlove]

Johnnytheboy said:

It's definitely worth swinging by the Ferrari dealer (they had 2 x 458s outside last time I went past) if you go to Beaulieu, but bear in mind passing through Lyndhurst almost always involves a queue...

When I drove through Lynhurst in a queue I stopped right outside the dealership meaning I could admire the cars, this went well until the traffic moved and someone honked me for not moving.

[sunoco69]

Live just down the road but that name still makes me giggle like a 3 year old!