Organised by the town council, Park Fest looks set to become a highlight of the local calendar. It’s an afternoon built around community, bringing families, friends and neighbours together for live entertainment, sporting activities and showcases from local artists and makers.

The Rotary duck race: a festival favourite

No Park Fest would be complete without the Duck Race. Previously part of Fordingbridge Festival, hundreds of ducks take to the water for a fast and friendly race downstream, with ticket sales going towards Rotary’s fundraising efforts. The money raised supports both local community groups and international aid projects, reflecting Rotary’s long-standing commitment to making a difference closer to home and further afield.

It’s a cause close to our hearts. Our parent company, Larasian, recently received a generous donation from Fordingbridge Rotary towards Trade Aid, a charity working in Southern Tanzania. The funds will help sink a new freshwater well for a primary school whose pupils currently have to travel a long way just to collect water.

Barry Robbins, CEO at Larasian, said the company was proud to support an initiative that brings people together while making a lasting impact, and praised Rotary’s work funding infrastructure that benefits thousands of children in Africa.

Something for everyone

Beyond the Duck Race, Park Fest has plenty to keep visitors entertained throughout the afternoon. Expect a good spread of food and drink stalls, live entertainment and a lively market featuring artisan traders and local creatives. Whether you’re after a bite to eat, a browse round the stalls or simply a relaxed afternoon outdoors, there’s something for every age group.

Staying in Fordingbridge for the festival

If you’re travelling into the area for Park Fest, why not make a weekend of it? Chevrons B&B offers comfortable, welcoming accommodation right in the heart of Fordingbridge, putting you within easy reach of the Recreation Ground and everything else the town has to offer.

We hope to see plenty of familiar faces, and a few new ones on our stand at the fest or down by the water as we cheer on the ducks and enjoy a proper Fordingbridge summer afternoon.

For availability and pricing, check here.

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Less than 90 minutes from London and within comfortable reach of Southampton, Bournemouth, Bristol and beyond, it offers one of the more extraordinary juxtapositions in the English landscape: ancient woodland, open heathland, free-roaming ponies, medieval villages and a coastline stretching from the Solent to the Jurassic coast in Dorset – all within a national park that covers nearly 570 square kilometres.

The New Forest rewards the midweek visitor in ways that simply don’t apply at weekends. The trails through Rhinefield Ornamental Drive are properly quiet on a Wednesday. Burley village, perpetually busy on a Saturday afternoon, feels like a different place on a Tuesday morning. The tearooms have seats. The car parks have space. The ponies are largely unbothered.

For couples, in particular, the New Forest is hard to beat. Walks that don’t need a map. Proper country pubs within cycling distance. Sound baths tucked into woodland clearings. It doesn’t ask much of you beyond turning up and slowing down.

What the data says

The broader trends point firmly in the same direction. The UK staycation market is forecast to grow at around 5-6% a year through to 2035, driven by demand for shorter, more frequent domestic breaks and the enduring shift towards flexible working. Analysts project the market will be worth over £55-60 billion annually by the early 2030s, up from roughly £33 billion today.

Younger travellers are particularly engaged. Research shows 71% of those aged between 18–28 planned a UK holiday in 2025, with 45% choosing it as their main summer break. The 25-34 age group is currently identified as the segment most likely to take a domestic holiday – a demographic that has grown up with flexible working norms and is least likely to feel that the UK is a compromise choice.

The cost-of-living crisis, then, has not so much diminished British holidays as redirected them. It has pushed people towards the domestic, the spontaneous and the midweek. In many cases, it has pushed them towards places like the New Forest – where the case for a Tuesday to Thursday escape was always strong and is now quietly irresistible.

The dog factor

One quietly significant driver of UK domestic short breaks is something the data rarely captures directly: the nation’s relationship with its dogs. The pandemic-era surge in dog ownership has created millions of households for whom international travel has become logistically complicated. A midweek break in the New Forest – largely dog-friendly in terms of both accommodation and outdoor access – solves that problem cleanly, without the expense or anxiety of kennels or pet passports.

At Chevrons, pet-friendliness as a primary feature rather than a reluctant concession. It’s a practical detail that has quietly reshaped what ‘accessible short break’ means for a large segment of the travelling public.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay mid-week (or any other time too), look no further than Chevrons – we have accommodation to suit families, couples and people of all ages. We consistently get great reviews on booking.com – for our ambience, team, accommodation and breakfasts. Book online on the website or get in contact to get the best deals and see what the fuss is all about.

The post Why the New Forest is your must-visit destination for mid-week breaks in 2026 appeared first on Chevrons Living.

Midweek breaks – those two, three or four-night escapes that slip neatly between Monday and Friday – have shifted from a niche option into one of the most significant travel trends reshaping how Britons take time off. And the numbers tell a fascinating story about why.

Money is the message

Let’s be honest: the cost-of-living crisis hasn’t gone away. It has simply been absorbed into the way we make decisions. For many households, the annual fortnight abroad has become harder to justify, but the need to escape – to genuinely switch off – hasn’t diminished one bit.

In fact, according to Mintel, 84% of UK consumers took a holiday in 2025, the highest figure since before the pandemic, even against a backdrop of sustained economic pressure. Holidays, it turns out, are one of the last things people are willing to give up. What has changed is the shape of those holidays.

Midweek travel is cheaper. Consistently, measurably, meaningfully cheaper. Travelling Monday to Wednesday can shave significant costs off both accommodation and travel compared to the traditional Friday-to-Sunday model. Cottages, lodges and glamping sites that command a premium at weekends routinely drop their rates for midweek stays – and outside of school holidays, the savings become even more pronounced.

The smart money, quite literally, is arriving on a Monday and leaving on a Thursday.

Booking later, planning less

Something else is changing too: when people are booking. The old model – sitting down in January with a calendar and a credit card to plan the summer – is giving way to something more instinctive.

Booking.com has reported a 28% rise in searches for UK trips made within six weeks of departure compared to the previous year. Pitchup.com, which lists more than 3,000 UK campsites, found that nearly a quarter of its 2025 bookings were made with just two days’ notice. The average lead time for UK cottage-style stays has fallen from 114 days in 2024 to 105 days in 2025 – an 8% shift towards later booking in a single year – and 24% of all UK breaks are now booked within a month of departure.

This isn’t impulsiveness for its own sake. It’s a rational response to economic uncertainty. When budgets are tight, committing six months out feels risky. Booking close to the date lets people confirm their finances, look for last-minute deals and retain the flexibility to change their mind. It’s also, frankly, more exciting – a spontaneous midweek escape feels more like an adventure than a long-anticipated package holiday ticked off a spreadsheet.

Midweek is the new weekend

Research from Verdant Leisure found that over a third of Britons (35%) are actively choosing to avoid weekends when travelling, with midweek staycations ranking as a top preference heading into 2024 and 2025. The reasons stack up quickly.

Quieter roads. Emptier trails. No queue at the pub. Better rates. The ability to move at your own pace rather than the thundering rhythm of the weekend crowd. For couples without school-age children, remote workers, self-employed people and those with flexible rotas, midweek travel makes obvious sense. And as flexible working has settled into normal life for a significant portion of the workforce, the barriers to a Tuesday check-in have largely dissolved.

There’s a mental health argument here too. UK workers are under significant pressure: 79% of employees are currently experiencing moderate-to-high stress levels, and burnout symptoms – exhaustion, disengagement, difficulty concentrating – are affecting 63% of UK workers, up from 51% just two years ago. A short, properly disconnecting break mid-week can do more for someone’s resilience than saving it all up for a fortnight that arrives once a year. It breaks the cycle rather than surviving it.

The practical argument

The cumulative logic is hard to argue with. Cheaper accommodation. Quieter attractions. Shorter booking windows that suit uncertain budgets. Genuine mental and physical restoration from even two or three nights away. And all this available within an hour or two of most of southern England, with no airports, no transfers and no passports required.

The midweek break isn’t a consolation prize for people who can’t afford a proper holiday. Increasingly, it looks like the smarter choice for people who know exactly what they want from one.

At Chevrons, we have accommodation to suit families, couples and people of all ages. Our midweek mini-breaks cater to the short-break market with dedicated midweek pricing structures that reflect the reality of demand. Book online on the website or get in contact to get the best deals.

The post Why midweek breaks are having their moment (and why your wallet will thank you) appeared first on Chevrons Living.

Less than 90 minutes from London and within comfortable reach of Southampton, Bournemouth, Bristol and beyond, it offers one of the more extraordinary juxtapositions in the English landscape: ancient woodland, open heathland, free-roaming ponies, medieval villages and a coastline stretching from the Solent to the Jurassic coast in Dorset – all within a national park that covers nearly 570 square kilometres.

The New Forest rewards the midweek visitor in ways that simply don’t apply at weekends. The trails through Rhinefield Ornamental Drive are properly quiet on a Wednesday. Burley village, perpetually busy on a Saturday afternoon, feels like a different place on a Tuesday morning. The tearooms have seats. The car parks have space. The ponies are largely unbothered.

For couples, in particular, the New Forest is hard to beat. Walks that don’t need a map. Proper country pubs within cycling distance. Sound baths tucked into woodland clearings. It doesn’t ask much of you beyond turning up and slowing down.

What the data says

The broader trends point firmly in the same direction. The UK staycation market is forecast to grow at around 5-6% a year through to 2035, driven by demand for shorter, more frequent domestic breaks and the enduring shift towards flexible working. Analysts project the market will be worth over £55-60 billion annually by the early 2030s, up from roughly £33 billion today.

Younger travellers are particularly engaged. Research shows 71% of those aged between 18–28 planned a UK holiday in 2025, with 45% choosing it as their main summer break. The 25-34 age group is currently identified as the segment most likely to take a domestic holiday – a demographic that has grown up with flexible working norms and is least likely to feel that the UK is a compromise choice.

The cost-of-living crisis, then, has not so much diminished British holidays as redirected them. It has pushed people towards the domestic, the spontaneous and the midweek. In many cases, it has pushed them towards places like the New Forest – where the case for a Tuesday to Thursday escape was always strong and is now quietly irresistible.

The dog factor

One quietly significant driver of UK domestic short breaks is something the data rarely captures directly: the nation’s relationship with its dogs. The pandemic-era surge in dog ownership has created millions of households for whom international travel has become logistically complicated. A midweek break in the New Forest – largely dog-friendly in terms of both accommodation and outdoor access – solves that problem cleanly, without the expense or anxiety of kennels or pet passports.

At Chevrons, pet-friendliness as a primary feature rather than a reluctant concession. It’s a practical detail that has quietly reshaped what ‘accessible short break’ means for a large segment of the travelling public.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay mid-week (or any other time too), look no further than Chevrons – we have accommodation to suit families, couples and people of all ages. We consistently get great reviews on booking.com – for our ambience, team, accommodation and breakfasts. Book online on the website or get in contact to get the best deals and see what the fuss is all about.

The post Why the New Forest is your must-visit destination for mid-week breaks in 2026 appeared first on Chevrons Living.

Why stay in Fordingbridge this Easter?

Fordingbridge sits on the edge of the New Forest National Park and offers beautiful riverside scenery, cosy cafés, independent shops and the iconic Great Bridge over the Avon. It’s a quiet, charming town, but within minutes of some of the most exciting Easter events in the region.

What’s on in the New Forest for Easter 2026

• Easter Holidays at Go Ape, Moors Valley (28 March – 19 April 2026)

Swing through the treetops or enjoy woodland trails at Moors Valley — an ideal family day out just a short hop from Fordingbridge.

• Easter Archery Tournament (28 March – 9 April 2026)

New Forest Activities hosts a fun, Easter‑themed archery challenge perfect for adults and kids aged 8+. Expect friendly competition and lots of chocolatey rewards!

• Canoe Easter Egg Hunt, Beaulieu (28 March – 12 April 2026)

A truly unique Easter experience: paddle down the Beaulieu River and hunt for eggs along the riverbanks. Magical for families.

More details on all of these activities can be found at: https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/whats-on/holidays-and-annual-events/easter/

Easter adventures perfect for families

If you’re staying with us at Chevrons Living, you’re perfectly placed to explore the best of the area:

• Scenic spring walks among bluebells, wildlife and peaceful woodland paths.
• Local attractions in Fordingbridge, including the tranquil Godshill Inclosure, Fordingbridge Museum and the New Forest Water Park for active families.
• Perfect spots for wildlife spotting, including deer sanctuaries and lakeside trails across the New Forest.

Book Your Easter Escape

Whether you’re dreaming of woodland walks, outdoor adventures or simply relaxing in charming Fordingbridge, Chevrons Living is ready to welcome you this Easter. Book now at chevronsliving.com or ring us on 01425 200428.

The post Easter in Fordingbridge – your perfect Spring escape with Chevrons Living appeared first on Chevrons Living.

Why choose Fordingbridge as your base
Fordingbridge is a charming town with historic appeal, complete with the iconic bridge over the River Avon, boutique shops, cosy cafés and riverside walks. It lies conveniently close to the New Forest, making it easy to drive or cycle to attractions. You can unwind in our beautiful B&B before heading out to explore the forest’s wild ponies, heathland and ancient oaks.

Spring and early Summer
Get ahead of the crowds by exploring local markets and woodlands in spring. Take a riverside stroll along the Avon or cycle through Brockenhurst and Boldre nature reserves. Keep an eye out for spring lambs and bluebells in early May—an ideal time for photography and birdwatching. Then as summer approaches, festival season kicks off.

Highlight of 2026 for food lovers: New Forest Food Festival
Mark your calendar for 15–16 August 2026, when the New Forest Food Festival returns to Hinton Admiral Events Field. This family-friendly event celebrates local produce with artisan vendors selling cheeses, craft ales, botanical gins and wood-fired pizza. You’ll also find cookery demos, live music and kids’ entertainment. Tickets start from £8 per day, and under-16s enter free. https://www.newforestfoodfestival.co.uk

Magic in August: New Forest Fairy Festival
From 8–9 August 2026, the New Forest Fairy Festival transforms Burley Park into a whimsical realm of enchantment. Expect face-painting, storytelling, belly-dancing, breathing acts, workshops for building fairy gardens and a glitter extravaganza. Dress up and enter the fancy-dress parade while wandering among craft stalls and live music. Tickets are on sale now. https://newforestfairyfestival.com

Summer’s biggest event: The New Forest Show
Arguably the most eagerly awaited event in the New Forest calendar, the New Forest & Hampshire County Show runs from 28–30 July 2026 at New Park, Brockenhurst. This three-day agricultural spectacular showcases livestock competitions, horse shows, rural crafts, country pursuits and local food and drink stalls. With around 85,000 visitors expected, it’s a highlight for families, foodies and countryside lovers alike.
https://www.newforestshow.co.uk/

Autumn and around
After summer’s festivities, Autumn brings crisp walks, colourful leaves and cosy evenings by the fire. Head out for conker-hunting in the forest, visit independent boutiques in Fordingbridge, or enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the Forest’s renowned pubs.

Tips for planning your break
Book ahead for festival dates. Popular accommodation and B&Bs in Fordingbridge and the New Forest fill up fast around the holiday season so book ahead and factor in travel time if you’re planning on being out and about.

Whether you’re drawn by festivals, forest walks, tranquil stargazing trips, or culinary delights, Fordingbridge and the surrounding New Forest make a wonderful holiday destination in 2026. Plan ahead, book early and your break in Fordingbridge will be nothing short of magical. Check now for availability.

The post Exploring the New Forest from Fordingbridge in 2026 appeared first on Chevrons Living.

Why Choose Chevrons Living for Your Corporate Stay?

At Chevrons Living, we understand the unique needs of professionals working away from home. Our accommodation combines convenience, comfort, and thoughtful touches to make your stay stress-free and productive.

We’ve got you covered:

• Free Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity – stay connected with high-speed internet, perfect for video calls, emails and streaming.

• Peaceful spaces to focus and recharge – our rooms are designed for quiet and comfort, so you can work without distractions and unwind after a busy day.

• Close to town for all your essentials – Need a quick bite to eat or some stationery? Shops and cafes are just minutes away.

• Complimentary tea and coffee to keep you going – because little comforts make a big difference during long workdays.

• Five-star reviews from happy guests – our guests love our attention to detail and warm hospitality. Check out our reviews and see why professionals choose us time and again.

The perfect balance of work and relaxation

Whether you’re staying for a few nights or several weeks, Chevrons Living offers the ideal environment for business travellers. No distractions, no stress—just a welcoming space that makes work feel less like work. Imagine finishing your day’s tasks and stepping outside to enjoy the natural beauty of the New Forest. From scenic walks to charming local pubs, you’ll find plenty of ways to recharge and make the most of your time here. And if you have a dog, they are welcome to stay too, so no more worries about finding kennels or someone to look after them while you are away.

Book your stay today

Don’t settle for less when working away. Make Chevrons Living your home-from-home and experience the difference with our stunning rooms. If you are looking for a longer-term solution or are repeatedly visiting the area on business, please speak to us about our corporate rates. Ring 01425 200 428 or email us at info@chevronsliving.com

The post Working away in the New Forest? Make Chevrons Living your home-from-home. appeared first on Chevrons Living.

Why visit Fordingbridge in Autumn?

As the New Forest bursts into a blaze of reds, golds and oranges, Fordingbridge becomes the perfect base for a seasonal escape. This charming Hampshire town, with its riverside walks and cosy pubs, is the perfect base for exploring gentle tales of folklore and curious local legends. There’s something here for everyone – whether you’re after peaceful walks, family fun or a little Halloween mischief…

Can you spot the lantern keeper of Fordingbridge bridge?

The historic bridge over the River Avon has stood for centuries and with it comes a tale of a kindly old lantern keeper. Locals say that on misty evenings, a soft glow sometimes appears on the bridge—perhaps a nod to the spirit of someone who once guided travellers safely across. It’s a comforting story, reminding us of the town’s long tradition of hospitality.

Pumpkin picking & crafty fun

We’re lucky to have two fantastic pumpkin farms nearby, both offering a pick-your-own pumpkin patches, family-friendly craft activities, seasonal treats and photo ops galore. They are perfect for kids (and big kids!) looking to get into the Halloween spirit.

Explore the Autumn Forest

Step outside and you’re minutes from miles of New Forest trails. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or just soaking up the scenery, the forest is at its most beautiful this time of year. Just a short drive away, Hockeys Farm Shop is a must-visit while you are staying. Enjoy homemade cakes and coffee, meet the animals and take a wander through the forest while you are there or sup and ale or two at The Royal Oak in North Gorley, once a royal hunting lodge dating back to the 17^th century.

Forest Folklore and the Burley Witch

The New Forest is rich with folklore, and one of its most famous figures is Sybil Leek, a writer and astrologer who lived in Burley in the 1950s. Known for her love of nature and her pet jackdaw, Sybil’s legacy lives on in the village’s mystical shops and storytelling walks. Her story adds a touch of enchantment to the forest’s already magical atmosphere.

Stay at Chevrons Living

October is a wonderful time to explore the area, with plenty of family-friendly and seasonal activities. Our B&B offers comfortable, stylish rooms, a warm welcome, hearty breakfast and easy access to all the local autumn attractions. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a family break, or a solo recharge, Chevrons Living is your perfect Halloween hideaway.

Ready to book your autumn escape?
Get in touch today to reserve your stay and enjoy the best of Fordingbridge this Halloween. Ring us on 01425 200 428, email us at info@chevronsliving.com or check availability now.

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Robert’s journey to Chevrons Living is a heartwarming tale of finding the perfect place to call home after a lifetime of service and adventure. “I literally feel like I have fallen on my feet,” Robert says, absolutely delighted with his new digs.

A Lifetime of Service

Robert’s story is one of dedication and commitment. He spent 23 years in the armed forces, with 13 years in the RAF Fire Service and 10 years in the Army Territorial Army (TA). After his military service, he continued his career in fire safety, working for two years with the Saudi Ministry of Defence and then serving 30 years as a fire safety officer in the NHS, based at the Royal Brompton Hospital. He is also a proud member of several regimental associations and was a nuclear test veteran from Operation Antler in 1957.

Even in retirement, Robert’s spirit of service remains strong as he continues to volunteer and raise funds for various charities, including the Firefighter Charity, Rowan Hospice, and the children’s ward at Portsmouth Hospital.

A New Chapter at Chevrons Living

After living as a lodger for the past four years, Robert decided it was time for a change. “I have wonky hips and I was living in a first floor property,” he explains. He decided he wanted a place of his own that was on the ground floor and that gave his some more freedom. When he discovered Chevrons Living, he knew it was the perfect fit. The spotlessly clean environment, attentive maintenance staff, beautiful gardens and relaxed homely feel maintained by Renee all contributed to his decision. Robert has already had his brother and friends come to stay, and they were equally impressed.

The Perfect Location

One of the things Robert loves most about Chevrons Living is its location. The great bus service makes it easy for him to get to Salisbury and down to Bournemouth, and he loves living close to the forest. “I am absolutely delighted – it’s the best decision I have ever made,” he says. The homely atmosphere, wonderful décor, and military-themed bar area make him feel right at home.

Enjoying the Amenities

Robert is not a material person, but he appreciates the thoughtful amenities at Chevrons Living. He had considered applying to be a Chelsea Pensioner but decided against it after coming to see the set up. The great breakfast included every day, the lovely patio where he can soak up the sun, and the freedom to go back and forth into town on his mobility scooter all contribute to his happiness. “My daughter is delighted for me,” he adds.

In conclusion, Robert’s move to Chevrons Living has been a resounding success. “I literally feel like I have fallen on my feet,” he repeats, a sentiment that perfectly captures his joy and satisfaction with his new home. Chevrons Living has provided him with the perfect blend of independence, community, and comfort, making it the best decision he has ever made.

If you are interested in finding out more about our long-term resident offer, please contact us for more information.

The post Loving My New Home at Chevrons Living appeared first on Chevrons Living.

£6 to attend for all ex-armed forces personnel and their families aged 18 and over, the hub provides a safe and welcoming environment to socialise, make new friends, and enjoy soup and a panini prepared by Chevrons Living’s friendly staff. There will also be plenty of refillable tea and coffee available.

“Having a veterans’ hub in Fordingbridge means so much to many of us,” said Tony Allen, Chair of Fordingbridge British Legion. “The armed forces community here and in the surrounding areas is strong, and this hub helps keep that connection alive.”

First launched in 2023, Chevrons Living has evolved into a stylish bed and breakfast and event space with community at its heart. Featuring nine double rooms, all with en suite bathrooms, it offers a relaxing retreat while also supporting local initiatives.

The elegant Elizabeth Bar serves as Chevrons’ social hub and frequently hosts parties and gatherings. Additionally, there is a smaller meeting room and a picturesque garden, perfect for more intimate occasions.

“When we set up Chevrons Living, we wanted to create a comfortable place to stay for everyone, but we also wanted to serve those who have served,” said Barry Robbins, CEO of Larasian, which owns the property.

“From our military-inspired décor to our core values of camaraderie and respect, we have created not just a relaxing space for all guests but also a welcoming hub for veterans. We are thrilled that it remains as popular today as when we first launched it over 18 months ago.”

For more information, or to register your interest, please email us at info@chevronsliving.com or phone 01425 200428.

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