A taste of Autumn at Burley

Once the clocks have gone back, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that the days are getting shorter and it’s time to break out the winter woollies. 

However, it’s not all bad. In fact, Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. Our recent visit to the New Forest was a great reminder why.

We were rallying with about 60 other West Hampshire Centre families on Burley Park, overlooking Burley Manor Hotel and the deer reserve. The leaves on the trees were just beginning to turn and there was a freshness in the October air. 

After a wet arrival on Friday, Saturday’s weather was near perfect for the time of year. We were even treated to a fantastic rainbow first thing in the morning.

In keeping with the season, the weekend’s entertainment was the New Forest Steam Cider Fair in the back garden of The Cider Pantry Tearooms. This annual event brings together steam pressing and cider tasting, traditional crafts, and rustic entertainment for a great family day out.

The fair was within half a mile of our pitches. Getting there was made even easier by free tractor rides to the action from just outside Burley Park.

We decided to stretch our legs and walked the short distance, stopping for a brief look around Burley Villlage’s interesting collection of shops on the way. In among the craft and gift retailers there are at least two premises devoted to witchcraft and Wicca. Burley is said to have been the home of a coven in the 1930s and 40s.

Once we’d had our fill of apple juice and hog roasts, we headed back to Tin Box for a quiet afternoon watching the deer milling around at the bottom of the park.

Oh, and by popular demand, this post wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the walks Mr Tin Box and our dog enjoyed across the moors. She can’t resist the opportunity for a mud bath!