A Spring Day Out at Hockey’s – Eat, Shop, Walk, Relax

There is something about spring in the New Forest that just feels like a reset.

The air is a little lighter, the days stretch out just that bit longer, and suddenly the idea of getting everyone out of the house (without negotiations worthy of a peace treaty) feels… achievable.

At Hockey’s, spring is when everything comes into its own. The animals are lively, the coffee tastes even better in the sunshine, and what starts as a “quick visit” has a habit of turning into a full day out.

If you are looking for somewhere you can eat well, shop local, get outdoors and properly switch off for a few hours, here is exactly how to spend a spring day at Hockey’s.

Start with breakfast (or elevate your coffee stop)

Let’s be honest - everything is better after a good breakfast.

Whether you arrive early doors or wander in mid-morning, the Farmyard cafe is the perfect place to begin. It is relaxed, welcoming, and set up for exactly the kind of slow start a spring day deserves.

If you are organised (or just up early thanks to small humans), the Hungry Breakfast is always a strong move - served with toast and a hot drink, and even better value before 10am. It is the kind of breakfast that sets you up properly for the day ahead.

If breakfast feels ambitious, a really good coffee and something sweet does the job just as well. Sit inside or head out to soak up a bit of sunshine, either way, it is the kind of place you end up lingering longer than planned.

Meet the animals (and accept you won’t leave quickly)

You might think the animals are a quick stop.

They are not.

Spring brings a real energy to the farm, and the animals are very much on form. From the alpacas quietly judging your life choices to the donkeys patiently waiting for attention, there is always something happening.

The pigs are, as ever, full of personality (and always worth timing your visit around if you can catch one of Jonny’s talks), while the guinea pigs are guaranteed to steal hearts—especially with Freya introducing them throughout the day.

Then there are the horses… including Arthur, our resident “grumpy old man” (until food appears), and Oakie, who simply refuses to believe there is such a thing as too much attention.

Take the loop walk (and actually slow down)

Once you have eaten well and met the animals, it is time to stretch your legs.

The loop walk is one of those hidden gems that turns a visit into a proper day out. It takes you out into the surrounding landscape, where spring is quietly doing its thing, fresh greenery, early blooms, and that unmistakable New Forest stillness.

It is not about rushing. It is about wandering.

Children can run ahead, dogs can enjoy a proper sniff, and you can just take a breath. Whether you go all the way round or just dip in for a shorter stroll, it adds a completely different layer to your visit.

And when you loop back towards the farm, chances are you will be ready for… well, something else.

Back to the cafe (because one visit is never enough)

You might think you are done with food.

You are not.

Spring days have a way of creating second appetites, whether that is for lunch, something sweet, or just another coffee while everyone regroups.

The beauty of the Farmyard cafe is that it works at every stage of the day. Breakfast, brunch, lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, it is all there, made fresh and served without fuss.

If you are meeting friends, this is often where the day settles. If you are with family, it is where everyone pauses long enough to compare notes on favourite animals and who walked the furthest.

If you are on your own? It is a very good place to just sit, breathe, and enjoy a moment of calm.

Explore the Farm Shop (and don’t rush)

No visit to Hockey’s is complete without stepping into the Farm Shop.

This is where the “we’ll just have a quick look” plan usually falls apart, in the best possible way.

The butchery counter is always worth a stop, especially at this time of year. Spring brings with it incredible seasonal produce, from carefully sourced meats to cuts perfect for everything from quick midweek meals to proper Sunday roasts.

If you are not quite sure what to go for, this is where our butchers really come into their own. Whether it is advice on the best cut, cooking tips, or something new to try, they are always happy to help.

It is not just about buying food, it is about understanding where it comes from and how to make the most of it.

Wander into The Vinery (and find something you didn’t know you needed)

Just when you think you are done… you are not quite.

The Vinery is where the day slows down again. It is a space full of carefully chosen gifts, homeware, toys, and local finds, each with its own story.

You might pop in for a quick browse and leave with a thoughtful gift, something for the house, or a treat you absolutely did not plan to buy (but are very glad you did).

From beautiful ceramics and locally made products to seasonal pieces and little finds for children, it is the kind of place that rewards a proper wander.

If you are visiting during the Easter holidays, it is also the place to pick up your Easter Trail pack, adding another layer of fun to your day, especially for younger visitors.

Make a day of it (without even trying)

What makes a spring visit to Hockey’s so special is how naturally the day unfolds.

You arrive for breakfast…
You meet the animals…
You head out for a walk…
You come back for coffee…
You browse the shop…
You find something in The Vinery…

…and suddenly, a couple of hours has turned into a full, relaxed, genuinely enjoyable day out.

There is no pressure, no rigid plan, and no sense of needing to rush. It is simply a place where everything is set up to let you take your time.

A New Forest day out, done properly

Spring is one of the best times to explore the New Forest, and Hockey’s sits right at the heart of it.

Whether you are local and looking for an easy day out, or visiting the area and wanting somewhere that offers a bit of everything, it is a destination that delivers—without trying too hard.

Good food, fresh air, friendly faces, and plenty to see and do.

Exactly what a day out should be.

Plan your visit

Whether you are coming for breakfast, meeting the animals, heading out on the walk or simply stopping by for a coffee and a browse, there is always something waiting for you at Hockey’s.

And if you do only plan a “quick visit”…
We’ll see how that goes.