Fun Things To Do in Milford on Sea

If you are looking for fun things to do in the village, please check out these ideas to entertain kids and adults alike in Milford on Sea. 

Enjoy a day out, or few hours enjoying yourself with friends or family. Activities available all week, please see details on website links:

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HURST CASTLE  (Dogs welcome in Castle & on Ferry)
Hurst Spit, Milford on Sea, SO41 0TP
Open from End of March to Beginning of November.
www.hurstcastle.co.uk
www.facebook.com/HurstCastle 
Prices: www.hurstcastle.co.uk/opening-times-and-prices
Ferry: www.hurstcastle.co.uk/how-to-get-here
What's On: www.hurstcastle.co.uk/whats-on
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FERRY RIDE TO HURST CASTLE from KEYHAVEN QUAY  (Dogs welcome on Ferry)
Keyhaven Quay to Hurst Spit, Milford on Sea 
www.hurstcastle.co.uk/ferry-ride
www.hurstcastle.co.uk/how-to-get-here
www.morebus.co.uk/about-NFT
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REEL EASY ANGLING CHARTERS
Day Sea Fishing & Sightseeing Boat Trips 
Keyhaven Harbour, Milford on Sea: 07907 125121
info@reeleasycharters.co.uk
www.reeleasycharters.co.uk
www.facebook.com/solentfishing
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GREG PITT
Day Sea Fishing & Sightseeing Boat Trips 
Keyhaven Harbour, Milford on Sea : 01425 612896
greg@gregpittseafishing.co.uk
www.gregpittseafishing.co.uk
www.facebook.com/gregpittseafishing
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GUIDED NATURE BOAT TRIP
Organised by Milford Conservation Volunteers
www.milfordconservation.org/events
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MILFORD ON SEA CLUB
Play Pool, Snooker or Darts - Watch Live Sports on TV
Non Members Welcome - Entry: £2. Please pay and complete visitor book at the bar.
67 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QG: 01590 643209 
mossocialclub@gmail.com
www.mosclub.co.uk
Membership: www.mosclub.co.uk/memberships
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MILFORD ON SEA BOWLS CLUB
Open for public to play when club matches not in progress. Please speak to the Duty Steward. 
Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY (On seafront)
www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org  
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VINEGAR HILL POTTERY
Pottery Courses
Vinegar Hill, Milford on Sea, SO41 0RZ: 01590 642979 (9am to 7pm)
info@vinegarhillpottery.co.uk
www.vinegarhillpottery.co.uk
www.facebook.com/vinegarhillpottery
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MILFORD TENNIS & SQUASH CLUB
Lucerne Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PL: 01590 643899
club@milfordtennisandsquash.net
www.milfordtennisandsquash.net
www.facebook.com/milfordtennissquash
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ALSO, Hit Calendar link below to see: FUN WALKS, RIDES & TOURS IN THE VILLAGE.

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Try Your hand at Bell Ringing

Have you ever fancied learning to become a bell ringer, and to play the world’s heaviest & loudest musical instruments?!

New ringers are always welcome, and the team of Bell-Ringers at All Saints' Church are always happy to show you the ropes (!). 

Bell ringing is the perfect social activity for all ages (10+) and great exercise as well. This fun activity is for all faiths and none, with no need to be musical or strong.

The All Saints' Church team of Bell-Ringers meet every Monday evening for practice at 7.30pm.

Then, on Sunday mornings the church bells are played from 9.50am to 10.30am.

To find out more, please contact the Tower Secretary, Peta on 07745 046826 - or contact the Church Office.

Find out more about Bell Ringing at: www.cccbr.org.uk.

All Saints' Church & Church Hall
Greenbanks Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0SQ
01590 644992
office@allsaintsmilford.org.uk
www.allsaintsmilford.org.uk
www.facebook.com/AllSaintsMilfordOnSea

M3 Sing Out! - Vocal Workshop with Christine Mulgrew on Monday

The latest event in the Summer Holiday Events organised by M3 will be the M3 Sing Out! - Vocal Workshop with Christine Mulgrew at 2pm on Monday 5th August 2024.

Expect lots of singing, plenty of movement, and endless fun!

Tickets: £7 per child.

All the events for local children are ideal for children aged 5 to 12 years.

To read more details on all of the kids M3 events, please click here. Tickets are on sale now. Children must be accompanied.

All Events: The cafe will be open for parents and preschool siblings to use, refreshments and snacks are available for purchase. There will be a toy and colouring corner to keep the little ones entertained. Parents are welcome to use the free wi-fi if needing to work remotely.

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About M3 (Milford Monday Madness)

M3 was launched in the summer of 2022 with the purpose to provide activities for the age group between the Seahorse Community Stay & Play Group and Youth Club.

The series included seasonal celebrations, workshops, and performances, primarily aimed at children aged 4 to 10 years who attend along with their families.

The events run every Monday in the Summer Holidays (except bank holidays) and on other special dates throughout the year.

The series is programmed by a small team of three (all parents at Milford on Sea Primary School) and the days are supported by both parent volunteers and volunteers from the Bridge Team.

In 2023, M3 provided magic, music, movies, craft, and storybook making sessions, in addition to the Easter, Christmas, Halloween and Summer Celebrations.

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The Bridge has a wide variety of entertainment with something for everyone. 

Check out what is coming up at www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk/whats-on.

The Bridge 

Formerly: Milford on Sea Community Centre

Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PH

01590 644861

enquiries@moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.moscommunitycentre.org.uk

www.facebook.com/MoS-Community-Centre

The Bridge Box Office Open:

Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm

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Milford on Sea Bowls Club Hosts New Forest President’s Event

Milford on Sea Bowls Club was the venue for the New Forest Women’s Bowls Association President’s Day on 19th July 2024. 

The President for this year is Janice Perkins, a member of Milford on Sea Bowls Club. The green was formally handed over to Janice by Paul Ware-Lane, President of Milford Club.

All Clubs from the New Forest were invited to send representatives to play in an assortment of fun games on the green, followed by a meal provided by the Milford catering team. Over forty ladies attended the event.

Funds were raised through tombola and raffles in aid of the President’s chosen charities – Naomi House and Jack’s Place. £250 was raised at this event alone.

Janice Perkins NFWBA President
MoS Bowls Club: New Forest Women’s Bowls Association President’s Day-July 2024

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Try or Play Bowls at Milford on Sea Bowls Club 

Milford on Sea Bowls Club open to the public to try or play bowls on numerous days all year round.

Locals and visitors are invited to give bowls a go on some days of the week when there are no league matches, competitions and/or special events taking place. Shoes and bowls available to hire for a nominal charge. 

You can see the club's weekly timetable on the clubs website at:

www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org.

Members from the club will be on hand to help if you want a little guidance whether a new rookie bowler, or an experienced league player.

If you would like to play on the bowling green, please pop in and speak to the Duty Steward at the club who will be able to help you - or contact the club through their website.

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About Milford on Sea Bowls Club

The Milford on Sea Bowls Club was founded in 1933 and provides an inviting seafront location for its members to enjoy the playing of bowls and participate in numerous social events.

The Club’s Green has six bowling rinks that are amongst the finest in the area. Situated on Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, the club enjoys spectacular views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles.

Members come from Milford on Sea, Everton, New Milton, Barton and Lymington areas.

The outdoor playing season typically runs from early April until late September. The mixed membership has Club roll ups on Wednesday and Friday afternoons and the club participates in the New Forest and Bournemouth & District Leagues Mens and Ladies Men’s Leagues and are members of the Hampshire County Bowling Association. During the Autumn & Winter months the players enjoy indoor, short mat bowls in the clubhouse.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club-21st June 1933
Photo Courtesy of Chris Hobby

Regular club social events are held throughout the year, both outdoors and in the clubhouse building which has a licensed bar available for the use of members and their visitors.

New members always welcome.

Milford on Sea Bowls Club

Hurst Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0PY

www.facebook.com/milfordonseabowlsclub

www.milfordonseabowlsclub.org

Free Live Music Afternoon with Gavin & Chloe at The Gun Inn

Local favourites, Gavin & Chloe will be playing live at The Gun Inn from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday 3rd August 2024 with Free Admission.

This husband and wife team are amazing at what they do, and it's no wonder their synergy is faultless. Chloe's voice is as smooth as warm butter.

Listen to Gavin & Chloe:

www.youtube.com/gavinandchloe and at

www.facebook.com/gavinandchloeacousticduo

Enjoy the music as you have a drink or meal and you can also take a wander in the beautiful pub garden. Why not book a table now?

The Gun Kitchen

From now and for the summer months, the Gun Kitchen will also be open on a Monday & Tuesday serving a 'Grill Menu' from 12noon to 8.30pm. The bar will be open from 11.30am to 10pm.

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Upcoming Free Live Music Events at The Gun

Saturday 10th August 2024: 4pm to 6pm.: John & Tatt - The Woven Crows

John Burke & Tatt Hussein from the fields of Glastonbury to a New Forest pub. The guys perform live acoustic covers. Singer songwriter John is an incredible acoustic artist, performing classic covers of well known songs with over 24 years of live gigging experience, and John's voice is simply superb.

Listen to the John singing 'Valerie':

www.youtube.com/johnandtatt

and at www.johnburkemusic.co.uk.

Saturday 24th August 2024: 4pm to 6pm. Captain Crackers & The Curiosities

Captain Crackers & The Curiosities: Based in the New Forest, Captain Crackers and the Curiosities say that they love frolicking through wildflower meadows, splashing across picturesque chalk streams, getting lost in ancient woodland and fetching up sweaty and bedraggled at The Gun Inn. Performances by this band are considered unique events of music and mayhem!

Meet Captain Crackers & The Curiosities at:

www.captaincrackers.band.

Saturday 7th September 2024: 4pm to 6pm. Ed Martin

Ed Martin has a passion to entertain, he plays the forgotten gems and the "no way, I remember this tune" kind of songs. If he plays a classic it will be with his own little spin on it. No backing tracks, just live music from Marvin Gaye to Mumford, Will-I-Am to Womack.

Listen to Ed at:

https://soundcloud.com/user-345706375

Saturday 21st September 2024: 4pm to 6pm. John & Tatt

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Regular Events at The Gun

Quiz Night at The Gun Inn

Every First Sunday of each month from 7pm.

Teams of up to 6 people. Bring a team or come and join up with new people on the night. 

(£2 entry fee per person).

Booking for the quiz is not essential as you can just come along and join in on the night, but booking a table is highly recommended if you are bringing a team.

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Folk Band & Open Mic Night at The Gun Inn

Every First and Third Thursday each month from 7.30pm.

Come along to an informal an evening of singing, playing or listening to singers and musicians. All types of music, from folk to whatever you fancy.

At the same time enjoy a beer, glass of wine, your favourite tipple, or a meal from the extensive menu using the best British seasonal produce.

Everyone welcome.

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The Gun Inn

Keyhaven Road, Keyhaven, SO41 0TP

01590 642391

landlord@theguninn.co.uk

www.facebook.com/theguninnkeyhaven

www.theguninn.co.uk

The Gun is now Open Daily from 11.30am to 7pm. (Please check for kitchen serving times)

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Story of Milford Walking Tour this Sunday

The next 'Story of Milford Walking Tour' hosted by Lymington Town Tours will be taking place this Sunday 4th August 2024.

This walk starts at 11am on Milford on Sea Village Green and finishes on the cliff top at the Beach House with a duration of 1¾ hours.

On the walk you will discover lots of interesting stories about the history of the village and some intriging residents, such as Daisy from Newlands Manor, who for a short period of time the owner of the seven yard long string of pearls. All will be revealed on the day!

There is no need to book, just turn up at the start point a few minutes before the walk time shown so that you can meet the guide.

Dates for Story of Milford Walking Tour 2024

Daisy in 1907 at
Newlands Manor

• 11am: Sunday 30th June 2024
• 11am: Sunday 4th August 2024
• 11am: Sunday 1st September 2024 
• 11am: Sunday 27th October 2024

Meet on Milford on Sea Village Green.

Suggested minimum donation of £5 per adult walker. School age children and well-behaved dogs go free. Cash only. (Cards cannot be taken).

Lymington Town Tours is a not for profit organisation run by volunteer unpaid guides. Donations help to cover their admin costs and annual charitable donation.

Please note: Some parts of these walks may have uneven ground or restricted access at some points for wheelchairs or buggies and the footpath by the Mill Pond and woods may not be suitable for those unable to walk easily.

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About Story of Milford Walking Tour

The old hamlet of Milford was mentioned in the Domesday Book: a few houses around a green and a watermill, having about 50 inhabitants. Nothing changed very much for centuries until the late Victorian age, when it decided to change its image...

Stroll through the village of Milford on Sea and its lovely wooded Pleasure Grounds, while your guide relates how the sleepy hamlet of Milford tried to live down its smuggling days and changed its name to try to rival genteel Eastbourne. 

...and hear the story of Daisy and the string of pearls seven yards long.

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Other Walks around Milford on Sea

- Village Walks. 4 to 7 miles: please click here.
- The Pleasure Grounds: please click here.
- Keyhaven Nature Reserve: please click here.
- Dog Friendly Walks: please click here.
- Local Village Walk: Leaflet from The Village News. 

- Nature Reserve Walk: Leaflet from The Village News. 

  *The Village News can be found at the foot of Milford on Sea village green.

- Guided Walk. Story of Milford: please click here.
- Guided Walk. Voices from Grave: please click here.

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About Lymington Town Tours

In 1989 the late Jack Bradbury founded Lymington Town Tours to help people explore and discover the fascinating history of this lovely area. All tour guides are volunteers, and as voluntary organisation, with no official funding, donations cover all running costs.

Lymington Town Tours also offer private walks for individuals or groups.

Please check their website below for other tours available.

Lymington Town Tours

www.lymington-town-tours.co.uk

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Saltwater Café Closes to concentrate on Melleford

Tony and Becca Michael have announced that Saltwater Café will not be reopening under their ownership and stated "We love our little café but we really need to concentrate and put all our energy into Melleford."

Running two establishments in the village is a mammoth task for any small family business and Tony and Becca's decision is completely understandable.

The future of Saltwater is unknown as yet, but Tony and Becca can now put all of their efforts into Melleford at the foot of Milford on Sea village green.

In the future, Melleford has plans to open on Friday and Saturday evenings, and perhaps other ideas will be coming for this excellent village cafe/restaurant. As soon as anything new happens, we will let you know.

Table bookings can be made for Melleford by calling Becca on 01590 718390.

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About Saltwater & Melleford 

Saltwater was first opened in 2016 at 106 High Street in Milford on Sea. The café was owned & run by Tony and Becca Michael, offering premium breakfast, brunch or Lunch.

In June 2023 Saltwater moved to 60 High Street and opened at the foot of Milford on Sea Village Green, with Strawberry Gallery, a pop-up art gallery, temporarily moving into 106 High Street.

In March 2024, Saltwater moved back to 106 High Street with a new look & menu.

Running two establishments in the village is a mammoth task for any small family business and Tony and Becca's decided to close Saltwater in July 2024 for Tony and Becca to concentrate all of their efforts on Melleford.

Melleford became the new name for Saltwater at 60 High Street in March 2024 . The new venue had its own stylish menu and now opens 7 days a week.

The café restaurant has a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rated and continues to be owned & run by Tony & Becca, providing a varied, interesting & tasty menu.

All of the dishes are made fresh to order, and dishes on the menu have 'a twist' from breakfast, brunch and through to lunch. They use premium ingredients from local suppliers where possible, and they specialises in creative, mouth-watering and different dishes.

There are also vegan and gluten free meal options.

The extensive drinks menu includes; speciality coffees, numerous teas, hot chocolates, iced coffee, smoothies and milkshakes.

Melleford is also dog friendly.

To see the current Melleford menu, please click here.

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Why called Melleford?

The Melleford name has a clear & interesting, if not obvious, meaning.

The name Melleford originates from the Domesday Book of 1086 when the village (now called Milford on Sea) was an established Saxon settlement and known as Melleford. At that time there was an estimated population of around 50 people.

For a short time, the village became known Melleford on Sea, before settling on the current name, Milford on Sea. The origin of the name Milford is simply 'A Mill by a Ford'.

It is believed that The Old Mill sits on the site of a mill dating back to the Domesday Book, over a thousand years ago.

The Old Mill is Grade II-listed, and the home undertook a magnificent makeover around 2017. Click here to read more. Click here to read more.

Until early last century Milford on Sea was essentially an agricultural settlement centred on the village green and the High Street.

Melleford Restaurant overlooks the village green which is the last remains of the original ancient common land.

Many tales persist of smuggling in the area, thanks to the parish’s ideal proximity to the coast and forest.

Today the village population is in the region of 5000 people.

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Milford on Sea or Milford-on-Sea?

Which is correct; Milford on Sea or Milford-on-Sea? - click here to find out.

Melleford Restaurant

60 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 718390 - 07726 773485

melleford@outlook.com
www.melleford.com
www.facebook.com/melleford

Saltwater

106 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE

01590 718100

saltwatermilford@aol.com

www.saltwatermilford.com

www.facebook.com/saltcafe106

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New Lunch Club coming to Ray's Italian Kitchen

In September, Ray's Italian Kitchen are launching a Lunch Club where you can enjoy a tasty & relaxing lunch with good company, or meet new people.

The Lunch Club will take place on the Wednesdays: 18th September, 16th October, 13th November, and 11th December 2024.

The varied menu of fresh dishes will be just £15 for two courses, or £20 for three courses.

Bookings are now being taken on 01590 645300, or just pop in.

In the meantime, Ray's Italian have the offers below for you to enjoy:

Midweek Treat Offer: Tuesday to Thursdays in July 2024 - Takeaway Pizzas for just £9 each

Summer Lunch Offer: To End of July 2024 -Two small plates of your choice with grissini and focaccia plus an Aperol or Lemon Spritz. £16.50 per person. No need to book.

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Ray’s Italian Kitchen

11 High Street, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QF

01590 645300

info@raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
www.raysitaliankitchen.co.uk
www.facebook.com/raysitaliankitchen

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Leisurely Dog Walks with Milford Sausage Society

The Milford Sausage Society, which has no connection to the great British banger..., is actually a social group of Dachshund dog owners and their short legged, long body, furry friends.

They meet for a leisurely dog walk and social gathering on the Second Friday of Each Month at 2pm at The Beach House in Milford on Sea. They then take a stroll along the cliff top, followed by refreshments and chat back at The Beach House.

The Milford Sausage Society was founded for village Dachshund owners by Anne Chapman in September 2021.

Currently there are eight members who join the walks intermittently, and all enjoy swapping sausage dog stories whilst having a coffee, with a treat for the dogs, at the Beach House.

New members and their four-legged friends are always welcome. So, if you have a Dachshund, just go along for a warm welcome.

Who knew Milford on Sea has quite such a number of sausage dog enthusiasts?!

You can also see all of the dates for Milford Sausage Society walks in: www.moswhatson.org.

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