What to see in August

5 August 2026

With the school holidays in full swing, the gardens are busy with families, children exploring the paths, and visitors making the most of long summer days in the New Forest.

It may not always be the quiet, tranquil Furzey that some visitors know from other times of year, but there is a lovely energy to the gardens in August. It’s a month full of movement, colour, discovery and small seasonal changes.

Late summer in the garden

By August, the bold colours of early summer have started to soften. Seed heads appear amongst the flowers, the borders feel full and abundant, and there are early hints that the season is beginning to shift.

Look out for dahlias bringing vibrant colour to the summer borders, hydrangeas in softer shades of pink, blue and white, and ornamental grasses beginning to sway in the late summer breeze.

It’s a good month to slow your pace where you can, look a little closer, and enjoy the richness of the garden as summer reaches its peak.

Cosmos brighten the summer borders

Trees in flower

One of the highlights this month is our collection of late-flowering trees.

On the Top Lawn, towering over the Giant’s Table, Eucryphia ‘Nymansay’ comes into bloom. Its delicate white flowers stand out beautifully against deep green foliage and provide a welcome feast for bees.

Nearby, the graceful Oxydendrum arboreum, or Sorrel Tree, begins to flower, adding a softer, more understated beauty to the garden.

As the month progresses, Sophora japonica, also known as the Japanese Pagoda Tree, takes its turn, filling its branches with creamy-white flowers that become an important late-season nectar source for pollinators.

Wildlife to spot

Wildlife is never far away in August. Butterflies drift between the flowers, bees remain busy gathering nectar, and on warm afternoons you may spot dragonflies gliding across the lake.

Even on busier days, there are still plenty of small moments to notice. Listen for birdsong through the woodland, watch the light move through the trees, or pause by the lake to see what’s moving across the water.

David watering the cottage garden

Summer holiday adventures

For families, August is a brilliant time to visit. Galactic Furzey continues throughout the school holidays, inviting children to become brave space explorers, step through mysterious portals and discover strange creatures from distant worlds.

There are also hidden fairy doors to find, winding paths to follow, and plenty of space for children to run off some energy as they explore the gardens.

When it’s time for a break, stop off for an ice cream or something from the thatched tea room, then grab a bench for a well-earned breather while the children enjoy the outdoor space around them.

Outdoor theatre at Furzey

August also brings outdoor theatre to the gardens. New Forest Open Air Theatre return with She Stoops to Conquer, a lively summer comedy performed in the beautiful setting of Furzey as the day begins to soften into evening.

It’s a wonderful way to experience the gardens differently, with theatre, laughter and summer atmosphere all coming together outdoors.

Talented performers bring brilliant theatre to the garden

Plan your visit

August is a popular time to visit Furzey Gardens, especially during the school holidays. The gardens are full of families and our car park has limited capacity, so pre-booking your visit online in advance is essential.

Whether you’re visiting for the flowers, wildlife, family fun, Galactic Furzey or an evening of outdoor theatre, August offers a joyful and busy kind of Furzey experience.

It’s less about perfect peace and quiet, and more about colour, curiosity, play and making summer memories together.