Forest Arts Centre

The Forest Arts Centre stands on Old Milton Road in New Milton, a short distance from the edge of the New Forest and near Highcliffe. It occupies a former military drill hall and serves as the principal venue for live arts events across the New Forest area.

The building contains a 146-seat air-conditioned theatre, a dance studio, workshop rooms and a licensed café-bar that also provides gallery space. Its programme combines professional touring shows with ongoing community activity.

Live music, comedy, theatre and dance appear alongside regular film screenings and exhibitions of work by local, regional and national artists. Classes and workshops run throughout the year for adults and young people, covering dance, drama, art and practical crafts, with additional family sessions and holiday activities.

During daytime opening hours visitors can look at current exhibitions in the café area or simply use the building as a base. Entry to the centre itself is free; tickets are needed only for performances and most classes.

Evening events draw audiences for stand-up comedy, music and theatre, while quieter periods suit those interested in classes or a low-key visit to the gallery displays.

The centre is part of Hampshire Cultural Trust and has functioned as a creative base in New Milton for several decades. Listings typically include comedy residencies, touring theatre productions, specialist workshops and regular community groups.

Full details of forthcoming events, classes and opening times appear on the website, as schedules change with the performance calendar.

For anyone staying in or travelling through New Milton and the southern New Forest, the Forest Arts Centre provides a practical place to experience professional live performance or take part in a class without needing to head into larger towns.