Activities in the New Forest range from watersports and adrenaline adventures to more sedate activities including walking, cycling and horse riding. With our diverse landscape, the New Forest is the perfect place to enjoy lots of different forms of activity to try out for unforgettable days outs and active holidays.
The New Forest is an absolute haven for outdoor activities, particularly for cyclists, horse riders, ramblers and anyone who loves the big outdoors. You can even take to the water here with our stretch of beautiful coastline and many rivers and lakes, that are perfect for sailing, kayaking and boardsports. Take a look at some of the fun-filled activities you take part in on a visit to the New Forest…
For lovers of the great outdoors
Cyclists and walkers can explore our extensive network of cycle and walking paths that criss-cross the National Park. Bike hire is available from several of our towns and villages, so even if you don’t bring your own bikes you can have fun cycling around our countryside.
Walk along our coastline by joining the Solent Way, a long distance walking route which passes along the majority of the New Forest coastline, or take a short walk at a local woodland beauty spot, there are many different walks for all levels of ability to be found here.
From adventure and outdoor activities such as treetop trails, kayaking and archery through to horse riding along our bridleways or pony trekking from one of our equine centres, there are so many things for lovers of the outdoors to do here in the New Forest.
Keen golfers will enjoy testing their abilities at our various golf courses. Driving ranges, putting greens and golfing tuition make up some of just what’s on offer here. You don’t have to be a member to play at the majority of our golf courses either, most of them welcome visitors so why not come and play a round here?
Get out on the water
Being ideally located on the south coast of England, there is a wealth of watersports and water-based activities for you to enjoy. Why not try sailing, windsurfing or stand up paddleboarding on the coastal or inland waters or kayaking along the Beaulieu River? If you are a beginner then look out for watersport lessons including paddleboarding tuition, sailing lessons and beginners’ wakeboarding or if you are already experienced then hire equipment to take to the water yourselves for a fantastic way to view the New Forest’s countryside and coastline.
Relax and enjoy the stunning New Forest coast on a luxurious yacht! Explore the Solent on a luxurious yacht, with a glass of champagne, a two course meal and fantastic company, it's the perfect way to spend your day. You could even learn how to sail, or take a dip in the water, if you're brave enough.
If you like the sound of something more sedate then a boat tour will also give you the chance to take in the sights and scenery of our magnificent coast. Some of the tours also offer commentary so you can learn more about the area’s impressive history.
There are also opportunities to fish in the area, whether at a fishing lake or on a sea fishing charter.
Indoor activities
If the weather isn’t playing ball, don’t let that stop you having fun in the New Forest. Head to one of our equestrian centres for a horse riding lesson, take on indoor dry slopes to try out skiing or snowboarding or go rock-climbing or bouldering! There are so many options for fun indoor activities to enjoy.
Take a tour
Perhaps you’d like a guided tour of the local area, discover our nature, learn about our history and explore our beautiful towns and villages. We have great bus tours that will fill you with loads of information about every aspect of the New Forest and will show you around our wonderful National Park.
We have various companies that can offer you guided walks of the New Forest, so take the stresses of map reading away and come and explore the New Forest with the assistance of one of our local tour companies. Or, how about a guided cycling tour through our ancient woodland?
Fun for all the family
The New Forest offers some fantastic activities for all the family to take part in. Join a family canoeing session, navigate your way through the inflatable aqua park, take a guided nature walk or hire bikes and cycle your way to tea rooms and those ever-important ice cream stops!
Experience Hampshire can help you find the perfect days out in and around the New Forest for your family (or for your friends group and couples, too), making sure that you have a brilliant time experiencing everything we have to offer.
Spoil yourself
Whether you are looking to indulge in a spa treatment, book a stay in a health retreat or you simply fancy a spot of retail therapy, let us show you some of the best places in the New Forest to do so.
We have several spa hotels with award winning facilities. Indulge in a treatment and relax in one of the indoor pools, saunas or steam rooms. Alternatively, book onto a mindfulness walk or try a spot of ‘Forest bathing’ on a health and spa day or stay.
If you fancy doing some shopping whilst here in the New Forest then head to Lymington with its historic High Street lined with independent stores and boutiques, or Ringwood with its big names. Our other towns and villages are also home to some lovely shops where you can pick up a souvenir of your visit.
Money-saving days out and activities
If you want to save the pounds on a holiday, short break or day visits then we’d recommend you buy a Go New Forest Card for just £10. This card will give you nearly 400 money-saving offers off a range of activities, days out, places to stay, shops and food and drink outlets.
So, what’s stopping you? Start exploring today and take on some fun-filled adventures and activities in the New Forest.
