New Forest Activities

Your official gateway to fun in the New Forest, offering a wide range of safe land and water activities for couples, families and groups of all ages from their base in Beaulieu. Enjoy the sites of the stunning National Park whilst taking part in a brand new experience!

15 of Our Favourite Things to Do in the Great Outdoors

 Click the link above to read the full article but to set the scene here they are:

1. Walking - Whether it's a gentle stroll along the beach or wandering along a New Forest trail, walking is a great way to enjoy the outside world, and spot the wildlife, and best of all it's free!
2. Cycling - Cover a greater distance and get some air into those lungs! If you don't have your own bike it's easy to hire one. Grab a map and make a plan, or just head out for a leisurely ride.
3. Kayaking - Heading out on a river or the sea in a kayak is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. You could enjoy a gentle paddle, master some waves, or even fish! If it takes your fancy why not learn how to kayak.
4. Bushcraft - If you fancy yourself a bit of a survivor and really want to feel at one with nature, Bushcraft courses are a great way to learn the ropes. You'll learn skills and feel immersed in the great outdoors.
5. Hiking - We've talked about walking but hiking is the next level up! You'll want to be a bit more prepared for a hike with plenty of water, food, and a map.
6. Sailing - There's no better way to get the most out of the refreshing sea air than being out on the water. Whether you're enjoying a bit of luxury on a chartered yacht or trying your hand at dingy sailing, you will feel fantastic!
7. Canoeing - Similar to kayaking but this time you can paddle with a friend! A stable canoe is also a great way for a family to explore the water. A guided canoe tour is a great way to start.
8. Adventure activities - There are numerous outdoor adventure activities that will show you a good time whilst enjoying the great outdoors. Try your hand at something like Battlefield LIVE, Clay Pigeon Shooting, or a Ropes Course.
9. Picnics - Particularly popular in forest areas and on the beach! Pack up a selection of your favourite foods and find a nice quiet spot to watch the world go by.
10. Head to the beach - No matter how long you plan to spend on the beach there's no place better for enjoying the sea, sand or stones. Enjoy a picnic, have a sunbathe and play in the sea. Or go a little further afield, perfect!
11. Gardening - This one is another free and simple pleasure that most of us can enjoy fairly easily. It's therapeutic and rewarding, especially when you can enjoy sitting in your well-manicured garden afterwards.
12. Wild swimming - Most of us enjoy a dip in the pool, but wild swimming takes place in the sea, river or lake, it will certainly freshen you up! Just make sure you know the area is safe for swimming and you have someone with you.
13. Archery - This activity can be both indoor and outdoor, but outdoors amongst a woodland backdrop is definitely the way to do it! You can enjoy learning the skill of Archery with family and friends.
14. Horse riding - You'll find plenty of riding schools in the New Forest and Hampshire. Join a trek and enjoy a slightly higher view than normal!
15. Pub garden - Finally and simply, there is nothing better than a pub garden on a warm sunny day! You'll find ample pubs around the New Forest, the perfect spots to sit back and relax in the great outdoors.

Canoeing and Kayaking

By far their most popular activities, join them for a paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River as part of a guided tour. Opt for one of their stable ‘Canadian Style’ canoes with space for the whole family, or for something a little more adventurous jump into one of their kayaks and take to the water as you learn about and discover the Beaulieu Nature Reserve. For the more advanced, explore the Hampshire and Dorset coastlines on one of the highly popular sea kayaking courses.

Always wondered what the difference is between a canoe and a kayak?  Well, the canoes can fit up to 3 adults (4 people if there're two adults and two small children). Canoeing is a great activity for families with young children as they can all paddle together whereas kayaks are usually single seaters and you're able to build up a lot more speed. Plus, you paddle on your own with a double-ended paddle as opposed to a single-ended one with the canoes. New Forest Activities do have 2 seater 'sit on top' kayaks for people who would rather paddle with someone else.  It should also be noted that canoes are a lot more stable and you're less likely to get wet! Tipping is possible in the kayaks - but it's great fun!

Archery

Step up to the firing line, take aim and shoot for gold in one of their Family Archery sessions. With bows and arrows for all shapes and sizes, join them and master a new skill and aim for the bulls-eye! All supervised by fully trained instructors.

Cycle Hire

Often considered the best way to see the forest, with adult and children’s bikes as well as trailers and tag-a-longs, the whole family can enjoy a day out together. Take one of their many bike maps or head out and explore your own route as you encounter the wildlife and hidden sites of the New Forest National Park.

Ropes Course

Take to the trees on their woodland ropes course. With over 20 different ropes challenges there’s so much to explore. Take on the crate stack, the leap of faith, or solve puzzles with your team! Why not combine with a Bushcraft session, learning all about the art of survival in the wild on one of their Woodland Family Adventure Days?

BattleZone

Load your weapon, discuss tactics with your team and storm the Battlefield in this live-action digital combat experience. Described as a cross between laser-tag and pain-free paintball this exhilarating experience will ignite your competitive side as you dodge your opponents, capture the flag and dominate the battlefield.

Children's Parties

Their children's land and water-based activity parties make the perfect alternative for your child's next birthday. Outdoor activities are a great way to boost confidence and make friends, all whilst providing amazing experiences. Qualified instructors and careful planning ensure everyone has as much fun as possible, whilst providing the best possible value for money! Their BattleZone laser tag parties in particular are unrivalled when it comes to kids' party choices in The New Forest!

Activity Gift Vouchers

Gift an adventure to your loved ones with a New Forest Activities gift voucher. Top up a voucher with any amount and New Forest Activities can even post you a charmingly presented voucher, meaning no wrapping is required!