The New Forest isn’t all just woodland adventures; it’s a haven for watersports enthusiasts too! No matter your chosen activity, there are so many opportunities to make a splash.
Seeking water-based thrills? Or something with a more leisurely pace? The New Forest caters to all kinds of watersports, boasting a range of activities that’ll ensure you have a spectacular time out on the water.
Paddlesports like canoeing and kayaking are among some of the most popular watersports available in the New Forest. With numerous picturesque rivers and a scenic coastline, there’s no shortage of spots to set out with a paddle and a boat.
With its lovely views and gentle waters, the Beaulieu River is ideal for kayaking and canoeing, allowing you to explore the area at your leisure.
New Forest Activities offers various canoe and kayak experiences, with guided sessions and hire services available. Their sister company, Liquid Logistics, also offers exciting sea kayaking sessions if you’re keen to get out on the open water.
If you want to get on the SUPing trend, the New Forest is the place to do it! With gentle rivers, sheltered lagoons and glorious seaside spots, there are some lovely paddleboarding areas around the New Forest’s waterways.
Whether you already have your own board or just want to hire one for the day, there are plenty of places where you can launch from. Check out our guide on paddleboarding in the New Forest for some of our top recommendations on where to go.
With easy access to the Solent and a rich maritime history, it’s no surprise that the New Forest is also big for sailing. The town of Lymington is particularly good for those seeking sailing or yachting experiences. With two marinas, several sailing clubs, various tour operators and boat rentals, there are some great ways to set sail here.
For luxury sailing experiences that let you explore the coast, Escape Yachting is ideal. Alternatively, sailing at Calshot Activities Centre is great if you want to get hands-on and learn the ropes.
To find out more, see our guide on where to go sailing in the New Forest.
Wakeboarding, where you ride a board across water while being pulled by a boat or cable system, is loads of fun and ideal for thrill seekers. It can be a real full-body workout and a fun energy release.
New Forest Water Park in Fordingbridge is the place to go if you’re ready to hit the water. Here, they offer beginner and more advanced wakeboarding sessions across two cable systems. The two-tower system is great for beginners, helping you gain confidence, and the five-corner full cable system, which offers ramps and jumps, is ideal for those with a bit more experience.
Harness the power of both the wind and the water with a bit of windsurfing! The New Forest’s coast offers good access to both calm, beginner-friendly waters and more challenging areas for experienced windsurfers.
Calshot Activities Centre, located on Calshot Spit, provides an array of watersport experiences, including windsurfing and kitesurfing. Hire top-tier equipment and learn the basics before being let loose on the waves. The centre facilitates a number of experiences and courses for various ages and skill levels.
Nomadic Kitesurf is another company offering kitesurfing lessons from the beginner-friendly spots at Calshot Spit.
If you want to escape for a while, just you and the water, head out for a spot of wild swimming! Many of the New Forest’s top wild swimming stretches are coastal.
From the popular and scenic Hordle Cliff Beach to a secluded swim at Tanners Lane, you have several opportunities to take a refreshing dip. For a full breakdown of our most recommended spots, see our guide to wild swimming in the New Forest.
For non-stop watery fun that the whole family can get in on, the New Forest also boasts two waterparks.
New Forest Water Park, which we’ve already mentioned, not only hosts wakeboarding sessions, but you can also enjoy kayaking, SUPing, open-water swimming and the Aqua Park. The Aqua Park includes two large-scale inflatable obstacle courses on water, offering sessions packed with ultimate excitement.
The other waterpark option is Lymington Sea Water Baths, which offers a similar inflatable floating obstacle course as well as stand-up paddleboarding sessions and a section for saltwater swimming.
Both provide a great day out for the whole family, especially during the summer months.
Still planning your perfect escape? Browse our full selection of New Forest family breaks to book your stay. With cottages by the sea and retreats in the heart of the forest, we’re proud to offer a diverse range of luxurious getaways.
