Whether you want to relax with a luxury tour or get hands-on and learn the ropes, the New Forest provides a range of sailing, boating and yachting opportunities.
Here’s your chance to get out on the water and enjoy the majestic views of the area’s coast and waterways!
Lymington is a haven for sailing enthusiasts, with two marinas and a charming quay. Escape Yachting is an award-winning sailing company operating out of Lymington that provides a range of luxury sailing experiences for the perfect way to make the most of the New Forest’s gorgeous coast.
Picture this… you’ll set sail in a beautiful yacht and cruise across the waves for a few hours before anchoring off the Isle of Wight and relaxing with a two-course meal. You may also get the chance to swim before taking the helm (or letting an experienced skipper do all the work) and heading back to Lymington. Packages include shared, private and full day sails.
Also offering trips from Lymington, Sailing Spook gives you the chance to explore the Solent and the surrounding coast at your own pace. Relax on the beautiful and spacious yacht while taking in the gorgeous sea views, getting your pick of which spots you want to explore next.
There are a great many other yacht charter and boat hire companies working out of Lymington, including Lymington Yacht Charters and The Salamander Sailing Adventure, to name a few others.
Calshot is another location that’s particularly well-known for its watersporting adventures. Calshot Activities Centre, located on Calshot Spit, gives you the chance to try your hand at a range of water-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and sailing.
Those keen on a sailing experience will be paired up with knowledgeable instructors and shown the basics before being set loose on the waves. The water here is ideal for beginners. The centre offers both adult and kids sessions.
Located on the edge of the New Forest and Blashford Lake, Spinnaker Sailing Club offers a beautiful, tranquil setting, perfect for learning the basics or developing your skills. The club offers a range of sailing sessions and the opportunity to hire different watercraft to suit all kinds of adventurers. If you find that you take to the water well and want to spend more time learning and enjoying hands-on experience, you can also partake in multi-day sailing courses.
Aside from traditional sailboat and yacht experiences, the New Forest is also home to a range of other boating activities and tours that allow you to explore the area’s rivers, marshes and seas.
For instance, the river cruise from Buckler’s Hard, a historic ship-building village, provides a glorious way to enjoy the Beaulieu River, letting you take in the unspoilt natural beauty of the area while learning about its maritime history.
For a family adventure, climb aboard the Black Puffin for a swashbuckling 30-minute boat ride on the Lymington River. Dress up like a true pirate, dance at the onboard pirate disco, and even take the wheel as captain. Enjoy stunning river views, spot local wildlife, and fire the cannons in this fun-filled, family-friendly experience!
If you’re seeking the perfect place to rest your head after an active day out on the water and revelling in all the local area has to offer, look no further than our luxury accommodation in the New Forest.
From grand country estates to cosy coastal boltholes, our handpicked selection of stays offers something for everyone!
Need some more tips on enjoying our beautiful coast to the fullest? Head over to our guide to the New Forest’s beaches.
