Activities in the New Forest

Most outdoor activity providers in the New Forest are now open. 

All other indoor activity providers will be able to open from (or no earlier than) 17 May.

You can enjoy some activities and attractions virtually, from the comfort of your own home. 

If you are coming to the New Forest to walk or cycle, please plan ahead and find out more about our local car parks and toilet facilities in the New Forest here. Always follow the New Forest Code and take some extra precautions at this time when exercising in the New Forest.

We look forward to welcoming you back to the New Forest soon. Please see our webpage for further information about the New Forest and COVID-19. ​​​​ 

Activities in the New Forest range from walking, cycling and horse riding through to more sedate activities and those that make your pulse-rise. With our diverse landscape, the New Forest is the perfect place to enjoy lots of different many forms of activity making it ideal for a short break, holiday or even just a day out.

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 that you can enjoy by sailing, fishing and lots more. Take a look at some of the fantastic 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. Ideal for families with many off-road routes. 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 beauty spot, there are many different walks for all levels of ability to be found here.

From adventure and outdoor activities such as bush craft, 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 paddle boarding on the coastal or inland waters or kayaking along the Beaulieu River? If you are a beginner then look out for water sport lessons including stand-up paddle boarding 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 with Escape Yachting. 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 can 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 coats. Some of the tours also offer a commentary so you can learn more about the area’s impressive history. Or why not take to the water at the Lymington seawater baths, where you can swim in the historic outdoor pool.

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. Another option is to head to the Ringwood Raceway indoor karting centre for some high-speed fun.

Take a tour
 

Perhaps you’d like a guided tour of the local area, discover our nature, our history and some of our beautiful towns and villages. We have some 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 as well 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, such as Wild New Forest.

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!

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 simply 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.

Enjoy our activities virtually
 

You can enjoy some of our brilliant activities in your own home, through videos, webcams and livestreams. Try out some outdoor fun with Avon Tyrrell, see updates from the ponies at Burley Villa School of Riding and virtually experience New Forest Activities with their great videos. You can also experience loads of our great attactions virtually too. Click here to view now.

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 let The New Forest entertain you.