There’s nothing better than cooling off after a day exploring the New Forest. Whether you prefer a wild swim, paddling in a gentle river, trying a new watersport or spending the day by the sea, you’ll find plenty of places to make a splash close to Harry’s Campsites.
Here are some of our favourite places to swim and cool down in and around the New Forest…
Lazy riverside days
The River Avon flows its way through the New Forest town of Fordingbridge, an ideal spot for a bit of paddling for any of our campers staying at either Harry’s Field or Harry’s Meadow.
One of the closest paddling points to both Harry’s Field and Harry’s Meadow campsites, the Fordingbridge Recreation Ground is a popular area with visitors and locals for a place to dip your feet. And for little ones, the ground’s paddling pool is a popular addition on a warm summer’s day. Bring along a picnic and rest up on the lawned area or grab yourself a bite to eat from one of the town’s cafes.
Slightly further afield, but a gorgeous riverside picnic spot nonetheless is in the heart of the New Forest National Park at Brockenhurst. Park up in the small town and head to the banks of the Lymington River – you may even spot a New Forest Pony or two taking a drink from the flowing waters. It’s the perfect place to escape the heat beneath the shade of trees.
If you enjoy being out on the water, hire a canoe from New Forest Activities and paddle your way along the Beaulieu River. Take in the views along the way and you may be lucky enough to spot the turquoise flash of a kingfisher.
Make a splash with watersports in the New Forest
There are lots of opportunities to get on the water in and around the New Forest. A very short distance away from both Harry’s Field and Harry’s Meadow is the New Forest Water Park. You’ll find a whole host of activities on offer here including the inflatable obstacle course (a popular choice for anyone with older children or teens in tow). Adrenalin junkies can get their thrills from wakeboarding, with beginners’ lessons also available. If you fancy something a little bit more relaxed, there are stand up paddleboards and kayaks to hire and open water swimming sessions available.
If being on the sea is more your thing, you will find various opportunities available from Lymington including yachting, boat hire and boat trips out across the Solent.
Beach days from The Old Airfield campsite
The Old Airfield campsite is the closest of our three campsites to the beach, with Highcliffe, Mudeford and Hengistbury Head’s beaches all within 10 minutes of the campsite’s gates.
Start your day with a refreshing early morning swim before returning to the campsite for breakfast. Spend lazy summer days in the great outdoors, playing games, finally opening that book you’ve been meaning to read and enjoying time with friends or family. Or, take advantage of your proximity to the beaches by planning days out building sandcastles, eating fish and chips watching the sun setting or indulging in a New Forest ice cream or two.
For any of our campers with dogs, you’ll find dog walks aplenty – with dogs able to walk on the beaches at Mudeford Sandbank, Gundimore Beach (by Mudeford Quay) and a section of Highcliffe Beach. BCP Council’s beach map has a handy guide as to where dogs are and aren’t allowed. Tip: Always check seasonal restrictions before visiting.
From all three of our campsites, you can easily travel to some of the New Forest’s beaches. Lepe Beach is a popular choice for families. With sandy shores, a country park with large outdoor play area and the Lookout cafe (which as the name suggests, overlooks the sea). Here, there is a dedicated dog-free family beach and an area where dogs are welcome too.
If you fancy a paddle, then the beaches at Milford-on-Sea, Barton-on-Sea, Hordle Cliff and Calshot Spit are all worth a day trip to. And from Milford-on-Sea you can also follow the two-mile shingle spit out to Hurst Castle, where you can step back into the fortress’ Tudor history. Top tip: For a fun alternative to the walk, catch one of the regular ferries to Hurst Castle from Keyhaven harbour.
More ways to keep cool on your New Forest camping holiday
The New Forest itself lends itself to cooler days if you embrace some of the National Park’s woodland walks. Why not head to Blackwater and follow the Tall Trees Arboretum route? Suitable for families, this walk takes you past some impressive giants and you’ll relish the shade along the way. The New Forest website has some great alternatives if you fancy a woodland walk or would like to follow a seaside route that takes advantage of coastal breezes.
Another way to keep the temperatures down is to head to some of the indoor attractions nearby. At Calshot Activities Centre, you can try your hand at climbing, take part in beginners’ sessions on the velodrome or even whizz your way down the slopes of the indoor ski slope. Or discover the history of motoring on a day out to Beaulieu with the National Motor Museum and Palace House.
Choose the Harry’s campsite that’s right for your summer escape
Whichever of our three campsites you choose, you won’t be disappointed. The Old Airfield has the advantage of being so close to the beaches – so if being by the sea is a bonus for you, we’d recommend booking your summer escape there.
Harry’s Field is close to Fordingbridge for its paddling spots and nearby watersports and Harry’s Meadow (which mainly now has space for midweek breaks) sits in 40 acres of pristine New Forest parkland. All three campsites have options for camping or glamping. Book your stay today.
