Head for the New Forest National Park for a weekend break, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that all you’ll see is trees and heathland. Water sports and activities might not be high on your list of things to do. That might be before you realise not only is the south coast close by, but the River Avon meanders through the area – oh, and there’s the small matter of New Forest Water Park near Fordingbridge.
Well worth a visit, here’s our lowdown on this popular New Forest aqua park.
From cable wakeboarding to camping, an aqua park to open water swimming, there’s plenty to keep you entertained and occupied for at least a day – and a busy one at that.
Cable wakeboarding is, as the name suggests, wakeboarding under the influence and control or a very strong cable; whether it’s the System 2.0 Cable for beginners or the more testing 5 Corner Full Cable this is serious fun. What’s more, you can pay for a one-off session or pay for a membership if you’re likely to be a regular.
New Forest Water Park is also home to the UK’s first and largest wibit outdoor floating inflatable sports aqua park, split into two parts – Poseidon and Neptune. Packed with trampolines, monkey bars, flippers, slides, hurdles, springboard, rockers, rollers, an overhang climbing wall, swings and much more, these huge courses will test even the most confident obstacle course fan. Whether it’s friends or family, who wouldn’t want to watch the opposition ‘wipe out’ as you take first place on the podium at the New Forest inflatable water park…
Want to take to the water under your own steam? Good news – there are kayaks and SUPS (Stand Up Paddleboards) for hire at Fordingbridge water park, along with wetsuits. You have to be over 11 to use single kayaks and paddleboards. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or complete rookie, open water swimming is another great activity to enjoy at the aqua park New Forest, with two swim courses comprising a 300m triangular loop and a 500m diamond loop. There’s a spotter on swim sessions to ensure safety first, you have to be a NOWCA (National Open Water Coaching Association) member to swim – and wearing a brightly coloured swim hat is mandatory.
There’s also food and drink available on site, and there’s some cool camping too – although we’d rather you come and stay with us, of course! The woodland pitches are in clusters under the trees, and with campfires shared in the middle. There’s a strict noise limitation after 10pm through to 9am, so bear that in mind when you’re booking and plan to party late into the night…
You’ll find New Forest Water Park on Ringwood Road, just six minutes south of Fordingbridge. That’s not to far from us at New Forest Collection, making us the perfect place to stay afterwards.
The postcode for your sat nav is SP6 2EY; if you need to call the water park Fordingbridge, it’s 01425 656868.
If you’re visiting the water park New Forest near Fordingbridge, there are plenty of New Forest Collection hotels to choose from as your base; the country house splendour of Burley Manor (or the boutique Burley Huts) are just 15 minutes away..
Our Grade II listed country house in Cadnam, Bartley Lodge, is just 20 minutes from the water park, while Forest Lodge, our beautiful townhouse hotel in Lyndhurst, will take you about 23 minutes.
Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome, fantastic food and a good night’s sleep – which you’ll need after all those watery activities!
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