Where to Go… to Paddle Around in Hampshire
Hampshire has plenty of places to enjoy a paddle, including beaches, streams and splash pads. It also boasts hidden spots in the New Forest, which are amongst some of the most picturesque places we have visited.
Paddle in the Ober Water at Puttles Bridge, New Forest
Puttles Bridge is a beautiful spot in the New Forest where you can explore the woods and find places to paddle.
Chilbolton Cow Common, Chilbolton and Wherwell
Chilbolton Cow Common is a tranquil and picturesque place to explore, walk, have a little paddle in the River Test or a play at the nearby War Memorial Play Area.
Paddle and Picnic at Balmer Lawn, New Forest
Balmer Lawn is a beautiful spot to splash around in the Lymington River. Both banks are grassy and there are areas of shade too.
Paddle and Play in the River Wey at Flood Meadows, Alton
Flood Meadows hides a beautiful surprise – nestled away behind the trees is the young River Wey. Here the river is so near to its northern source that the water is shallow and slow-flowing and offers a shady place to splash, paddle and pond dip.
Paddle at Lutcombe Bottom in the Ashford Hangers, Petersfield
There is a magical patch of wild at the foot of Lutcombe Bottom that is easier to access than the rest of the Ashford Hangers. This area has a shallow stream, a clear pond and fern lined paths that twist and turn through the trees.
Find Fairies and Fossils at Lepe Country Park, Exbury
Lepe Country Park is one of those rare places where you can fill an entire day with everything or nothing! If you need an energy busting day then plan on paddling, sand castles and fossil finding before the tide comes in and then fairy door hunts, adventure play and a nature walk. Or if you just want somewhere to relax, just sit back and enjoy the view.
Enter the Lion’s Den at Stockbridge Common Marsh, near Andover
Hidden along the banks of the River Test, Stockbridge Common Marsh is a tranquil spot for a picnic, paddle and walk. As you enter, you pass a National Trust sign that says ‘The Lions Den’ and I have absolutely no idea why!
Discover Royal Victoria Country Park, Southampton
There is so much to do at Royal Victoria Country Park – paddle in the sea, follow a story trail, puff along on a miniature railway, tackle the orienteering course and enjoy The Royal Victoria Country Park Adventure Play Area.
Enjoy the Bridges and Boardwalks of Fleet Pond
Fleet Pond has plenty to explore – boardwalks, jetties, three different trails, a beach with a paddling area, a story trail, and lots of ducks, swans and waterbirds.
Wade to Spider Island at Magpie Bottom, New Forest
Magpie Bottom is a small area of woodland in the New Forest with a magical story trail called The Mystical Tale of Nevi-Wesh, the remains of a WW2 airfield, and lots of wildlife. The River Avon Water flows through the area and makes a peaceful spot for a paddle.
Splash, Paddle and Wade at Ober Corner, New Forest
Ober Corner is the most enchanting part of the New Forest I have found so far. Here the Ober Water meanders through the trees, past wildflowers and ponies and on to a bridge, where it becomes the Lymington River.
Slosh Through the Woods at Millyford Bridge, New Forest
The Highland Water flows through the trees at Millyford Bridge offering the chance to paddle, climb, balance, explore, cycle or picnic your way through the New Forest.
Walk to Hurst Castle along Hurst Spit, Lymington, New Forest
Hurst Spit is a shingle bank that juts into the Solent, linking Keyhaven and Hurst Castle. It has beautiful views out towards the Isle of Wight and along the Hampshire coast.
Meet Peppa Pig in Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park
Paultons Park has two splash parks – a large splash pad with tipping buckets, fountains and water shooters and another smaller one called Muddy Puddles.
Romp Around the Hogmoor Inclosure Natural Play Area
Hogmoor Inclosure has a large and varied wooden play area where you can choose sandy play, wild play, adventure play and natural play!
Discover the Source of the River Blackwater at Rowhill, Aldershot
Rowhill Nature Reserve hides the source of the River Blackwater amongst charismatically named areas like Stickleback Pond, Rhododendron Avenue, Kingfisher Carr, The Brickworks and Chestnut Glade.
The Blackwater is in its infancy here so more a stream than a river.
Enjoy Ponies and Paddles at Latchmoor Brook, The New Forest
Latchmoor Brook is a shallow stream on the edge of the New Forest where you can picnic, paddle, see ponies and hunt for fossils. You will definitely need your wellies!
The brook was a stream when we visited so it’s more splashing around than wading through.
Let’s have an adventure…
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