New Forest Water Park: Complete Guide to the Aqua Park, Activities, Prices & Camping
Looking for an exciting outdoor adventure in Hampshire? New Forest Water Park offers a very different experience from the traditional indoor water parks you may be familiar with. Instead of heated swimming pools and water slides, this attraction revolves around a large outdoor lake where visitors can enjoy an inflatable Aqua Park, wakeboarding, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and open-water swimming. Located near Fordingbridge and surrounded by the beautiful New Forest countryside, it is also home to an on-site campsite.
That means you can visit for a few hours, spend a full day trying different activities or turn your trip into a weekend outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a family day out, looking for something fun to do with friends, or want to combine watersports with a New Forest camping trip, here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
Table of Contents
What Is New Forest Water Park Like?
New Forest Water Park is an outdoor watersports and adventure centre set around a freshwater lake. The main attraction is the Aqua Park, a large inflatable obstacle course floating on the water. However, that’s only one part of what the park offers. You can also try wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming, while the campsite provides the option to stay overnight.
The setting is one of the biggest differences between New Forest Water Park and a conventional waterpark. Instead of spending the day inside a leisure centre, you’ll be outdoors surrounded by woodland, grassland and water. It’s therefore best suited to people who enjoy active outdoor experiences rather than visitors looking for a relaxing pool day.
New Forest Water Park at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Fordingbridge, Hampshire |
| Setting | Outdoor freshwater lake |
| Main attraction | Inflatable Aqua Park |
| Other activities | Wakeboarding, kayaking, SUP & open-water swimming |
| Camping | Available on site |
| Best for | Families, teenagers, adults & groups |
| Experience | Active outdoor watersports |
| Visit length | Several hours to a full day |
Things to Do at New Forest Water Park
There is enough variety here to keep different types of visitors entertained. You don’t have to spend the whole day on the Aqua Park, and you don’t need previous experience for many of the activities.
Aqua Park
The Aqua Park is the attraction most visitors associate with New Forest Water Park. It’s a floating inflatable obstacle course where you’ll climb, balance, slide, jump and scramble your way across different sections. Depending on the course layout, obstacles can include climbing sections, balance challenges, slides, rollers, trampolines, monkey bars and jumping platforms.
The fun comes from trying to complete the course without falling into the lake. Of course, falling in is part of the experience, and usually where much of the laughter comes from. The Aqua Park works particularly well for families, teenagers and groups of friends because you can compete against each other or help one another through the harder obstacles.
What Is an Aqua Park Session Like?
A standard session lasts around one hour, but you should allow additional time for arrival, changing and the safety briefing. The activity is more physically demanding than it may look from the shore. You’ll repeatedly climb out of the water, pull yourself onto inflatables, balance across moving surfaces and swim between obstacles. If you’re reasonably fit and comfortable in open water, it’s an exciting challenge rather than something you need to be nervous about.
Is the Aqua Park Difficult?
It can be.
The difficulty depends on your fitness, swimming confidence and coordination. The individual obstacles aren’t necessarily complicated, but completing one after another can become tiring. You may find yourself helping friends over an obstacle one minute and laughing as they fall into the water the next. For that reason, it’s a particularly good activity for groups who want something competitive and memorable.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is a great option if you’re looking for more adrenaline. Instead of being pulled behind a boat, you’ll be towed around the lake by a cable system. This allows beginners to learn the basics while giving more experienced riders opportunities to practise turns and tricks.
New Forest Water Park offers different cable setups, including the larger 5 Corner Full Cable and a System 2.0 Cable. The current pricing makes the System 2.0 particularly useful for shorter introductory sessions, while the full cable is better suited to longer riding sessions.
Best for: teenagers, adults and anyone interested in learning a new watersport.
Kayaking
Kayaking provides a more relaxed way to enjoy the lake. You can hire a single or double kayak and spend time exploring the water without the intensity of the Aqua Park or wakeboarding. It’s a useful option for families and groups where not everyone wants a high-energy activity. If you’re looking for something active but relatively peaceful, kayaking is one of the better choices.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding, commonly called SUP, offers another way to experience the lake. The basic idea is simple: stand on a large board and use a paddle to move across the water. For beginners, the hardest part is usually getting your balance. Falling into the water is common when you’re learning, so don’t expect to stay completely dry. Once you’re comfortable, paddleboarding can be a much calmer experience than the Aqua Park.
Open Water Swimming
New Forest Water Park also offers dedicated open-water swimming sessions.
This is designed for people who want to swim for fitness, training or experience rather than simply playing in the water. Open-water swimming is very different from using a heated indoor pool. Water temperature, weather conditions and swimming ability all matter, so check the current session requirements before booking.
New Forest Water Park Prices
Prices vary depending on the activity and can change between seasons, so it’s sensible to check the current booking information before travelling.
The current listed prices include:
| Activity | Current listed price |
| Aqua Park | £22 per person |
| 5 Corner Full Cable | £35 |
| System 2.0 Cable | £35 |
| Single Kayak | £20 per hour |
| Double Kayak | £30 per hour |
| Stand-up Paddleboard | £20 per hour |
| Open water swimming | From £7 |
| Wetsuit hire | £5 |
| Grippy socks | £3 |
The Aqua Park price is for a one-hour session. Equipment and session arrangements can differ between activities. If you’re visiting as a family, remember to calculate the total cost rather than looking only at the admission price. Four people doing the Aqua Park, for example, would currently cost £88 before any additional purchases.
If you’re looking for another family-friendly outdoor attraction to add to your UK day-out plans, you can also explore family-friendly activities at Cotswold Wildlife Park, where visitors can enjoy animal encounters, daily feeding sessions, the children’s farmyard and an adventure playground. It’s a great option for families who enjoy wildlife, outdoor activities and memorable days out.
New Forest Water Park Age, Height & Swimming Requirements
Checking the requirements before booking is particularly important because each activity has its own rules.
For the Aqua Park, the current requirements include:
- Minimum age of 6 years
- Minimum height of 110cm
- Ability to swim 50 metres
Other activities have different age requirements. Some kayaking, paddleboarding and wakeboarding sessions are aimed at older participants, while open-water swimming has its own criteria. If you’re travelling with children, don’t assume that being old enough for one activity means they automatically qualify for every activity.
Is New Forest Water Park Safe?
Safety is an important consideration because the activities take place on open water.
A safety briefing is provided before Aqua Park sessions, and participants use appropriate buoyancy equipment. The swimming requirement also exists for a reason. The Aqua Park isn’t a shallow children’s splash area. You’ll be entering open water repeatedly, swimming between obstacles and climbing back onto inflatables.
The safest approach is simple: follow the staff instructions, pay attention during the briefing and don’t choose an activity beyond your swimming ability. It’s also worth remembering that these are physically active experiences. Being comfortable in water doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find the course easy.
Is New Forest Water Park Good for Families?
For families with children who meet the requirements, it can be an excellent day out. The biggest advantage is the variety of activities. One person might want to tackle the Aqua Park while another prefers kayaking or paddleboarding. Older teenagers may be more interested in wakeboarding, while adults can choose whichever activity suits them.
It’s particularly good for families who:
- Enjoy outdoor adventures
- Have children aged six or above
- Like trying new activities
- Don’t mind getting wet
- Prefer active days out
It may not suit families who:
- Have very young children
- Are travelling with non-swimmers
- Want indoor heated pools
- Prefer a quiet, relaxing attraction
The park is also more weather-dependent than a traditional indoor waterpark, so families should check the forecast and pack appropriately.
New Forest Water Park for Teenagers & Groups
Teenagers and groups of friends can get a lot out of the park. The Aqua Park naturally creates a competitive atmosphere. Friends can race across obstacles, challenge each other to complete difficult sections, and see who can stay out of the water longest. Wakeboarding adds another option for older visitors who want to learn a more technical watersport. For a group with mixed abilities, it’s easy to split up for different activities and meet again afterwards.
This makes New Forest Water Park particularly suitable for:
- Birthday outings
- Family groups
- Friends’ days out
- School or youth group
- Outdoor activity weekends
Is New Forest Water Park Busy?
Like many seasonal outdoor attractions, visitor numbers can be higher during weekends, school holidays and the height of summer. Busy Aqua Park sessions can make the course feel more crowded, particularly when several people are attempting the same obstacle at once. If you have flexibility, an earlier or later session can be worth considering. Booking in advance is also sensible during popular periods. If your main priority is enjoying the obstacles without large crowds, choosing your date and session carefully can make a noticeable difference.
What Should You Wear to New Forest Water Park?
You don’t need complicated equipment for most activities, but the right clothing can make your visit much more comfortable.
For the Aqua Park:
- Swimwear
- Wetsuit
- Towel
- Grippy water socks
- Dry clothes
- Warm layer
For Kayaking or SUP:
- Swimwear or quick-drying clothing
- Water shoes
- Towel
- Sun protection
- Waterproof phone case
A wetsuit can be particularly useful outside the warmest summer days because you’re spending extended periods in the lake. Even if the air temperature feels warm, you’ll appreciate having dry clothes and a warm layer afterwards.
What Should You Bring?
A simple day trip packing list includes:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Spare clothes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof bag
- Phone case
- Warm hoodie or jacket
- Suitable water footwear
If you’re camping overnight, you’ll also need your normal camping equipment, sleeping gear and extra warm clothing for the evening.
Camping at New Forest Water Park
Camping is one of the features that makes New Forest Water Park more than just a day attraction. You can stay overnight in a natural setting and combine your watersports activities with a wider New Forest adventure. The campsite offers woodland and lakeside camping areas, creating a relaxed atmosphere after a busy day on the water.
Why Camp at New Forest Water Park?
Camping makes sense if you’re travelling from further away or simply want to turn your visit into a weekend.
For example:
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
| Arrive and set up camp | Morning kayaking or SUP |
| Aqua Park session | Explore the New Forest |
| Dinner and campfire | Head home |
The attraction’s camping information also allows campfires in designated areas, which can make the evening feel more like a proper outdoor getaway. If you’re planning to camp during peak periods, book ahead because summer dates can be popular.
Food & Drink at New Forest Water Park
You don’t necessarily need to leave the site when you’re hungry. Food and drink are available on site, including options such as pizza, focaccia, snacks and drinks. This is particularly convenient if you’re spending most of the day at the park or staying overnight. However, if you’re visiting with a large family, it’s worth including food and drinks in your overall budget rather than focusing only on activity prices.
Best Time to Visit New Forest Water Park
The best time depends on what matters most to you.
Spring
Spring can offer a quieter experience, although temperatures and water conditions are likely to be cooler.
Summer
July and August are the obvious choices if warm weather is your priority. They’re also likely to be among the busiest periods, particularly during school holidays.
Early Autumn
September can provide a nice balance between outdoor conditions and potentially smaller crowds.
Winter
New Forest Water Park operates seasonally, so you shouldn’t plan a winter visit without checking the current opening calendar.
Want a Quieter Experience?
If your schedule allows, consider a weekday outside school holidays or choose an earlier session.
How Long Do You Need at New Forest Water Park?
You don’t necessarily need an entire day if you’re only interested in one activity.
Aqua Park only
Allow several hours for arrival, preparation, and your session.
Multiple activities
A half-day or full-day visit makes more sense if you’re combining the Aqua Park with kayaking, SUP or wakeboarding.
Camping trip
Two days gives you much more flexibility and allows you to combine the park with other New Forest activities.
New Forest Water Park vs a Traditional Waterpark
| New Forest Water Park | Traditional Waterpark |
| Outdoor lake | Indoor or controlled pools |
| Inflatable obstacle course | Water slides |
| Wakeboarding | Usually unavailable |
| Kayaking | Usually unavailable |
| Paddleboarding | Usually unavailable |
| Open-water swimming | Usually unavailable |
| Camping | Available |
| Weather dependent | Usually less weather dependent |
| Physically demanding | Often more leisure-focused |
This comparison explains why New Forest Water Park appeals to a particular type of visitor. If you want heated pools, slides and a lazy river, look elsewhere. If you want to climb floating obstacles, wakeboard, paddle across a lake and camp beside the water, this is exactly the kind of attraction you’ll enjoy.
Tips for Your First Visit
A little preparation can make the experience considerably better.
Book in Advance
Popular Aqua Park sessions can fill up during weekends and school holidays.
Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time for parking, check-in, changing and the safety briefing.
Check Requirements
Confirm the age, height and swimming requirements before paying for your booking.
Don’t Underestimate the Physical Effort
The Aqua Park looks playful, but climbing and swimming for an hour can be exhausting.
Bring a Warm Change of Clothes
Even on a sunny day, you’ll appreciate dry clothes after getting out of the water.
Check the Weather
Outdoor water activities are strongly influenced by weather conditions.
Don’t Pack Too Many Activities Together
If you’re planning wakeboarding and the Aqua Park on the same day, allow enough time to rest between sessions.
Things to Do Near New Forest Water Park
If you’re staying overnight or travelling a long way to visit, there are plenty of ways to extend your trip.
Fordingbridge
Fordingbridge is a charming market town close to the park, with riverside scenery, local shops, cafés and walking opportunities.
New Forest National Park
The wider New Forest is ideal for:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Wildlife spotting
- Photography
- Picnics
- Exploring woodland and heathland
Blashford Lakes
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve is another option for visitors who enjoy wildlife and birdwatching. Combining one of these quieter activities with a morning at the water park can create a more balanced weekend.
Is New Forest Water Park Worth Visiting?
For the right type of visitor, New Forest Water Park is absolutely worth considering.
Its biggest advantage is variety. You’re not restricted to one attraction, and you can choose activities based on your interests and ability.
It’s a great choice if you:
- Enjoy active outdoor adventure
- Want to try watersports
- Are visiting with friends
- Have children old enough to participate
- Want to combine activities with camping
- Are exploring the New Forest
It may not be right for you if you:
- Want an indoor waterpark
- Prefer heated swimming pools
- Don’t swim confidently
- Have very young children
- Want a completely weather-proof day out
The most important thing is to understand what you’re booking. New Forest Water Park isn’t simply a place to swim; it is an outdoor adventure destination built around the lake.
FAQS
Is New Forest Water Park suitable for children?
Yes. The Aqua Park is currently available to children from age six who also meet the minimum height and swimming requirements. Other activities have their own age restrictions.
What age is the Aqua Park for?
The current minimum age is 6 years old, with a minimum height of 110cm. Participants also need to be able to swim 50 metres.
Do you need to be able to swim?
Yes. Swimming ability is essential for activities taking place in the open water. The Aqua Park currently requires participants to be able to swim 50 metres.
How much does New Forest Water Park cost?
The current listed Aqua Park price is £22 per person for a one-hour session. Other activities have separate prices, including wakeboarding, kayaking, SUP and open-water swimming.
How long is the Aqua Park session?
A standard Aqua Park session lasts one hour. Allow extra time for arrival, changing and the safety briefing.
Is New Forest Water Park suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners can enjoy activities such as the Aqua Park, kayaking and paddleboarding, while beginner-friendly wakeboarding options are also available.
Can you kayak at New Forest Water Park?
Yes. Single and double kayaking options are available, subject to the relevant age and swimming requirements.
Can you paddleboard at New Forest Water Park?
Yes. Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the activities available on the lake.
Can you swim at New Forest Water Park?
Yes, dedicated open-water swimming sessions are available. These are different from simply swimming recreationally in the lake, so check the current session requirements before visiting.
Can you camp at New Forest Water Park?
Yes. The attraction has an on-site campsite with woodland and lakeside camping options, allowing visitors to combine watersports with an overnight New Forest stay.
What should I take to New Forest Water Park?
Bring swimwear, a towel, spare clothes, sunscreen, water, a waterproof bag and a warm layer. A wetsuit and suitable water footwear can also make water activities more comfortable.
Is the Aqua Park difficult?
It can be physically demanding. The individual obstacles are designed to be fun, but climbing, balancing and swimming repeatedly for an hour requires stamina.
Is New Forest Water Park open all year?
No. The attraction operates seasonally, and opening dates and activity schedules can change. Always check the current schedule before planning your visit.
Is New Forest Water Park worth visiting?
If you enjoy outdoor adventure, watersports and active family days out, it’s a strong choice. It’s particularly good for families with older children, teenagers and groups of friends who want something more adventurous than a traditional waterpark.
Conclusion
New Forest Water Park offers a refreshing alternative to the UK’s traditional waterparks. The Aqua Park is the standout attraction for families and groups, while wakeboarding, kayaking, SUP and open-water swimming give returning visitors plenty of reasons to come back. Add the on-site camping and the surrounding New Forest countryside, and you can easily turn a short activity booking into a complete outdoor weekend. For adventurous families, teenagers, groups of friends and watersports enthusiasts, it’s a memorable day out. Just check the activity requirements, book ahead during busy periods and arrive prepared for a physical, weather-dependent experience.
