Watersports

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New Forest Water Sports

The New Forest is surrounded on its southern side by the English channel and a beautiful coastline containing some of England's finest and cleanest beaches. A variety of watersports can be enjoyed in the New Forest area.

Below you will find more information on:

• swimming

• boat trips

• sailing

• fishing

You can also click here to search our business database for local businesses which offer water-sports activities, such as water-skiing, aquarides and jetskiing.

Swimming

Beaches which are safe for swimming are located at Calshot, Lepe, Milford-on-Sea, Highcliffe and Barton-on-Sea. The sandy beaches of Bournemouth are an easy drive away from the New Forest. With regards to swimming pools, Lymington marina offers a large open-air seawater swimming pool and Lymington's leisure centre has a large indoor pool. There are also excellent indoor pools at Applemore, New Milton, Totton and Ringwood. For children, the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth has a very popular children's swimming pool. Search our business database for local leisure centres.

Boat trips

In summer months, there are a range of boat trips from which to choose. You could take the ferry to the Isle of Wight from Lymington [click here to view the Wightlink website]. Also from Keyhaven, you can take a small ferry to Hurst Castle or to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight [click here to view the Hurst Castle ferries and cruises website]. Cruises also operate on the Beaulieu river, departing from Buckler's Hard. Search our business database for other local boating operators.

Sailing

The Solent is known throughout the world as one of the premier sailing locations. The two key yachting harbours in the area are Lymington and Keyhaven. Both provide launching points and some moorings for visiting boats. During the summer months, these harbours come alive with a variety of regattas and racing events. [Click here to view the Lymington Harbour website]. Other launching slips are available at Lepe and Calshot. Also at Calshot and Lepe, you can hire equipment for windsurfing. Search our business database for local sailing centres.

Fishing

The beautiful Avon River provides some wonderful freshwater fishing. This river is well-known for coarse fishing and its high quality of salmon. Fishing permits, which can be obtained locally, are required. Also throughout the New Forest, some ponds and other waters provide good fishing - for which you need a permit from the Site Manager. Trout fishing is found at lakes near Fordingbridge. The Lymington River estuary offers good sea fishing. Sea angling trips are available from Keyhaven, and beach fishermen often take advantage of Milford-on-Sea's shingle shore. Search our business database for local businesses offering fishing activities.

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