Best Places For Wild Swims & Coastal Walks In The New Forest

For chilly dippers, seasoned swimmers or beginner bathers, if you’re visiting the New Forest National Park and you’re looking to get your wild swimming fix, or simply to walk along a beautiful beach, look no further, we have your coastal highlights covered…

Why the New Forest Is Perfect for Wild Swims and Coastal Walks

Believe it or not, our New Forest hotel offers the best of coast and country, so you can have it all on your next weekend break; spend the day cycling winding woodland paths or walking among our ancient giants on breath-taking forest trails, then switch it up and head to Hampshire’s coast to finish your summer’s day on a Hampshire beach, enjoying a quick dip, a sea swim or a walk along the shore.

There are some much-loved sea swim spots and coastal gems within a 30-minute drive of our Hampshire hotel that you could discover on your next weekend away, such as Hordle Cliff Beach at Milford on Sea.

Top Beaches for Wild Swimming Near the New Forest

A peaceful spot just 10 miles away from our New Forest hotel, in just 20-minutes you’ll reach the mostly shingle beach of Hordle Cliff where you can take in beautiful far-reaching views of Hampshire’s coastline and across to the Isle of Wight and the needles. At low tide a sand bar reveals itself, creating a shallow lagoon for gentle swims.

Another wonderful Hampshire beach less than 30 minutes from our New Forest hotel can be found at Barton on Sea. Just 9 miles away, colourful beach huts and views across the Solent welcome you to paddle and play. Considered a safe place to swim, its shallow waters are perfect for beginner wild swims or quick dips.

For keen coastal walkers, the Solent Way begins nearby; enjoy a post-swim stroll to warm up and take in the scenic views. Or for a unique walk and dip experience, start in Keyhaven and walk to the English Heritage Hurst Castle along Hurst Spit.

Keyhaven is around 9.4 miles from our New Forest hotel, offering a wonderful, predominantly flat walk on shingle (sturdy footwear is advised), out along the dramatic sea spit – a popular birdwatching area.

When it comes to the sea swim though, the tidal waters at the end of the spit are dangerous so it’s advised to find the lagoons on the protected south side of the spit if a dip is a must for your visit.

Scenic Coastal Walks You Can’t Miss on Your New Forest Break

Coastal wanderings during your New Forest weekend away could also lead you to Lepe Country Park, a little further away but still under 30 minutes from our Hampshire hotel, you can discover this coastal gem just over 13 miles away.

Sorry dippers, it’s not advised that you swim at Lepe Beach, but you can take beautiful walks through wildflower meadows and woodland, and along the shoreline, birdwatching, beachcombing and taking in the stunning coastal scenery and historical WWII landmarks.

As with all great outdoor adventures, open water and sea swimming comes with its own risks, so knowing your limits and how to stay safe is important. The RNLI has great advice and help on how to make your wild swims enjoyable and safe.

Where to Stay: The Ideal Base for Coastal Walks and Wild Swims in the New Forest

Now you know more about our beautiful coast and have even more places to add to your list during your next New Forest break – we’re not sorry, it just means you’ll have to come back to continue your explorations!

Plan Your Wild Swimming and Walking Weekend in the New Forest