Our visit to New Forest Activities
We visited New Forest Activities near Beaulieu to meet Richard and discover what they can offer disabled visitors and families with additional needs. We explored two of their sites, looking at access, equipment and ways activities can be adapted so more family members can take part together.
Hazel Copse Farm Site
The main New Forest Activities site has a compacted car park and level access into reception, so it is easy to call in and talk to the team about what might work for you.
There is a toilet with level access, although the cubicles are narrow and would not be suitable for all wheelchair users.
Archery: wheelchair access and adapted equipment
Archery takes place outside in an open field, in most weathers
The team can make adjustments and provide equipment to make holding and using the bow easier for some people. There is also plenty of space if you would prefer to watch rather than participate.
The main challenge for wheelchair users is the wood-chip surface.
If the team know you are coming, there is a beach-style wheelchair available which may make accessing the activity possible following a transfer.
Canoeing and kayaking: access and transfer options
The canoeing and kayaking take place at a separate riverside site.
There is a compacted gravel surface and a short distance from the parking area to the river. If this would be difficult, the team can arrange for you to drive closer to the river by prior agreement.
There are different options for getting into the canoe or kayak, including a shore-based transfer or transfer from the pontoon or from their beach wheelchair - which can get into the water, but you will get wet.
Single and double kayaks and canoes are available, and the team can provide additional postural support depending on your needs.
There is also a toilet at this site. It has space for a wheelchair user to make a side transfer, although when we visited it needed an additional grab rail to make it suitable for some users.
New Forest Activities can be a busy hub of activity. For guests with additional needs, Richard recommended considering a private water experience, giving the instructor more time to concentrate on you, your access requirements and making the experience work at your pace, and we think this is a great idea.
Our Bench tip: try an evening paddle
Our tip for a particularly special trip onto the water is to consider an evening session during the summer months, ideally when the tide is high. They are often busy with groups during the day, so this is the perfect time to book a private paddle. The wind often drops later in the day, the light over the river can be beautiful and it is generally quieter, with more wildlife to spot too.
For someone who may find a busy activity overwhelming, or simply wants more time and space to enjoy the experience, an evening paddle could be a lovely option.
Prefer to stay on dry land?
The riverside setting is peaceful and lovely in its own right.
If friends or family are heading out on a 90-minute paddle, you can watch them set off and observe them along the river for approximately the first 20 minutes before they disappear around the bend.
Then you can enjoy the riverside, take a flask of coffee and have some quiet time in nature until they paddle back.
We never realised this was an option until we had our conversation.
People who inspire confidence
We had hoped to meet Sam too, but he had been called away to an emergency. Both Sam and Richard also serve as firefighters at Beaulieu Fire Station. What struck us during our conversation with Richard was how naturally he thought ahead, identifying potential challenges and considering how they could be managed before they became a problem.
Richard and Sam know their activities, equipment and individual competencies extremely well and are used to staying calm when circumstances change.
For a guest who may already be thinking about transfers, mobility, balance, fatigue or supporting another family member, that can be reassuring. You don't have to anticipate every little thing yourself. Their aim is to understand what you need, think ahead with you and help take some of that pressure away so that you can concentrate on participating together and enjoying the experience.
Talk to the team before booking
New Forest Activities does not yet have a published access statement, although Richard told us they are working on one.
They have experience of welcoming people with a range of disabilities and additional needs and are happy to discuss what might make an activity possible for you.
We recommend contacting them before booking if you need help with mobility, transfers, seating, postural support or access across the outdoor surfaces.
Find out more: Visit the New Forest Activities website for current activities, prices and booking information.
For more ideas or new Forest adventures - Explore the New Forest with us.
Visited October 2026 - Access information based on our visit. Facilities and arrangements may change, so please check directly with New Forest Activities before visiting.