Things to do in Southampton: outdoor activities for a fun day out

Southampton is surrounded by water, with the River Hamble, Southampton Water and the Solent all on its doorstep and the New Forest just to the west. That makes it a brilliant base for a day out on the water or in the woods. Here are the best outdoor activities in and around Southampton, plus a couple of indoor options for rainy days.

The Paddle Centre, Swanwick Marina

The Paddle Centre is a paddleboard and kayak hub at Swanwick Marina, with direct access to the River Hamble. It's a great first stop if you've never paddled before: book a SUP beginner lesson or a kayak beginner lesson, and the team will get you on the water with confidence.

Once you've got the basics, join a guided SUP safari up the river (ages 15 and over), or book Paddle and Pub, an instructor-led paddle up the Hamble with a stop for a drink at The Jolly Sailor. Groups and families can share a giant board on MEGA SUP MADNESS. Paddling isn't just for summer, either: with the right layers, the river is lovely all year round. Keep an eye out for wading birds and other wildlife as you go.

Photo by The Paddle Centre

Hamble Paddle, River Hamble

Hamble Paddle runs instructor-led sessions on the same beautiful stretch of river. Their one-hour SUP taster session (ages 12 and over) is designed to have you standing and paddling by the end, and there's a kayak taster session too. If you already know what you're doing, hire a paddleboard and explore at your own pace.

YMCA Fairthorne Manor, Curdridge

YMCA Fairthorne Manor is a 95-acre site of grounds and ancient woodland with its own access to the upper River Hamble. Bring your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard and self-launch from the slipway or pontoon, or build your skills with group kayak coaching for beginners or small-group paddle coaching. There's also a family campsite and school holiday day camps, so it's easy to turn a paddle into a longer stay. Note that it's a dog-free site.

Kitesurfing and wing foiling at Calshot

For something more adrenaline-fuelled, head to Calshot on the edge of Southampton Water. Nomadic Kitesurf teaches kitesurfing, wingsurfing and paddleboarding inside a large lagoon that's free from crowds. Try the land-based intro to kitesports, a 3-hour kitesurf taster, or a group paddleboard session for beginners and improvers. You'll need to be a confident swimmer with a basic level of fitness.

Photo by Nomadic Kitesurf

Archery, axe throwing and bike hire at Lepe

The Outdoor Ed School runs outdoor activities at Lepe Meadows Campsite, on the edge of the New Forest near the Solent shore. Try a one-hour archery session (ages 8 and over), unleash your inner Viking with axe throwing (ages 10 and over), or take a full-day bike hire to explore the forest trails, perhaps with a pub lunch on the way. In the school holidays they also run a holiday club in the New Forest.

YMCA Eastleigh: laser tag, zorbs and holiday workshops

If the weather turns, YMCA Eastleigh in North Stoneham Park is a handy indoor option for kids. Book laser tag in their UV arena (ages 8 to 12) or bodyzorb games (ages 8 to 14), where children climb into giant inflatable balls for zorb sumo, tag and football. In the school holidays there are craft workshops, discos and seasonal treasure hunts too, and parents can wait in the café.

Testlands Wellbeing Hub, Green Lane

Testlands Wellbeing Hub is a community sports and wellbeing centre in the west of the city. Younger children can burn off energy in the Inflatazone, while older kids and adults can book badminton courts or indoor football in the sports hall.

Tips for planning your day out

The River Hamble and the Solent are tidal, so session times often follow the tide. Book ahead and arrive in good time. Check minimum ages before you book, as they range from 8 for archery to 15 for the guided SUP safari.

For water activities, bring a full change of clothes, a towel and something warm for afterwards, even in summer. And if you're looking for a gift, The Paddle Centre and Nomadic Kitesurf both sell vouchers on eola.

Want more ideas? See our guide to paddleboarding in Southampton, our pick of places to go kayaking and canoeing in the South of England, or the best places to kitesurf on the south coast.

Looking for more things to do in Southampton? Explore all activities in Southampton on eola, or widen your search across Hampshire.

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