Things to do.
There’s something for everyone …
Cycling
Experience the Ultimate New Forest Cycling Adventure
Cycling in The New Forest offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes. From the shade of ancient woodlands to vast, purple-hued heaths and a 40-mile ‘secret’ coastline, a two-wheeled adventure is the best way to get close to our unique wildlife and "famous" New Forest ponies. Do not touch or feed the wild ponies or donkeys.
The real crown jewel for cyclists? The New Forest National Park boasts over 100 miles of way-marked, car-free cycle trails, making it a premier destination for families, nature lovers, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Discover the Best Cycle Routes & Terrain
Whether you are looking for a leisurely afternoon meander or a challenging day in the saddle, the New Forest caters to every skill level:
Family-Friendly Trails: Safe, off-road gravel tracks perfect for little ones and relaxed weekend rides.
Gravel & Mountain Biking: Explore rugged tracks through enclosures and open moorland.
Road Cycling: Navigate winding lanes through pretty villages like Beaulieu, Burley, and Brockenhurst.
Electric Bikes (eBikes): Flatten the gentle rolling hills and extend your range to see more of the National Park.
Easy Bike Hire & Cycling Facilities
Don't worry if you couldn't bring your own gear. Local New Forest bike hire centres offer a range of premium mountain bikes, hybrids, and electric bikes for hire by the hour, day, or for your entire stay.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for our 'secret' coastline—the stretch between Lymington and Hythe offers stunning sea views that many visitors miss!
Horse Riding
We’re perfectly positioned for unforgettable New Forest horse riding adventures, probably the best way to discover bridleways, ancient woodlands, and open heath lands.
Whether you are looking for expert-led guided horse treks or local equestrian center hacks, Sway serves as the ideal base for riders of all skill levels. Explore the Hampshire countryside on horseback and ride among the famous wild New Forest ponies.
Rambling and Hiking
Escape to the countryside for the perfect walking weekend in Sway, a premier destination for New Forest hiking trails and scenic outdoor exploration. Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, choosing our cozy Sway holiday rental puts you in the heart of top-rated rambling routes in the UK.
Step outside your door to discover a vast network of gravel tracks, ancient woodland paths, and expansive open heath lands. Popular hiking routes near Sway cater to all paces, from casual afternoon strolls past the iconic Sway Tower to challenging all-day treks connecting to nearby Brockenhurst.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife including free-roaming deer, wild ponies, donkeys and pigs before completing your day at the traditional Sway village pub, The Silver Hind.
Artists
Discover the timeless allure of the New Forest, a premier destination for landscape artists and creative retreats. This ancient UK woodland offers a captivating canvas of ancient oaks, open heathlands, and roaming wildlife, perfect for plein air painting and fine art photography. From the dappled light of Lyndhurst to the coastal charm of Beaulieu, contemporary painters flock here for artistic inspiration. Explore local galleries, join an art workshop, and capture the natural beauty of Hampshire's premier national park.
Photography
Capture the raw beauty of the New Forest, a haven for nature photographers and wildlife photography enthusiasts. This ancient Hampshire woodland offers a stunning mix of misty heathlands, dramatic ancient oaks, and iconic roaming New Forest ponies. Photographers flock here to master golden hour photography and capture incredible landscape shots. From the dense canopies of Brockenhurst to the coastal light of Keyhaven, it’s the ultimate UK location for stunning portfolios and unforgettable outdoor photography workshops.
Bird Watching
The New Forest is one of the UK’s premier bird-watching destinations. The national park's diverse mix of ancient woodlands, open heath lands, and coastal salt marshes provides habitats for rare breeding species, birds of prey, and overwintering