Family Canoeing
Paddle a protected nature reserve on the historic Beaulieu Estate... no experience needed.
Book Your Session£34 Adult
£25.50 Child (18 months - 16 years) | under 5's FREE
April – October
90 minutes
Canoeing on the Beaulieu River, New Forest
The Beaulieu River is one of the most extraordinary stretches of water in southern England. Designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it flows through the heart of the Beaulieu Estate, one of the New Forest's most historic and storied landscapes, and into a nationally protected nature reserve. Very few people ever see it from the water. Your family will.
Join us for a 90-minute guided session led by a qualified instructor who knows this river intimately. As you paddle upstream or downstream with the tides, your guide will bring the river to life... pointing out the rich birdlife that gives this river its protected status, and keeping an eye out for whatever the river has to offer that day.
Suitable for children from 18 months upwards, this is one of the few outdoor activities that genuinely works for every age in the group. Buoyancy aids are sized right down to the smallest paddlers, and your instructor manages the whole session so you can focus on the river, the wildlife and each other.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
What's included in your session
Everything you need is here waiting for you. Just turn up ready for an adventure.
- Full equipment provided. 2, 3 and 4-seater canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids and waterproofs as needed
- Qualified instruction throughout. Your coach is on the water with you, not watching from the bank
- A proper guided tour. Upstream or downstream depending on tides, with wildlife and river commentary along the way
- 90 minutes on the water. Enough time to find your rhythm and actually explore
- Toilets and changing facilities on site. So you can get dried off and drive home in comfort
Sessions are booked per person rather than per boat. We'll sort the best canoe arrangement for your group when you arrive.
We can arrange additional sessions to fit your plans. If the dates online aren't quite right, get in touch and we'll find something that works.
Can't find a session? Request a private booking
A river like no other
Designated an SSSI, the Beaulieu River supports internationally important populations of wading birds and wildfowl... it's the extraordinary birdlife here that underpins its protected status, alongside rare saltmarsh habitats and ancient woodland running right to the waterline.
What makes it truly unique is that this is a private estuary. The Beaulieu Estate has been in the Montagu family for centuries, and public access to this stretch of water simply doesn't exist unless you're out here with us. The ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, founded in 1204, sit just upstream. History, ecology, wildlife... your guide will bring it all to life as you paddle.
This isn't just a canoeing session. It's a rare look at one of England's most protected and most private stretches of water, from the best possible angle.
Video Library
Watch some handy videos about our canoeing activity.
Your canoeing questions, answered
In this video, we'll answer all of your burning canoeing questions.
How to prepare for your water activity
Want to know what to wear and what to bring? Watch this video!
Family Canoeing FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we're asked most.
What ages can take part in Family Canoeing?
Family Canoeing is suitable for children from 18 months upwards. Children share a canoe with adults and we'll help you decide the best boat setup on arrival. Older children may be able to paddle depending on conditions. Buoyancy aids are provided for everyone.
Is the river tidal?
The Beaulieu River is tidal, and that's part of what makes it so special. Sessions are planned around the tides so you always get the best of the river. Depending on timing, you'll paddle upstream into the ancient woodland or downstream towards the estuary and saltmarsh. Your guide will explain what you're seeing and why it matters. This is a designated SSSI, and there's always something worth stopping for.
Do we need experience or to be strong swimmers?
No experience is needed. You'll receive a fully instructed session with buoyancy aids provided. We use a calm stretch of the Beaulieu River and your instructor is on the water throughout.
How many people fit in one canoe?
We use 2 to 4 seater canoes. A typical family setup is 2 adults and 1 or 2 children. We'll help decide the best arrangement when you arrive.
What should we wear and bring?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring old trainers or closed-toe shoes. A waterproof layer is recommended. Everyone should bring a change of clothes and a towel, just in case. In summer, bring sun cream.
Will we get wet?
You may get splashed and that's part of the fun. It's rare to fall in, and most kids are quietly hoping they will. Bringing a spare set of clothes is always a good idea.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We run sessions in the rain and wind. If the wind is too strong or conditions become unsafe, we'll contact you to move your booking or cancel.
Is it a guided trip or do we paddle on our own?
It's fully guided. You'll join other members of the public on the session and your instructor will lead the group throughout, sharing local wildlife, history and river information along the way.
Where do we meet and is there parking?
We are based in Beaulieu in the New Forest, with parking, toilets and changing facilities on site. Full joining instructions are sent in your confirmation email after booking.
Can we bring our dog?
Dogs are always welcome as long as they're calm around water and people. They remain the owner's responsibility throughout the session.
Can we cancel or move our booking?
Please contact us as early as possible. Booking terms are shown at checkout, and we aim to be flexible where we can, particularly around safety and weather.
Book with confidence.
As one of the top things to do in The New Forest, we’re confident that what we do is excellent and provides real value for money.
However, if for any reason we let you down, you’ll be eligible for our 100% satisfaction guarantee and we’ll refund you your money, no questions asked.
Watch the video to find out more!
Looking for more on the water? Families who love canoeing often also try our Kayaking sessions and Kayak Adventure, both based right here on the Beaulieu River.
Ready to paddle the Beaulieu River?
Pick a date, book online in minutes and we'll have everything ready for you on the day.
Book Your Session