Outdoor Activity Instructors â 2026 Season
Join our instructor team in the New Forest for the 2026 season. Youâll guide and inspire people in the outdoors, working with a supportive team in a stunning National Park location.
Apply for the 2026 Instructor Team
Activities Instructors have the best job in the world!
Weâre recruiting experienced Outdoor Activity Instructors for our 2026 season (MarchâOctober). We have a main intake each March / April to prepare the team for peak season.
Instructors can live at our staff campsite in The New Forest for the spring and summer. Youâll be based in Beaulieu, in the heart of the New Forest National Park, delivering a brilliant range of outdoor activities to our wonderful clients.
For the 2026 season, we are recruiting for two instructor roles: Watersports Instructors delivering paddlesports sessions (canoeing and kayaking), and Land-Based Instructors delivering archery, Battlezone, bushcraft and ropes course activities. Please make it clear in your application which role you are applying for.
The Roles
Depending on your qualifications and experience, you will work primarily as either a Watersports Instructor or a Land-Based Instructor.
Outdoor Expertise: Deliver diverse outdoor activities, from canoeing and kayaking to high ropes and camping.
Safety First: Take responsibility for participant safety, equipment checks, and following operating procedures and risk assessments.
Engaging Instruction: Deliver clear, enthusiastic, and engaging sessions for participants of all ages and abilities.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with a dynamic team, supporting each other to deliver great experiences.
Customer Interaction: Provide excellent customer service, answering questions and helping guests feel welcome and confident.
Skill Development: Help participants build skills and confidence in the outdoors.
Emergency Response: Be prepared to handle incidents and administer first aid where required.
Environmental Stewardship: Promote environmental awareness and responsible outdoor practice.
Adaptability: Adjust activities to suit weather, water conditions and participant needs so everyone has a positive experience.
Please note: This page is for qualified instructors. If you are not yet qualified and are interested in training, please see our apprenticeship opportunities.
Apply for the 2026 Instructor Team
This is you
Motivated and keen to progress, you enjoy working outdoors in beautiful environments and taking responsibility for groups.
Role requirements differ depending on which position you are applying for:
Watersports Instructor applicants: You must hold appropriate paddlesports leadership qualifications and have experience canoeing and/or kayaking, with confidence leading groups on the water.
Land-Based Instructor applicants: You should have strong group leadership experience and relevant qualifications and/or delivery experience in activities such as archery, Battlezone, bushcraft and/or ropes courses.
Relevant qualifications may include:
- Paddlesport Leader (or equivalent British Canoeing leadership award)
- British Canoeing Coach or equivalent
- ERCA High Ropes Certification
- Archery GB / Archery Coach qualification
- Cycling guide qualification and bike maintenance experience
- Bushcraft qualifications and/or solid bushcraft delivery experience
Additionally, you:
- Have a recognised First Aid Award (typically 16 hours, in date)
- Are confident leading groups.
- Are happy to work weekends and bank holidays during peak season.
- Are 18+ and legally able to work in the UK.
- Are positive, professional, and a strong team player.
The benefits
- Clear progression and a personal training plan to help you reach your potential.
- Option to enrol onto our pension scheme through Scottish Widows.
- Staff discounts and deals on equipment and clothing.
- Option to buy technical uniform items at significantly reduced prices.
- Work with a variety of client groups, delivering âproperâ activity experiences, not just taster sessions.
- Access to some of our equipment and venues for training and personal development.
- Family and friends discounts so you can enjoy activities with others.
- Supportive colleagues with years of industry experience, ready to help you learn and grow.
- Optional camping accommodation at our New Forest staff campsite (via a small salary sacrifice).
Ready to kickstart your 2026 season?
Register your interest in joining our Activities Team.
Apply now
FAQs
See the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below.
How much will I be paid?
For the 2026 season, youâll be paid monthly at a rate of ÂŁ12.71 per hour. Some contracts can be flexible (zero hour), in which case youâll receive your holiday pay pro rata rather than accruing paid leave.
Do I need to be qualified already?
Yes. For instructor roles, we require you to already hold relevant NGB qualifications (see the list above). There are opportunities for training and development through the season, but if you need to gain your first qualifications, please see our apprenticeship programme instead.
How many hours a week will I work?
Our activity centre is open 7 days a week and youâll be required to work weekends as standard. Full time is typically 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, with some longer and shorter days as workloads dictate. We also have staff who work part time around other commitments.
How long is a full time seasonal role?
A full-time seasonal role is usually 6 months â March to October. We may be able to offer part-time hours outside of this period.
When can I start?
Our main intake is in March / April for the season, but weâre always interested to hear from talented instructors. If youâre available at different times, let us know your availability on the application form.
Where will work take place?
Youâll be based in Beaulieu, Hampshire. We operate multiple activity sites within the village where youâll deliver our activities.
Do I need to be able to paddle?
Paddlesport qualifications are required for Watersports Instructor roles. For Land-Based Instructor roles, paddling is not required. Please make it clear on your application which role you are applying for.
Do I need experience in the industry?
We aim for a good mix of experienced staff and those who are recently qualified. You should have some prior experience working with groups, even if thatâs from volunteering, clubs, or youth work.
What clothing and equipment will I need?
Youâll need to be ready to instruct in all kinds of weather. We provide safety and leadersâ equipment. We also have trade deals with manufacturers, and staff can access discounts on personal kit.
Do you have accommodation?
Yes. We have a campsite where we run residential school and youth trips, and each year we set up a staff area for the spring and summer. Camping accommodation is optional and comes with a small salary sacrifice.
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. Instructors must be 18+ due to solo working and group leadership responsibilities.
Can I come and visit the centre beforehand?
Absolutely. Get in touch using the contact form on this page and we can organise a suitable date and time to visit.
Apply for our 2026 Outdoor Activity Instructor roles
Drop your details into the form below to register your interest. To help us review your application quickly, please include:
- Which role you are applying for: Watersports Instructor or Land-Based Instructor.
- The qualifications you currently hold (including expiry dates for first aid and NGB awards).
- A brief summary of your outdoor instructing / group leadership experience.
- Your availability for the 2026 season (e.g. from March to October, or specific dates).
- Whether you would like to use our staff campsite accommodation.
Weâll review your application and be in touch for a chat if we think youâre a good fit for the team.