New Forest Water Park

The New Forest Water Park sits just outside Ringwood, making it a proper handy stop if you're camping at one of the sites dotted around Fordingbridge or Ashley Heath. It's a straightforward water park - slides, pools, that sort of thing - aimed squarely at families with young kids who need burning out after a day tramping through the forest.

What you get depends on the season and which facilities are actually open on the day you visit, so checking ahead is essential. The park operates as a seasonal attraction rather than a year-round operation, which means summer holidays are your best bet if you're planning a trip. Admission isn't free, and prices vary by activity, so it's worth looking at their website before you go.

Honestly, it works best as a half-day thing - a couple of hours max to cool off and let the kids burn some energy. It's not the sort of place you'd spend a full day at unless your children are absolutely obsessed with water slides. The real draw for families staying at the nearby campsites is convenience rather than spectacle. After a morning's walk around the New Forest's trails, it breaks up the day without requiring a long drive.

For teenagers or adults without little ones in tow, you're better off sticking to the forest itself. But if you've got primary-school-aged kids and the weather's warm, it's worth the detour from Fordingbridge or Ashley Heath. Ring ahead to confirm what's open and what the charges are - saves a wasted trip.