What Makes the Outdoors So Special for Older Adults in the New Forest?

Have you ever noticed how a walk beneath the trees or a chat over a picnic lunch can lift someone’s spirits, no matter their age? For older adults receiving home care, these everyday joys can become even more meaningful. The New Forest, with its ancient woodlands, gentle walking trails, and abundance of wildlife, offers an inviting outdoor setting where older adults and their caregivers can safely reconnect with nature.

Whether it’s sharing a flask of tea under a spreading oak or watching wild ponies grazing nearby, the forest provides a backdrop for calm, connection, and conversation. At Home Instead New Forest, we understand how powerful these simple pleasures can be, especially for those in later life. That’s why we’ve put together this list of senior-friendly outdoor activities designed with comfort, accessibility, and joy in mind.

Dining Outdoors, BBQs and Picnics

There’s something timeless about sharing food in the fresh air. The New Forest is full of spots where older adults and their caregivers can enjoy a relaxing picnic or a light barbecue, all while soaking up the sights and sounds of the woodland.

Favourite spots for a picnic or BBQ:

• Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary – Picnic tables, accessible parking, and a chance to spot wild deer from a raised viewing platform.
• Whitefield Moor – A flat, grassy space with parking close by and hard-standing paths ideal for mobility aids.
• Blackwater Arboretum – A peaceful area with benches and tree-lined trails, perfect for a thermos and a sandwich.

Many of these sites have accessible toilets and flat walking paths, making them suitable for those using wheelchairs or walking frames. A travel rug, folding chair, or lightweight table can also make mealtimes more comfortable.

Landscape Painting and Nature Sketching

Art in the open air is a calming and accessible way for older adults to engage with the natural world at their own pace. With birdsong as a backdrop and changing light throughout the day, the forest inspires all kinds of creativity.

Best spots for painting and sketching:

• Setley Pond near Brockenhurst – Reflections on the water and distant ponies make this an ideal place to capture peaceful scenes.
• Exbury Gardens – Colourful flowerbeds, shaded paths, and benches offer both inspiration and rest opportunities.
• Lepe Country Park – Views across the Solent, WWII landmarks, and open skies create a rich canvas for any sketchpad.

Caregivers can assist by setting up chairs, helping with materials, or simply sitting alongside for conversation. Even those who may not feel confident drawing can enjoy observing or describing what they see, a valuable sensory activity.

Older adults with an interest in nature can benefit from the forest’s many wildlife-viewing spots. These encourage quiet reflection and allow people to connect with the natural rhythms of their surroundings.

Senior-friendly wildlife experiences:

• Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary – Best viewed during spring and early summer; the viewing platform is accessible and close to the car park.
• Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve – Level paths, bird hides with ramp access, and tranquil waters make this a restful place for quiet wildlife watching.
• New Forest Wildlife Park – Paths are suitable for wheelchairs, and the staff are trained in assisting older visitors. See otters, deer, and birds of prey up close.
  

Many outdoor spots in the New Forest have worked hard to support older adults and those with additional needs. Look out for the following features:

• Flat, even surfaces or boardwalks
• Close proximity parking to trails or picnic spots
• Wheelchair-friendly toilets
• Cafés with outdoor seating and accessible entrances
• Information boards in large print or visual formats

If you’re unsure about access, Home Instead New Forest can help families find suitable locations and assist in planning outings that match a client’s physical comfort, mobility level, and interests.