The Woodmill Outdoor Centre is managed by Southampton City Council and was the first Centre of its type to open in the country some thirty five years ago. The Centre operates at the head of the tidal river Itchen from a converted mill surrounded by parkland on the outskirts of Southampton and is conveniently located just one mile south of the M27. Woodmill is a specialist canoeing centre approved by the British Canoe Union with a large and exceptionally diverse fleet of canoes and kayaks. The Centre offers a very wide range of courses ensuring that a suitable choice is available for all ages and levels of ability.
Courses vary in duration from an evening to a week or more.
The waters around Woodmill together with the Centre's lake provide superb conditions for those taking their first paddle. More advanced courses use the floodlit tidal weirs which offer some 150 metres of moving water. Woodmill's expeditions go further afield to Spain. The Centre is also approved by the British Orienteering Federation and offers courses in orienteering. Other activities include rock climbing, rafting and dragon boat racing.