Hampshire & IOW Area BDS
Driving Week
Driving week, or New Forest driving week, is a long-standing tradition where the Hampshire & Isle of Wight area organise a week of drives and socials during the last week of September. Find details of the drives on this page and use the link below to download a booking form when it is released.
What is on offer during driving week?
Drives
The majority of drives are spider drives, where members meet for a picnic, cakes, or a pub lunch after starting at various points throughout the forest. We also have a Sunday best processional drive with a shorter or longer route available.
Celebration Dinner
The highlight of the week (other than the driving) is the Friday formal dinner. A chance to enjoy fine dining, fine company and have a dance after dinner.
Dress code is smart. Dress up as much as you want.
Socials
In addition to the formal dinner, there are often other socials, from the simplicity of a 'nominated pub' or a more organised "pony drive". For 2025 we are trying to find a venue for a skittles evening - keep an eye out on the website for details.
Due to equine influenza and the impacts of the A31 fire, driving week has a slightly different format for 2026
Driving Week Events
Check out the drives and social events below. Once you have decided which drives you want to attend you will need to complete the booking form and send in your entry. Events are strictly limited to BDS members and must be pre-booked - this includes any turnouts that may be visiting you - this is to ensure you are covered by your BDS insurance.
Booking form to be sent to Sarah Simmons by email or post (include a stamped self-addressed envelope).
For 2026 there is no combined booking form, see individual events for booking deatils.
