Fordingbridge

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Known as the northern gateway to The New Forest, Fordingbridge, is a small riverside town. Built on the banks of the River Avon, Fordingbridge was recorded in the Domesday Book under the name ‘Forde’.

A key landmark of the town is the medieval bridge, upstream from the ford, with its seven graceful arches that span the river.

Once an industrial town and commercial centre, Fordingbridge was also noted for its smuggling - the infamous Captain Diamond, the ‘Smuggler King' spent much of his time in a local hostelry. During the 16th century, the town was a centre for cloth making.

St Mary’s Church, just off the High Street, was also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. It has features of Norman architecture and was restored in the 19th century. Within the churchyard you can find a memorial to James Alexander Seton, the last British man killed in a duel in England.

The artist Paul Kidby, best known for his art based on Terry Pratchett's Discworld, lives and works in Fordingbridge to this day.

These days, the town offers a range of independent shops, pubs and restaurants.

Things to do in Fordingbridge

A great place to start is with a visit the town's museum. Open from Easter until the end of October, this free museum brings the local history to life. You will find out more about the history of the local businesses and trades, get to experience a WWII bomb shelter and learn about one of Fordingbridge’s famous residents, local artist Augustus John.

You can find a statue of the artist near to the town bridge. A controversial figure in the town, Augustus John lived here between 1927 and 1961.

Close by is Fordingbridge Riverside Park with children's play area, secluded memorial gardens, parks and sports playing fields. There are also opportunities for day fishing at the Recreation Ground (tickets can be purchased from the Riverside Kiosk).

Within the town there are several places to eat including a selection of pubs. Shoppers can expect a range of local food shops, a gift shop and a couple of garden centres. Cream teas and freshly-ground flour are on offer at nearby Alderholt Mill.

For keen walkers, The Avon Valley Path, a long-distance walking route from Salisbury to Christchurch, passes through Fordingbridge. This is a great way of exploring some of the town’s nearby countryside and take in some of the sweeping views across the River Avon.

The open heathlands of the New Forest are just a short distance away from Fordingbridge. Nearby Godshill is a popular spot for a walk for both locals and visitors alike.

Cycling is another popular activity in the Fordingbridge area. Sandy Balls Holiday Village and Hockey’s Farm Shop (both within a short distance of Fordingbridge) offer bike hire and can suggest some cycling routes for you depending on your ability.

See if you can negotiate your way around the inflatable obstacles at the New Forest Water Park. Other options also include paddle boarding, kayaking, wake boarding and water-skiing. There is also a clubhouse overlooking the lake for those who prefer something slightly more sedate!

Insight Activities offers woodland activities at Featherdown Farm, near Fordingbridge. Archery, rifle crossbows, axe throwing, archery combat tag, bushcraft skills and giant catapults make up some of the activities you can get involved with here.

The Romans made their impact on the local area and a fascinating place to visit is Rockbourne Roman Villa, just four miles from Fordingbridge. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the Elizabethan Manor of Breamore House with its Countryside Museum. Completed in 1593, the house today looks much the same as to the original owners. A footpath from Breamore House leads you to a walk to the Breamore Mizmaze, a labyrinth where all paths eventually lead to the little mound in the centre.

Fordingbridge also have their own Cinema, which has screenings every day of the lastest films and also the classics! The Regal Cinema is a beautiful, newly refurbished cinema and is the perfect place to visit if the weather is a bit grotty outside or for an evening family outing or romantic date.

To the south of Fordingbridge, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve makes an interesting stop for nature lovers. These former gravel pits are now a haven for wildfowl, dragonflies and other wildlife.

Events in Fordingbridge

Fordingbridge Museum holds temporary exhibitions, talks and other history events.

Nearby Breamore House holds a variety of car shows on certain weekends over the summer months as well as the popular Countryside Museum Working Weekend.

Explore some of the countryside on a gentle stroll with Walking Picnics. Each walk takes in some of the special nature of the New Forest, followed by a tasty picnic.

For families, Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve offers a variety of events during the school holidays including nature walks. For adults, there is also a range of workshops available including photography courses.

To find out more about events taking place in and around Fordingbridge keep an eye on our what’s on pages.

Places to stay in and around Fordingbridge

There are several places to stay on the outskirts and nearby to Fordingbridge including a handful of self-catering holiday cottages, a couple of B&Bs and a holiday village.

West Park Farm has four stunning character barn conversions set within working family farm to the northwest of the town. Further south is Alderholt Mill, a picturesque working water mill and self-catering cottage and B&B.

To the east of Fordingbridge at the small village of Godshill there are a handful of self-catering properties including Croft Cottage The Lodge, Wayside and Graylands Cottage. Godshill is also home to the famous Sandy Balls Holiday Village which comes with pool, bar, gym and spa. Touring pitches for tents and caravans, plus glamping pods are also available here.

Short Stay Homes also have some fantastic Self Catering properties located in Fordingbridge and around the New Forest. From picturesque thatched cottages to riverside lodges, there are loads of wonderful places to choose from.

Take a look at our accommodation pages to enquire about availability for your Fordingbridge-based break today.

Getting to Fordingbridge

Fordingbridge is easily accessible from Salisbury and Bournemouth via the A338.

The nearest railway station to Fordingbridge is at Salisbury, 11 miles north of the town.

Regular buses like Fordingbridge from Salisbury, Bournemouth, Verwood and Ferndown.

Highlights

Surma Valley Indian Restaurant

This New Forest Restaurant is newly redecorated and totally renewed internally to a very high…

Undercastle Cottage

Beautiful, luxurious thatched cottage situated on the banks of the Hampshire Avon. Direct access on…

Sandy Balls Holiday Village

Surrounded by the outstanding natural beauty of the New Forest National Park, Sandy Balls combines…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
981 reviews
Sandy Balls Holiday Village

Fordingbridge, The New Forest

Surrounded by the outstanding natural beauty of the New Forest National Park, Sandy Balls combines an enviable location with an excellent choice of facilities. The perfect getaway for families, couples or groups of friends in this wonderful, unique…
Special Offers
- 10% off September breaks (excludes Mill Rythe) Use code: SEPT10 * Arriving between 1st – 30th September on bookings made before 31st August. Offer excludes Mill Rythe and Touring & Camping. All prices are correct at the time of publish and are subject to availability. 15% off October breaks (excludes Mill Rythe) Use code: OCT15 * Arriving between 1st – 31st October on bookings made before 31st August. Offer excludes Mill Rythe and Touring & Camping. All prices are correct at the time of publish and are subject to availability.
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Surma Valley Indian Restaurant

Burgate

This New Forest Restaurant is newly redecorated and totally renewed internally to a very high specification providing a 100 cover restaurant with large open inglenook fireplace and low beams and several private dining areas.

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Undercastle Cottage

Fordingbridge

Beautiful, luxurious thatched cottage situated on the banks of the Hampshire Avon. Direct access on to the forest and two dogs are very welcome. For the fishermen amongst you there is 1100 yards of private fishing. Sleeps up to 6. Open fires and a…
Special Offers
- A special rate for up to 4 guests applies all year round. At Undercastle Cottage the 'Just for Four' rate is 20% discount, you will have use of the two bedrooms in the main house, the fishing lodge will be unavailable. The discount is calculated on the availability and booking page, if you have any queries please don't hesitate to get in touch
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St Mary's Garden Cottage

Salisbury

St Mary's Garden Cottage is a secluded, period cottage in the tranquil village of Lover. Peace and quiet is complimented by walks and cycle rides directly to the forest from your doorstep

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
39 reviews
Rockbourne Roman Villa

Fordingbridge

Rockbourne Roman Villa is a unique archaeological site and museum, situated in a peaceful part of Hampshire near the historic town of Fordingbridge, on the edge of the New Forest.

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Lake Farm

Fordingbridge

Lake Farm offers all year round New Forest holidays in one of eight luxury self catering log cabins, situated in a delightful 60 acre rural setting and only a short stroll away from our 3 acre lake.

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11 reviews
Wayside

Fordingbridge
Awards
- Other Awards Book Direct 2019
This 4 star gold award self catering accommodation with its own private outdoor spaces sleeps four. It is quietly located on the edge of The New Forest adjacent to Sandy Balls Holiday Centre for which a family swimming pass is included.
Special Offers
- Just 25 mins from Peppa Pig World- INCLUDES UTILITIES, LINEN, FAMILY SWIMMING PASS TO SANDY BALLS LEISURE CENTRE, WIFI, SKY TV WITH SPORTS, CAR PARKING CLOCK for local areas. FOUR STAR GOLD ACCOMMODATION.Tel. 01425 654892 / 07751933051, email- info@yournewforestholiday.co.uk
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
Hucklesbrook Farm New Forest Holiday Cottages

Fordingbridge
Awards
- Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Hucklesbrook Farm New Forest Holiday Cottages are in the delightful New Forest Hamlet of South Gorley, Near Fordingbridge.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
589 reviews
Stag and Hen Do Activities in the New Forest

Fordingbridge

Medieval Madness - Stag and Hen do activities in the New Forest with Insight Activities

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Croft Cottage The Lodge

Fordingbridge

The beautiful well equipped Lodge is situated in the 2 acre grounds of Croft Cottage B&B, which has been described as "a children's paradise". Just a few minutes walk from the open forest and the facilities of Sandy Balls Holiday Village.

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Shepherds Spring Cottages

Fordingbridge

Shepherd Spring Cottages comprises two characteristic Cottages and one spacious Maisonette that can be rented as individual units for family or group stays of 5-6 people depending on the accommodation, or as one complex that can host 17 people. …

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
589 reviews
Insight Activities - Archery New Forest

Fordingbridge

Insight Activities run authentic woodland activities from a gorgeous private woodland in the New Forest - We specialise in Archery, Rifle Crossbows, Axe Throwing and Archery Combat Tag. Everybody welcome....pre-booking essential.
We are a small…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
18 reviews
Garden Cottage

Rockbourne, Fordingbridge
Awards
- Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Cosy, comfortable well-equipped cottage in attractive downland village of Rockbourne close to the New Forest, Salisbury and Cranborne Chase. Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, one double and one twin plus cot.
Special Offers
- Late Availability Saturday 31st August 7 nights £520 or minimum 4 nights £400.
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Alderholt Mill Self Catering

Fordingbridge
Awards
- Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Picturesque working water mill. A traditional cream tea will be offered on arrival Private fishing on site. Unwind in this peaceful corner of Old England. one self-catering unit available sleeping 2 persons only
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Graylands Cottage

Fordingbridge

Quietly situated Forester's cottage, part modernised with original features including log fire. Magnificient views over New Forest including deer and many species of birds. Walking, fishing, riding, golf nearby. WiFi. 70% of guests rebook.
Special Offers
- Graylands cottage is ideally suited for families and dog owners, but if there’s just two of you don’t fear - we offer a 10% discount.
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Godshill and Castle Hill

Fordingbridge

This walk takes you along quiet field and woodland paths to the site of an Iron Age hill fort. It then continues to a stream-side hamlet on the edge of Castle Hill. There are views across the beautiful Avon Valley with its wildlife-rich water…

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Once Upon a Woodland Wedding Open Day

Sandleheath, Fordingbridge

Open day for brides & grooms to meet with local suppliers and view this beautiful new venue.
Once Upon a woodland is for the DIY, Festival, Outdoor & Free Sprit Couples.
Also available for Hen Parties

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Christmas Spectacular

Fordingbridge, The New Forest

A cosy woodland lodge, the smell of mulled wine, snow in the village square, twinkly lights galore and festive entertainment for all the family.

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Hale and Woodgreen

Woodfalls

The route starts at Woodfalls and follows a section of the Avon Valley Path through fields and woods to the charming village of Hatchet Green. You then pass Hale House and St Mary's Church before walking alongside the peaceful River Avon. At…

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Breamore House and Museum

Near Fordingbridge

Breamore House was completed in 1583 and looks today much as it would have done to its’ original owners. The museum shows collections of agricultural and trade tools covering 10 generations and used until early 20th Century.

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