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 with things to do in Fordingbridge 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).

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.

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. Make sure you visit Fordingbridge Farm Shop - a wonderful farm shop, full with incredible local produce, including their own butchery, salad bar and an onsite cafe during the day and licensed bar on weekend evenings!

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 Wayside. 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.

There are also lots of stunning campsites in and around Fordingbridge, including Harry's Field, Harry's Meadow, Jubilee Camping, Croft Cottage Camping, Chapelfiel Camping and Brooklands Farm Camping.

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

Where to eat and drink in Fordingbridge

Within the town there are several places to eat including a selection of pubs and cafes. It's also worth heading just out of the town, where you can find lots of other great places for food and drink, including Hockey's Farm and delicious light bites at Fordingbridge Farm Shop. Sandy Balls Holiday Village also have 2 great places to eat on site, Aubrey's Forest Kitchen and The Woodside Inn.

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

Stag and Hen Do Activities in the New Forest

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

Alderholt Mill Self Catering

Picturesque working water mill. A traditional cream tea will be offered on arrival Private fishing…

St Mary's Garden Cottage

St Mary's Garden Cottage is a secluded, period cottage in the tranquil village of Lover. Peace and…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1648 reviews
Sandy Balls Holiday Village

Location:

Fordingbridge, The New Forest
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
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…
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Undercastle Cottage

Location:

Fordingbridge

An award-winning and luxurious cottage set deep in the New Forest National Park, with direct access on to the forest for walks and bikes rides. Gastropubs are close by and up to two dogs are very welcome. For the fishermen amongst you, there are…
Special Offers
- A special rate for up to 4 guests staying in the main house only (excludes The Fishing Lodge) between:
  1st October 2020 until 26th March 2021 (excluding Christmas and New Year)2nd October 2021 until 27th March 2022 (excluding Christmas and New Year)
  
  Please note that The Fishing Lodge is not available to rent on its own.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1059 reviews
Stag and Hen Do Activities in the New Forest

Location:

SP63BP, Fordingbridge

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

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviews
Hucklesbrook Farm New Forest Holiday Cottages

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Hucklesbrook Farm New Forest Holiday Cottages are in the delightful New Forest Hamlet of South Gorley, Near Fordingbridge.
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Alderholt Mill Self Catering

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Picturesque working water mill. A traditional cream tea will be offered on arrival Private fishing on site (June - March). Unwind in this peaceful corner of Old England. two self-catering units available both sleeping 2 persons only
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
49 reviews
Rockbourne Roman Villa

Location:

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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St Mary's Garden Cottage

Location:

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
1059 reviews
Woodland Archery in the New Forest - Axe Throwing & Crosbows too!

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Insight Activities provide authentic woodland activities from a gorgeous private woodland in the New Forest - We specialise in fun Archery sessions, Crossbow shooting, Axe Throwing and Bushcraft skills. Everybody welcome....pre-booking essential…
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Facilities

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Brooklands Farm Camping

Location:

Fordingbridge

Sleep in a grassy field under the stars in the New Forest National Park.

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Chapelfield Camping

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Chapelfield is a much-loved campsite where many happy holidays have been enjoyed over the last 10 years. An exciting extra for 2020 will be the opportunity to come 'glamping' at Chapelfield.
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Croft Cottage Camping and Lodge

Location:

Fordingbridge

Croft Cottage Campsite consists of nearly an acre of flat well drained short mown grass and is well sheltered. It has 12 marked pitches with the option of electric hook-ups, approximately 12m x 7m, around the edge. Good facilities, beautiful…

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Lake Farm

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Lake Farm offers all year round New Forest holidays in one of eight lovely self catering log cabins - some with hot tubs, situated in a delightful 60 acre rural setting and only a short stroll away from our 3 acre lake.
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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
27 reviews
Wayside

Location:

Fordingbridge
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
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
- Welcome to Wayside in the New Forest. Happily our Covid-19 measures endorsed by the "We're Good To Go" industry standard by Visit Britain have been running smoothly and keeping our guests and staff safe. We are doing things differently to keep you and ourselves safe and do get in touch to learn more about the measures we have put in place. Newly redecorated and carpeted for 2022 with many new furnishings. REMEMBER OUR OFFER INCLUDES UTILITIES, (PLEASE ENQUIRE ABOUT CHARGING ELECTRIC VENICLES) FAMILY SWIMMING PASS TO SANDY BALLS LEISURE CENTRE, WIFI, SKY TV WITH SPORTS & BT SPORT, CAR PARKING CLOCK for local areas. Secure bike storage. FOUR STAR GOLD ACCOMMODATION.Tel. 01425 654892 / 07751933051, email- info@yournewforestholiday.co.uk
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Harry's Meadow

Location:

Fordingbridge

Harry's Meadow is an exquisite 20 acre tree lined wild flower meadow offering pitches for camping with tents, camper vans and motor homes, and with we also have the option to book bell tents too.

Our Meadow is easily accessible from routes. There…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
23 reviews
Garden Cottage

Location:

Rockbourne, Fordingbridge
Awards

Other Awards Book Direct 2019
Awards

Visit Britain We're Good to Go 2020
Awards

The AA AA COVID Confident Scheme 2021
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
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Harry's Field

Location:

Fordingbridge

Harry’s Field is a perfectly formed campsite in one of the New Forest’s most striking hamlet’s.

In the perfect location and with all the facilities you need, it's a great place to stay beneath the stars. Facilities include hot showers and…

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Fordingbridge Farm Shop

Location:

Fordingbridge

We are a family-run farm shop offering locally sourced seasonal produce from the New Forest and surrounding areas. From native breed meats to fresh fruit and vegetables, artisanal cheeses to Hampshire charcuterie, confectionary to everyday staples,…

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Alderholt Mill Flour - Collection & Delivery Service

Location:

Fordingbridge

We supply freshly milled wholemeal and strong white flour (no additives) a completely natural food We offer a self-service trolley outside the Mill (SP6 1PU) for the purchase of 3.5 kilo bags or 1.5 kilo bags, bigger quantities i.e 16- 20 kilos…

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Hockeys Farm

Location:

Fordingbridge

Award winning family owned Farm Shop & Cafe set in the beautiful New Forest. Open Daily. We support local farmers and producers. We offer a full butcher’s service, fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, deli and dairy and much more. We produce our own…

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Hockeys Farm - Farmyard Cafe

Location:

Fordingbridge

The Farmyard Cafe, at Hockey's Farm Shop ...Open daily from 9am to 5pm for hot/cold drinks and food. Fully licensed. Last orders for hot food 3pm, drinks and afternoon cake served until 4.30pm

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