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Town in Hampshire, England
Photo: Clive Perrin, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Fordingbridge is a small town in Hampshire, on the northwestern edge of the New Forest National Park. The town itself is mostly known for its 13th-century bridge over the River Avon, but the nearby villages of Breamore and Rockbourne each have sights of their own, from the remains of a 2000-year old mansion, to a fascinating agricultural museum. Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside of farmland and forest offers some great outdoor pursuits, chief among them fishing, riding and watersports.
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One of only two bridges in the UK with seven arches, this is a pretty spot to take in the river. If the constant stream of traffic puts you off, you can get a more peaceful view of the ancient crossing from Riverside Park.
Grade II-listed bronze sculpture of the Fordingbridge artist, by Ivor Roberts-Jones. In contrast to many overidealised memorial statues, John is depicted as rather showing his age, looking unsteady on his feet, albeit still brimming with passion and something akin to defiance.
Volunteer-run museum which, over two floors of a former granary, packs in displays on almost every aspect of local life and history you could think of: small businesses, archive photos, Augustus John, town life during the Victorian and wartime eras, the local footie club...
Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Anglo-Saxon St Mary's was rebuilt from circa 1150 until 1230 by the Normans. It's attractive, if fairly typical of rural churches in the region, with the main historical interest being two memorials: one to Charles Chubb, the locksmith and safe manufacturer; the other to James Seton, a young man whose sad claim to fame is for being the last person to be killed in a duel on English soil, in 1845.
An Elizabethan (late 16th century) manor house with very fine period furniture, paintings, and tapestries. Each of the main rooms is seemingly frozen in a particular era, from the Tudor great hall and bedrooms, to the Stuart dining room and Regency-era drawing rooms. The house was built on the site of an Augustinian monastery, a victim of the Reformation, and has been in the hands of the Hulse family for nine generations. The ground floor is accessible to wheelchair users.
A handsome flint church whose external architecture has scarcely been altered since the 10th century, having survived a millennium during which almost every other Saxon church in the country was extensively modified by successive generations of 'improvers' who thought they knew better. The insides were messed with a bit more, yet many of the original features remain. Look out for an exceedingly rare example of a surviving Old English inscription, above a sturdy arched doorway, along with an equally old and rare 'rood' (depiction of Jesus on the cross) and other ancient wall paintings. It's no exaggeration to say that this is one of England's most historically important churches.
The comprehensive collection of steam-powered farm machinery, including a gorgeous red traction engine called "The Dreadnought", is just the start. This museum brings Breamore life as it was 100+ years ago into the present day with a replica farm worker's cottage, and faithful recreations of numerous village amenities: the schoolroom, smithy, dairy, brewery, the wheelwright's shop, the saddler's shop, a laundry... Fully accessible to wheelchair users.
A medieval turf maze in a grove of yew trees atop Breamore Down, one of only two surviving examples in England. Composed of concentric rings which lead to the centre and bisected by a Christian cross, it is believed to have been created by the monks of Breamore Priory, who apparently crawled to the middle on their knees while praying as penitence. The maze is fenced off, so you can't try it out, but you can see all of it and the hike to get there offers some fab views over the countryside.
This luxurious courtyard villa was built during the first five centuries of the common era, and subsequently vanished beneath the earth before being rediscovered by a farmer's dog in 1942. The few visible remains include an excavated portion of hypocaust and some wonderfully-preserved mosaic. The adjacent museum houses other Roman objects discovered at the villa and in the local area: tools, pottery, a hoard of coins, a mysterious skeleton, and two 3rd-century milestones with Latin inscription. Kids can make their own mosaic and dress up as a centurion. On-site café and picnic area.
Fordingbridge Park or Recreation Ground
Despite not knowing what to call itself, this has pretty much everything you'd want from a small town park: a decent-sized playground, sports pitches, a snack kiosk that makes its own ice lollies, and even a shingle beach where you can paddle or swim in the languid waters of the Avon.
Fish anywhere along the river's course through the park and try your luck at landing grayling, pike, perch, roach, or trout.
Classy Art Deco cinema, built in 1933 and lovingly restored in 2016. The façade is nice, but the lobby and the bar are something else, so make sure you allow some time to enjoy them before or after the film. The intimate 30-seat auditorium makes each screening - of film, live theatre or opera - special.
British Horse Society and Pony Club-accredited stables offering group and private tuition at all levels of experience. Or you can enjoy some of the finest horse country in England with a guided "hack" (leisure ride) into the New Forest.
archery & axe throwing
Email via online contact form (page bottom). Supervised fun with mediaeval weapons in the woods! Guided sessions for absolute beginners in longbow archery, crossbow shooting and axe throwing. The tuition is personable and humorous with an emphasis on safety and proper technique. Combine a lesson with an activity: in 'Siege the Castle', groups design their own giant projectile and fire at a model castle, while 'Combat Tag' combines a number of archery team games - back-to-back duelling, capture the flag and something called 'death match'. The archery range is open to all ages, while the other activities aren't suitable for children under 12.
A private lake for water sports and activities. There are two wakeboard systems; one for beginners to practise (15 min lessons are usually enough even for first-timers), and a main course on which to try out tricks, jumps and rails. The Aqua Park features two floating obstacle courses with hurdles, climbing walls, slides and more. For a more relaxing activity, the park also offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and freshwater swimming. The park also has a campsite (see below).
Fish for trout at this complex of six lakes with exclusive access to a 1-mile stretch of pristine chalk stream. The wild Hampshire natives are brown trout, though other species have been brought in from around the world to supplement these. At the end of the day, you can swap your catch for a packet of smoked trout.
Annual community festival on a Saturday in mid-July. Expect heavy horse obstacle racing, dog shows, tug of war, falconry, arts and crafts, and live music.
Pick your own pumpkins: choose from 30 varieties (and not just the bright orange ones), explore recipes, or carve your own jack-o-lantern. Family-friendly games, seasonal crafts, and hot and cold refreshments are all part of the fun.
Chatty bakery and tea shop, popular for its artisan bread, cakes, and sausage rolls.
Great café open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Fine collection of baguettes and paninis, garnished jacket spuds, and a few hot meals (cottage pie, macaroni cheese). Something sweet for afters? Look no further than their amazing Dorset apple cake with clotted cream.
Locally-popular fast food shop for kebabs, burgers, chicken and pizza, all freshly made to order. Limited indoor seating.
In Britain, all the best neighbourhood curry houses inspire loyal local followings for their friendly service of well-cooked old favourites at a reasonable price. This is such a place.
Above-average Italian food served in a smart red-brick and white-tablecloth restaurant.
"First class" modern British dining in a space designed to resemble a Pullman carriage entering a tunnel; in summer, the tables spill onto an outdoor terrace which is like a station platform from the age of steam. The hotel also serves its own brand of bitter, amber ale, and cider.
18th-century riverside gastropub serving Hampshire favourites: steak and chips, chalk stream trout, lobster linguine. Save room for the local cheese board. The very sad selection of draught beers is made up for by extensive wine and cocktail lists. On sunny days, the outdoor terrace has a prime view of the Great Bridge.
Classic English and French cuisine using local ingredients. The simple menu has only five dishes in each course.
International pub grub with great choice of dishes from fish to grills, sandwiches, pizzas and salads. Large beer garden with awnings, and three fireplaces inside.
Characterful thatched pub-restaurant with cosy interior and lovely beer garden. Owned by a consortium of villagers, it's had a reputation for good seasonal food for donkey's years. The menu has little in the way of vegetarian or vegan food, but chef can accommodate. Local real ale and cider on tap.
Traditional inn with four en-suite rooms, some of which have sweet original features. Continental breakfast included. Greene King pub, so food and beer nothing spectacular, but the rest of the town is on your doorstep.
Charming wisteria-covered B&B at a working watermill, with one self-catering cottage (sleeps two). All rooms en-suite. Attractive gardens with a mill pond, outdoor seating and BBQ available to use. And yes, you can buy a bag of flour from the mill.
Opened in the 1860s, this inn once served rail travellers arriving in town from the station next door, but declined when the trains stopped running. Restored to its late Victorian glory in 2019, this is now a smart boutique hotel and bar with five en-suite rooms (including one wheelchair-accessible), each themed around a famous train service of yore. They also have a "railway cottage" that sleeps four, with a lounge, kitchenette and dining area. See Eat for details on Pullman 'dining car' restaurant.
A range of en-suite twin, double, and family rooms overlooking the gardens and forest. All rooms have access to communal gardens and sauna, while some rooms have a private terrace with hot tub. Continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Email through website. Peaceful field for pitching a tent. Clean toilets and showers. Child and dog-friendly with play equipment. A small enclosure with sheep and chickens cultivates a rustic atmosphere.
Very peaceful basic campsite with no facilities other than a washroom (the name is Welsh for "Snail Field"). Campfires and barbecues are allowed, but there's a no-noise policy after dark. Children and dogs welcome.
Large campsite on Hale Park Estate, open Jul-Aug. Dogs welcome.
Camping and caravan park inside Dorset by a cat's whisker. In addition to the traditional tent, caravan, and motorhome pitches, the site also has accommodation for hire. If a 'luxury lodge' with double beds, en-suite shower room and full kitchen sounds like cheating, then a more basic 'shepherd's hut' might be more to your taste. Children and leashed dogs welcome.
Feather Down
Glamping on a working family farm. Choose between a canvas or log cabin (all sleep 6), which come with fully made-up double or bunk beds, private shower, living and cooking areas, running water and log-burning stove. BBQ facilities and on-site shop. Private fishing and swimming in the river. Archery and axe-throwing at Insight Activities next-door.
Rustic woodland campsite for tents and campervans (no electric hook-ups). Every pitch has a firepit. Under-21s must be "accompanied by an adult" (yes, really). No dogs or rowdy groups.
Despite a name straight out of Carry On Camping, this rather large resort of static caravans and wood cabins is perfectly family-friendly, with great access to nature and numerous facilities (play areas, dog park, pools...) and activities (archery, cycling, fishing...) to keep everyone entertained. You don't even need to leave to get fed and watered, as they also have a restaurant, pub and minimarket.
Children big and small love this toy store, selling figurines, playsets, games and other collectibles. Wide range of brands from Lego and Playmobil to Star Wars, Transformers, My Little Pony and Sylvanian Families. Even better, the owner knows his Stormtroopers from his Decepticons.
A friendly and knowledgeable couple staff this shop which has everything you'd expect from a chain (including next-day in-store delivery), plus extras that only an independent could provide: hot drinks while you browse, a piano to tinkle on if you're brave enough and, most importantly, plenty of local interest books.
Ladies' clothing, accessories and interior design. Full of beautiful and original things, this shop attracts customers from far and wide.
Delightfully old-fashioned butcher shop which, as the handpainted sign over the door proudly boasts, is "licensed to sell game and venison". The vast majority of their meat comes from Hampshire or Dorset, and much of it from the New Forest. Try their breakfast special - pork sausage and a fried egg dripping with yolk served in a bagel; it ain't kosher, but it sure is tasty!
Artisan bakery known for its sourdough breads and seasonal cakes and pastry. Takeaway only.
Foodie heaven. The colourful wall of fruit and veg is just the start: you may also be tempted by their charcuterie and cheese counter, focaccia selection, preserves and condiments. If you're self-catering in the area, why not try one of their recipe boxes?
Opened in 2021. A vast range of exquisitely-presented groceries from Hampshire and Dorset. Loads of affordable fresh veg, cheese, preserves, pastries and wine, while the dry-aging meat is a sight to behold. Hot and cold ready meals prepared on-site. Staff are friendly and knowledgable about food.
This shop's tagline is "Bring the New Forest home", and that's exactly what you can do with their range of regional food and drink produce. Hockey's butcher much of their own meat, and source the rest from nearby farms; their pigs forage for acorns and mushrooms in the traditional way in the forest during autumn. It's not all raw protein, though, as you can also pick up local fruit and veg, dairy, beer and cider. Further information on provenance is published on their website.
A weekly homemade market for fresh bread and cakes, seasonal fruit and veg, preserves, flowers and knitwear.
By car
By far the best means of reaching Fordingbridge, not least because most of the area's attractions are out of the town.
By public transport
Fordingbridge lost its railway line in the 1960s, and the nearest station is now at Salisbury, which receives trains from towns and cities across southern Britain, including London, Southampton,…
On foot
The Avon Valley Path is a 34-mile (55-km) trail linking Salisbury to Christchurch via Fordingbridge, broadly following the River Avon through pretty Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside.
Fordingbridge is a small town that any able-bodied person can comfortably navigate on foot.
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