Known as ‘The Northern Gateway to the New Forest’, Fordingbridge is a picturesque town on the banks of the River Avon. The town is known for its majestic medieval bridge which features seven elegant arches dating from 1286AD and was once noted for its smuggling. The infamous Captain Diamond, the "Smuggler King", spent much of his time in a local hostelry. Today, Fordingbridge is home to an eclectic mix of interesting, independent shops and boutiques. In Kings Yard, you’ll find The Towns Visitor Information Centre and Fordingbridge Museum which houses an impressive collection of exhibitions and local history.
There are plenty of really good pubs and restaurants in and around Fordingbridge. In the town centre try The George and The Bat and Ball. Close by in Whitsbury is The Cartwheel Inn, and in Rockbourne, The Rose and Thistle.
The Avon Valley footpath runs for 34 miles from Salisbury to Christchurch. The surrounding scenery is the essence of stunningly beautiful English countryside, winding through high chalk downlands and water meadows.The River Avon is a celebrated and well known fishing destination with scenic backdrops and inspiring views. You can buy day permits to fish from Riverside Park Recreation Park from the Visitor information Centre, or Q8 service station. Keen fishermen may also like to try Rockbourne Trout Fishery, a short drive north of the town centre. There are six stunning lakes for fly fishing and a tributary to the River Avon, all set in over 55 secluded acres of woodland.
The New Forest is great for star gazing its inky black skies. Enthusiasts may like to contact Fordingbridge Astronomers online. They’re amateur astronomers of all ages and abilities who are keen share their interest of astronomy and regularly meet up.
Just south of Fordingbridge in Midgham are outdoor activity specialists Insight Activities. They offer archery, crossbows, combat archery and axe throwing! During the summer months you can visit the excavation of a Roman Villa in Rockbourne, and to the north is Breamore Estate, an Elizabethan manor house, countryside museum and a fine example of an Anglo-Saxon church - open April - October.
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