Fordingbridge is a charming riverside town on the banks of the River Avon. Fordingbridge serves as the northern gateway to the New Forest and is incredibly close to the New Forest National Park.
Fordingbridge and the nearby New Forest are both delightful locations for enjoying some family time, escaping normality and making great memories in a gorgeous, natural setting. When visiting charming Fordingbridge, the neighbouring New Forest is just a short drive away and within the New Forest, you’ll find several gorgeous hotels at the New Forest Collection. A beautiful collection of hotels perfect for short breaks, family escapes and romantic hideaways nestled in the magic of the New Forest.
On the banks of the River Avon, next to the 13th Century seven arched bridge, the Fordingbridge recreation ground and playground is as picturesque as a storybook. The apparatus is arranged within a large area and there is lots of space to enjoy walks, games and some relaxation. When visiting Fordingbridge, there are plenty of exciting things to see and do, especially for young families. Fordingbridge Park is filled with play areas, lots of exciting equipment and spacious gardens.
Families can set up camp for the day in front of the historic mediaeval bridge and allow the children free rein to enjoy the variety of green spaces. From traditional swings and seesaws to roundabouts and monkey bars, the little ones will be more than happy to do what kids do best and have endless fun. Alternatively, bring a skateboard and hit the skate slope, bring a ball for a family kick-around, or a packed lunch picnic and sit in the sun enjoying some delicious homemade treats.
Fordingbridge Park is also home to a fabulous little paddling pool, ideal for little ones! The paddling pool is very shallow and perfect for a little cooling dip and a play in the sun. Bring suitable shoes and clothes, roll up your trousers and let the small ones splash around to their hearts’ content.
Fordingbridge Park is one of the best places to enjoy a spot of fishing. Perfectly situated on the Hampshire Avon, you’ll be in a great location to hook a variety of fish. In fact, the Hampshire Avon has one of the most prestigious angling histories of any river in the UK and has seen notable catches including:
Roach to 3lb
Chub to 6lb 10oz
Dace to 1lb
Perch to 2lb
Carp to 10lb+
Pike to 20lb +
Rainbow Trout to 6lb +
Visitors to Fordingbridge Park must (with the exception of rainbow trout) return all caught fish.
Fordingbridge Park is open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm and you can purchase an adult day ticket for £5 or a week ticket for £15 and juniors (under 16) go free.
The ideal family location and perfect for a relaxed day out for everyone, Fordingbridge Park has something for everyone. Allow the little ones to explore the activity parks, taking turns on the swings and jumping on the roundabout to be spun. Then onto the slide and various climbing frames. Kids will do what kids do best and imagine endless games and quests, running around the playground til it’s time for your picnic lunch. You simply can’t beat a relaxed and family-fuelled day at a classic playground.
After a day of running, jumping and rolling around, take some time to pause and reflect in the beautiful Memorial Gardens. Walk along the river and end in the gardens, admiring the gorgeous landscape and variety of flowers, paying your respects to those remembered.
A trip to Fordingbridge Park is the ideal way to spend a free day when visiting the New Forest and just a 20 minute drive from the various hotels that make up the New Forest Collection. The Collection comprises a selection of gorgeous hotels, perfect for a family trip to the New Forest.
The hotels include the charming Georgian townhouse, Forest Lodge. An ideal retreat for families complete with a pool, beautiful gardens and peaceful rooms. Alternatively, striking Bartley Lodge has a selection of snug, deluxe and family rooms in an impressive Grade-II listed building. Bartley Lodge also sits on eight gorgeous acres of ground and creates the perfect tranquil space for some family time when in the New Forest.
Beaulieu Inn is another hotel within the collection, a family hotel near Lyndhurst, known for comfy rooms, fantastic service and quaint gardens surrounding. Just next door you’ll find The Drift, the charming country pub, serving up traditional English classic dishes and lots of choice for little ones. Each hotel has its on-site dining facilities with menus of delicious, locally sourced meals, perfect for a family dinner after a day exploring Fordingbridge Park and the nearby national park.
Forest Lodge, Bartley Lodge and Beaulieu Inn also boast indoor swimming pools and there is a selection of dog-friendly rooms across the collection, making the New Forest Collection the perfect spot for a break for the whole family. Enjoy a short or long stay at the collection and make the most of the gorgeous countryside, picturesque New Forest National Park and the selection of charming towns and vik nearby.
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