Fordingbridge is a charming riverside town, nestled on the banks of the River Avon and serves as the northern gateway to the gorgeous New Forest. This historic town has a rich past that dates back to the Norman era.
One of Fordingbridge’s most iconic landmarks is its mediaeval bridge, which spans the river with seven graceful arches. The picturesque bridge was built upstream from the ford and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside. During the 16th century, Fordingbridge was a thriving centre for cloth making. However, the town’s economy later shifted to other industries, such as tanning and brewing. Fordingbridge was also a popular smuggling destination with many tales of the smugglers that swept through the area.
Today, Fordingbridge is a peaceful and picturesque town that is steeped in history and an ideal base for exploring the New Forest. Within the New Forest, you’ll stumble across the beautiful national park that is home to a variety of wildlife and plant life, and an abundance of Fordingbridge fishing opportunities.
When enjoying fishing in the New Forest, one of the best, local places to stay is the gorgeous New Forest Collection. A charming collection of hotels dotted across the New Forest National Park hosting romantic adults-only escapes, family-friendly short breaks, and providing the ideal base location for enjoying a fishing trip in the New Forest.
Fordingbridge Park is one of the best places to enjoy a spot of fishing in the New Forest. Here, you can take part in coarse and trout fishing on the Hampshire Avon, an incredible location for fishing in the New Forest. The Hampshire Avon has one of the most prestigious angling histories of any river in the UK and this popular stretch in Fordingbridge 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 +
Fordingbrige Park is abundant in facilities for its guests. On-site you’ll find a host of barbecue spots, Riverside Cafe, a paddling pool and a recreational park for little ones. Visitors to Fordingbridge Park must (with the exception of rainbow trout) return all caught fish.
Fordingbridge Park is open Monday – Friday 10 – 4pm and you can purchase an adult day ticket for £5 or a week ticket for £15 and juniors (under 16) go free.
Lake Farm Fishing Fordingbridge is another fantastic spot for some local fishing. The main, three-acre lake here is home to an abundance of carp, both mirror and common. As well as golden rudd, tench and some large eels. The main lake and ponds here are considered a pleasure fishing venue and provide the perfect backdrop for some relaxed fishing with the family.
To protect the waters and the fish that live there, Lake Farm has some rules:
Barbless hooks only
Landing mats or cradles and nets must be used
Guests are required to dip their nets and landing mats in the provided disinfecting bins before commencing their first fish
No keep nets
No night fishing – dawn to dusk only
Max of 2 rods per person
Current Rod Licence must be held
When enjoying your fishing trip in and around Fordingbridge, don’t forget to make a real trip of it. The nearby New Forest Collection is a group of hotels dotted throughout the national park. The New Forest Collection is comprised of several hotels, each celebrated with its own unique charm and welcoming hospitality.
The hotels include the wonderful, adults-only manor – Burley Manor. On-site, you can enjoy fabulous wellness facilities, comfortable and relaxing rooms, and lovely on-site dining at the Burley Restaurant. Burley Manor is a striking Baronial Manor House surrounded by wonderful scenery. The other hotels include a charming Georgian townhouse, Forest Lodge, striking Bartley Lodge and charming Beaulieu Inn. Each hotel has its on-site dining facilities with menus of delicious, locally-sourced meals.
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. Book a short or long stay at the collection and make the most of the vast countryside, gorgeous New Forest National Park and the selection of fishing spots nearby for a truly terrific New Forest escape.
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