Fordingbridge is one of the charming riverside towns, just outside the New Forest National Park. Fordingbrige is nestled on the banks of the River Avon and serves as the northern gateway to the New Forest. The area is incredibly close to nearby beaches, providing a fantastic spot for enjoying some UK sunshine and walks along the coast.
When exploring Fordingbridge, the New Forest makes for an incredible place to stay, characterised by gorgeous rolling hills, green landscapes, charming forests and open heathland. The New Forest Collection is a collection of hotels scattered throughout the national park, providing the perfect retreat for families, couples, groups, and solo excursions to the New Forest.
While Fordingbridge is a historic and charming place to visit all on its own, there is also a selection of great things nearby, such as plenty of beaches near Fordingbridge.
Avon Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach located in Christchurch, Dorset. This beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and walking. The beach is also dog-friendly, making it the perfect spot for the whole family to enjoy.
There are also several picnic areas located near the beach, ideal for enjoying a homemade packed lunch or grabbing some snacks locally and finding a scenic spot to enjoy the lovely views. In addition to the beach itself, there are several other attractions located nearby, including:
Mudeford Sandbank – A sandbank located just a short walk from Avon Beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and birdwatching.
Christchurch Priory – A historic priory located in the town of Christchurch, serving as a great tourist spot if you love history.
Hengistbury Head – This headland is located to the east of Christchurch, and it offers stunning views of the coastline.
Hengistbury Head is a headland located on the south coast of England, between Christchurch and Bournemouth. The headland is a popular spot for walking, cycling and birdwatching and is also home to several historical sites, including Iron Age fortifications and a World War II observation post.
Below the headland, you’ll find the gorgeous Hengistbury beach. On sunny days, you’ll be able to see out across the crystal waters and observe for yourself the long stretches of golden sands. Hengistbury Head Beach is also dog-friendly all year round and comparatively quieter than the other popular nearby beaches. Mudeford is also close by, a golden sandbank with a more private section of beach. Mudeford is perfect for evening strolls, romantic discussions and enjoying the gorgeous coast in a more relaxed area.
Highcliffe Beach is another of the beaches near Fordingbridge. A beautiful, sandy beach located in Christchurch, Dorset. Highcliffe Beach is a shingle and sand beach, perfect for bodyboarding. There is also a selection of promenades and cliffside paths to enjoy, perfect for a morning walk, or a bit of exercise after a beach-side lunch.
This beach is surrounded by unique cliff habitats which are sites of special interest and provide homes for many unique UK species of birds and insects. This beach is a great spot for nature lovers and those keen to get an authentic view of the area and the beaches near Fordingbridge.
The award winning Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth’s most popular beaches, loved by locals and visitors for its clean, sandy and shingle beaches located east of Boscombe Pier and the town centre. Southbourne Beach can be accessed directly from Southbourne High Street and is considered one of the more family-friendly beaches because of its toilets, baby changing facilities, RNLI lifeguards, pubs and kiosks.
On the cliffs above the beach, you’ll find the Fisherman’s Walk nature trail – a lovely walk along between Fisherman’s Avenue and Portman Crescent in Southbourne. It is a narrow strip of woodland with a nature trail and plenty of wildlife. The zig-zag path leads all the way down to the beach and makes for a lovely, active day out.
After a day of exploring the beaches near Fordingbridge, why not enjoy an extended trip in the nearby New Forest? The New Forest Collection is a group of hotels dotted throughout the national park, each creating a comfortable and stylish place to stay. Each of the hotels conveys its own unique charm, comfortable amenities and fantastic opportunities to create lasting memories.
The hotels that make up the New Forest Collection include the graceful, grown ups only Manor House – Burley Manor. Burley Manor boasts relaxing, on-site wellness facilities, relaxing rooms and a gorgeous garden area, free to explore at your leisure.
The other hotels include the charming Georgian townhouse, Forest Lodge, beautiful Bartley Lodge and charming Beaulieu Inn. The latter three hotels each boast an indoor swimming pool, and every hotel in the collection has a selection of dog-friendly rooms, ideal for bringing every member of the family together.
After you’ve enjoyed a big day at the nearby beaches, you won’t need to travel far. Head back to your home away from home at the New Forest Collection and freshen up before heading just moments away to one of the on-site restaurants.
From British classics to Mediterranean-inspired small plates, decadent desserts and afternoon teas, the New Forest Collection restaurants provide something for everyone. Intimate dining in the Burley Restaurant, family meals in The Drift, and delicious catch ups in Pizza and Grill, 1820. Enjoy the New Forest in all its magic when you stay at the New Forest Collection.
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