Things to See & Do

Fordingbridge

Fordingbridge is in the Avon Valley between the edge of the New Forest National Park & the Dorset & Wiltshire borders. You can get most of your general shopping needs here (supermarket, butchers, bakers, newsagents, tearooms, gift shops etc). There is a parking permit 'clock' for you to borrow which covers Fordingbridge & all the towns in the New Forest area.  I pay for the whole year & provide one for each cottage wing.
The well known coastal resort of Bournemouth is only 17 miles to the south. There are lots of beaches (about 25 mins drive away). Southampton is only 20 miles away - lots of shopping!

 

Places to Eat Nearby

The Bat & Ball pub is half a mile north of here & is recommended.  Dogs/children/muddy boots are welcome.  
Fordingbridge town centre is less than half a mile away & has several nice pubs & tearooms. 
The George Inn is in a lovely location, next to the ancient bridge.  It overlooks the River Avon & is a nice place for lunches & evenig meals (dogs welcome in some areas). 
The Fighting Cocks Inn at Godshill (5 mins by car) is a very popular pub with good food (dogs welcome).  
 

The New Forest

The New Forest National Park is a region of exceptional natural beauty with large open heaths, moors & leafy glades interspersed with woods & plantations, picturesque streams & brooks, peaceful old villages, ancient churches & quaint houses & pubs.

 

Avon Valley & Fishing

The Avon Valley Footpath is very near. Just over the road is a lovely stretch of it which goes over a foot suspension bridge of the River Avon, through water meadows & into the New Forest (via the Fighting Cocks Inn). I have information regarding local fishing (both river & lakes).

 

Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park

Peppa Pig World is just a 25 minute drive away from Burgate Farmhouse.  It is truly magical.

 

Swimming Pool

Sandy Balls Holiday Village no longer allows external visitors to use its swimming pool.

The nearest public swimming pool is at Ringwood Recreation Centre.

Romsey Rapids is a good 'fun option'.

 

Fordingbridge Park & River

There is a lovely park & riverbank area near the ancient bridge with a children's play area, paddling pool & part of the river known locally as 'the beach' where children can paddle & play in the water.
Dogs are not permitted in the children's play area but there is access to the river just a short distance away.

 

Mountain Biking

The New Forest is a perfect place for mountain biking. You can bring your own bikes (& store them in the Games Barn when not needed). Just 20 mins away in Burley, is New Forest Cycle Hire www.forestleisurecycling.co.uk which is an ideal place to hire bikes from & has a choice of 9 cycle rides with distances from 5-32 miles (via tea rooms/pubs). You can book your cycle hire from them in advance online. I have various route maps that you can borrow for mountain biking around the New Forest.

 

Moors Valley Country Park

Highly recommended & just 15 mins away (by car), this park has something for everyone from a miniature steam railway, play trail for younger children & Gruffalo Trail & the famous 'Go Ape' aerial trekking & zip wires high above the forest floor for older children (& dads & mums if they are brave!). There is now a junior Go Ape for younger children. There is also cycle hire available & waymarked trails around the park. There are lots of tables for your own picnics around the park and next to the lakes & also a very nice cafe on site. www.moors-valley.co.uk/ 

 

Horse Riding

Arniss Riding Stables are situated at Godshill, just 5 mins away (by car). 01425 654114  Visit www.arnissequestrian.co.uk

 

Public Transport

The nearest train station is Salisbury (20 mins north).
The X3 bus service runs every half hour & the bus stop is 20 metres from Burgate Farmhouse.  This service can take you to Salisbury Ringwood & Bournemouth. 
During the summer months, there is a highly recommended 'Hop on Hop Off' bus which runs across the forest, stopping at pretty villages & attractions.