Get More From Your Fordingbridge Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Fordingbridge puts you right on the edge of the New Forest National Park with all the luxury of your own private retreat. This historic market town sits where the River Avon flows through Hampshire and offers the perfect blend of countryside walks and proper English heritage. You get medieval bridges and forest trails without the crowds you'd find in bigger tourist spots.
We love how Fordingbridge works brilliantly for romantic breaks and family getaways alike. The town itself has character with independent shops and traditional pubs whilst the surrounding New Forest gives you wild ponies and ancient woodland right on your doorstep. After a day exploring you can sink into your hot tub and actually relax.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in Fordingbridge
Fordingbridge has been a crossing point on the River Avon since medieval times. The seven-arched bridge dates back to the 1400s and the town grew up around it as a market centre. Today it keeps that market town feel but with galleries and cafes mixed in with the history.
The location makes it ideal for hot tub stays because you're minutes from the New Forest but also close to Salisbury and the Dorset coast. Whether you want forest holiday vibes or coastal cottages atmosphere you can reach both easily. The town works as a base for day trips whilst giving you that secluded countryside feeling.
Sightseeing in Fordingbridge
The town centre rewards a proper wander. St Mary's Church towers over the high street with its 15th century architecture and the Great Bridge gives you classic river views. Augustus John lived here and you'll find a statue of him near the bridge. The Avon Valley Path runs through town if you fancy a riverside walk.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in Fordingbridge
From wild forest landscapes to stately homes the area around Fordingbridge packs in variety. These five attractions show you different sides of Hampshire and they're all within easy reach of your cottage with hot tub.
New Forest National Park
The New Forest starts literally at the edge of town. You'll see wild ponies grazing freely and ancient woodland that's been protected since William the Conqueror made it a royal hunting ground in 1079. Miles of walking and cycling trails take you through heathland and forest with deer and rare birds everywhere.
Rockbourne Roman Villa
This Roman villa site sits just four miles from Fordingbridge and shows you how wealthy Romans lived 1,700 years ago. The mosaics are stunning and the museum displays pottery and coins found during excavations. It's one of the largest Roman villa sites in Britain and gives you proper historical context for the area.
Breamore House and Countryside Museum
This Elizabethan manor house dates from 1583 and stays in the same family who built it. The house contains fine art and furniture whilst the Countryside Museum shows rural life with vintage tractors and a working smithy. The grounds include a Saxon church that's over 1,000 years old.
Salisbury Cathedral
Twenty minutes north brings you to Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest church spire in Britain at 404 feet. The cathedral holds one of four surviving copies of the Magna Carta from 1215. The medieval close around it creates an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else and the city has excellent shopping too.
Moors Valley Country Park
This 1,000-acre park offers something for everyone with a tree-top trail and narrow-gauge railway. Kids love the huge adventure playground whilst adults appreciate the sculpture trail and peaceful lakeside walks. The Go Ape high ropes course gets your adrenaline going before you head back to your private hot tub.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| New Forest National Park | Wild ponies and ancient woodland with miles of trails through protected heathland | Everyone |
| Rockbourne Roman Villa | Impressive Roman mosaics and archaeological finds from one of Britain's largest villa sites | Families |
| Breamore House | Elizabethan manor with fine art collections and a fascinating countryside museum | Couples |
| Salisbury Cathedral | Medieval masterpiece housing the Magna Carta with Britain's tallest church spire | Everyone |
| Moors Valley Country Park | Adventure playground and tree-top trails with Go Ape high ropes course | Families |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Fordingbridge?
The town sits on the A338 between Salisbury and Bournemouth. Salisbury railway station is 11 miles north with regular trains from London Waterloo taking 90 minutes. From there you'll need a car or taxi. Southampton Airport is 20 miles east.
What family activities work best near Fordingbridge?
Moors Valley Country Park keeps kids entertained for hours with its adventure playground and miniature railway. The New Forest offers pony spotting and easy walking trails. Paultons Park with Peppa Pig World is 30 minutes away for theme park thrills.
Where should couples go for romantic spots?
Walk the Avon Valley Path at sunset or book dinner at The Augustus John in town. Breamore House gardens offer peaceful strolls and the New Forest has countless secluded spots. Your holiday cottage jacuzzi provides the perfect end to any romantic day out.
What shopping options does Fordingbridge offer?
The high street has independent shops and galleries plus a weekly market. For bigger retail therapy Salisbury is 20 minutes away with high street chains and the historic market. Ringwood has a traditional Wednesday market and Bournemouth offers coastal shopping 30 minutes south.
Are hot tub cottages suitable for last minute bookings?
Absolutely. We find many luxury cottages and lodges offer deals on last minute availability. Pet friendly cottages with hot tubs book up fastest but you'll often find boutique cottages or a log cabin for 2 even for 1 night stays.
Fordingbridge gives you that rare combination of proper countryside peace with easy access to major attractions. Whether you book a large holiday house for a big group or a secluded chalet for romantic getaways the area delivers. The New Forest on your doorstep means you can visit wild landscapes then retreat to your own private hot tub.
From cheap cottages to luxury villas with swimming pool facilities the accommodation options suit every budget. Dog friendly places to stay mean your pets come too. Book your cottage breaks here and you get the best of Hampshire without the tourist crowds.