Places to visit near The Railway Hotel
From the landscapes of the New Forest and the River Avon to historic houses, Roman remains and the medieval city of Salisbury, there is plenty to discover from our base in Fordingbridge.
Fordingbridge is a historic riverside town in Hampshire and is often described as the northern gateway to the New Forest. Stay at The Railway Hotel and you can explore the town itself before heading further into the New Forest, the Avon Valley, Cranborne Chase and the surrounding Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside.
Start by exploring Fordingbridge
Before heading further afield, take some time to discover the historic Hampshire town that The Railway Hotel has called home for more than 160 years.
Fordingbridge sits on the Hampshire Avon and provides an excellent starting point for exploring the northern side of the New Forest. The town centre has independent shops, places to eat and a fascinating local museum.
Fordingbridge Museum, in King's Yard, tells the story of Fordingbridge and the surrounding villages through photographs, artefacts and displays covering subjects including local pubs, businesses, Augustus John, the Second World War and the railway that once served the town.
Visit Fordingbridge Museum website →Places worth exploring
Whether you enjoy countryside, history, family attractions or a day exploring somewhere new, The Railway Hotel puts a wide range of Hampshire, New Forest and Wiltshire destinations within easy reach.
New Forest National Park
Discover the woodland, heathland, wildlife and villages of the New Forest. Walking and cycling are among the best ways to explore, with routes and landscapes to suit everything from a gentle afternoon out to a full day in the Forest.
Explore the New Forest →Breamore House & Estate
Just outside Fordingbridge, Breamore House is an Elizabethan mansion completed in 1583. The estate also includes a countryside museum, farm shop and café, making it an interesting stop for visitors exploring the Avon Valley.
Visit Breamore Estate →Rockbourne Roman Villa
Explore the remains of a substantial Roman villa complex near Fordingbridge. The site includes mosaics, part of an underfloor heating system and the remains of living quarters, bath houses, farm buildings and workshops.
Discover Rockbourne Roman Villa →Cranborne Chase
Head north and west to explore Cranborne Chase National Landscape, an area of chalk downland, valleys, ancient woodland and historic countryside spanning parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset.
Explore Cranborne Chase →Salisbury & its Cathedral
Spend a day exploring Salisbury and its historic Cathedral Close. Salisbury Cathedral has more than 800 years of history and is home to Britain's tallest cathedral spire and one of the surviving original 1215 Magna Carta documents.
Visit Salisbury Cathedral →New Forest Water Park
For something more energetic, New Forest Water Park is based on Ringwood Road in Fordingbridge and offers activities including its inflatable Aqua Park, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding and open-water swimming.
Visit New Forest Water Park →Walking, cycling and countryside
You do not need a ticket or an itinerary to enjoy some of the best things about this part of Hampshire.
Fordingbridge is well positioned for getting outside and exploring. The landscapes of the New Forest offer opportunities for walking, cycling and wildlife watching, while the Avon Valley and Cranborne Chase provide a contrasting mix of river valley, chalk downland, woodland and open countryside.
If you are staying with us for a walking or cycling break, speak to the team and make The Railway Hotel your starting and finishing point for the day.
Plan your day
Opening days, admission arrangements and activities can change throughout the year, particularly at seasonal attractions. We recommend checking each venue's official website before travelling.
If you are staying at The Railway Hotel, you can always ask the team for suggestions when planning your day in Fordingbridge and the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Fordingbridge?
Visitors can explore the historic town and Hampshire Avon, visit Fordingbridge Museum, enjoy nearby countryside or take part in activities at New Forest Water Park. Fordingbridge also provides a convenient starting point for exploring the northern New Forest.
Is Fordingbridge near the New Forest?
Yes. Fordingbridge is commonly described as the northern gateway to the New Forest, with the National Park only a couple of miles from the centre of the town.
Are there historic places to visit near Fordingbridge?
Yes. Nearby historic attractions include Breamore House and Rockbourne Roman Villa, while Fordingbridge Museum explores the history of the town itself. Salisbury and its medieval cathedral are also accessible for a longer day out.
Where can I stay when visiting Fordingbridge?
The Railway Hotel on Station Road offers five individually designed en-suite guest rooms as well as a self-contained two-bedroom cottage, with pub and dining facilities in the same historic Victorian building.
Explore by day, relax at The Railway Hotel afterwards
Stay in the heart of Fordingbridge and discover the New Forest, Avon Valley, Cranborne Chase and the wider Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside from one historic base.