Fordingbridge

A pleasant town beside the River Avon

Fordingbridge - High Street and
the Victorian town hall

Fordingbridge, a quiet country town on the western edge of the New Forest, got its name from a historic river crossing - Domesday Book had it simply as Forde and the 'bridge' has subsequently been added.

Fordingbridge: distance from Lyndhurst - 13½ miles (22 kilometres)

Fordingbridge - did you know?
The largely 13th century church of St. Mary the Virgin has in its porch a large wooden notice commemorating the 17th century establishment of the 'Sandy Balls Charity'. It begins: 'By indenture bearing the date the 16th February 1638 John Doddington of Breamore...did give and grant...'.

Fordingbridge shopping therapy
The many local shops include suppliers of those little essentials so easily forgotten when setting off on holiday.

Pubs - yes, of course

Fordingbridge's seven-arch bridge
at the entrance to the town

Restaurants - oh yes

Theatre - provided by Fordingbridge Players

Fordingbridge Museum
Operated by the Fordingbridge Museum Trust and definitely worth a visit.

Children's play parks - yes, including one right beside the River Avon, close to the main bridge

The bridge over the River Avon
Positioned at the entrance to the town, the original bridge pre-dated the mid-13th century, whilst significant alterations took place in the 19th century. Today, its seven graceful stone arches continue to defy the passage of time and swirling waters.

Open spaces - for football, cricket, rounders and relaxing - conveniently close to the play park.

New Forest Water Park - for waterskiing, wakeboarding, etc. is nearby

Riverside and other walks - yes

(Images:
Fordingbridge Town Hall (Mike Faherty) / CC BY-SA 2.0
Fordingbridge: the bridge over the River Avon (Chris Dennis) / CC BY-SA 2.0 ).