Including Fordingbridge walks and days out ideas
This is our huge list of things to do in Fordingbridge with kids.
Sat right on the edge of the New Forest, Fordingbridge is a small market town based on the River Avon. Locally, it’s well known for The Great Bridge, which has seven arches and built-in 1286 A.D.
Once a trade hub, Fordingbridge is full of local history that includes brickmaking, pottery, and textiles. Did you know that the infamous Captain Diamond used to use Fordingbridge as his smugglers hold?
Make sure you take the Avon Valley Path which is a 34-mile walk through the town that takes you through the countryside and winding roads of Fordingbridge. Great if the family really want to get the feel of the local area.
If you are looking for more things to do in the New Forest then have a look at:
A Huge Guide to Things to do in New Forest – There is so much to do in the New Forest for kids and this post takes you through everything that it has to offer.
Things to do in Lymington With Kids – We love Lymington! It has loads to do and is right on the edge of the New Forest.
19 Things to do in Brockenhurst in Hampshire – Make sure you visit one of Brockenhurst’s amazing museums!
The Best List of Things to do in Ringwood Hampshire – Close to Fordingbridge, Ringwood has loads to do for the whole family.
Things to do in Hampshire
Wondering what to do today? Then our guide for ALL things Hampshire is for you!
If you are looking for things to do in Hampshire with kids then this guide is for you. We have over 200+ ideas that you can use to keep your whole family amused while exploring everything Hampshire has to offer!
This is an up to date spreadsheet, in activity order, that you can use when you have no clue what to do. We’ve included everything from country parks, to splash pools, lakes, castles, days out, playgrounds and walks.
Have a look at our Things to Do In Hampshire guide here.
Museums in Fordingbridge
Fordingbridge is well known for it’s local history. Make sure you explore as many of these museums as you can. Find more museums in Hampshire here.
Rockbourne Roman Villa
Ranging from the Iron Age to the 5th century AD, Rockbourne Roman Villa sits on what used to be a villa complex that was home to our exciting past.
They show you what it was like to live in these times including showing you what the bathhouse looked like, where they lived and how people worked.
There is a cost to enter this museum but there is so much to do for the whole family. It’s not like any museum you’ve ever been to before!
You can find Rockbourne Roman Villa at Rockbourne, Fordingbridge, Hampshire, SP6 3PG.
Breamore House and Museum
This 18th Century house is like nothing you’ve ever seen before! They offer guided tours around the house which you do need to book but it is worth it! The tour takes you around the staterooms, gives you the history and points out all the little details that you probably wouldn’t see by yourself.
The museum itself showcases what working life would have been like in the 18th century. They have a lot of old farm machinery, some of which can still be used today.
You can find Breamore House at Breamore, Fordingbridge SP6 2DF.
Fordingbridge Museum
This free museum is a great place to learn all about the local history of Fordingbridge.
It’s opening hours are limited though so please do check before you travel.
You can find Fordingbridge Museum at Kings Yard, Salisbury St, Fordingbridge SP6 1AB.
Days out in Fordingbridge
These are the best days out in Fordingbridge for the whole family. If you are looking for more days out in Hampshire then have a look at our posts here.
New Forest Water Park
This water park is epic and great for older kids. With epic views of the New Forest, New Forest Water Park offers inflatables and an obstacle course that will throw you right into the deep end.
They have a great cafe on-site for all meals. Tickets for the aqua park do need to be booked in advance as it is based on timeslots.
You can find New Forest Water Park at Ringwood Road, Fordingbridge, SP6 2EY.
Country parks in Fordingbridge
The New Forest itself may be a huge country park but it is home to small parks and walks that are great for the whole family. Have a look at our huge guide on country parks in Hampshire here.
New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park is based in West Hampshire and offers a range of dog-friendly and child-friendly walks that offer loads to do for the whole family.
The New Forest has loads of attractions that don’t just include walking. You could go cycling, enjoy one of the many parks or trails.
Knightwood Oak
Knightwood Oak is a great place for a picnic and a runaround. Many of the trees here are over 500 years old. There is one walking trail which takes you around the largest oak. There are no toilets here.
You can find Knightwood Oak at Ornamental Drive, Lyndhurst, SO43 7QB.
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
These lakes and woodlands are a great place to explore with the whole family. Walk around and spot the local birds and wildlife. Don’t forget your wellies though as it can get muddy. This is a great dog friendly place as well.
It is about a ten-minute drive from the center of Fordingbridge.
You can find Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve at Ellingham Drove, Ringwood BH24 3PJ.
Fordingbridge Park
With a great playground and paddling pool, Fordingbridge Park has something for the whole family. The River Avon runs right through this park which makes it a great place to spot the local wildlife as well.
We normally park at Ringwood Road Fordingbridge car park which can be found at Memorial Bungalow, Ringwood Rd, Fordingbridge SP6 1AN.
Fordingbridge Park, Fordingbridge SP6 1AN
Blackwater
With a huge range of beautiful trees, this trail is great for the whole family. They have two walking trails and a cycling trail. They have toilets on-site and easy parking.
You can find Blackwater at Ornamental Drive, Lyndhurst, SO42 7QB
Burley Village of Witches Mystery Treasure Trail
Close to Ringwood, Burley Village of Witches Mystery Treasure Trail is a great way to explore the town while keeping the kids amused.
This is a self-guided tour that is about 1.5 miles long. There are clues in your pack and text support if needed.
The trail starts at New Forest National Park, Burley, Hampshire, BH24 2AP
Moors Valley Country Park
Just down the road in Ringwood, Moors Valley Country Park has so much to do for the whole family. Not only do they have peaceful walks that are mostly flat but they also have an amazing steam train and play parks throughout the park.
The Play Trail is great for the whole family. It is a mile long but has loads of wooden play equipment along the way. It took us about an hour to walk and play.
The Tree Top Trail takes you through the trees and gives you a view from above. It’s 200 meters long and is great for older kids who don’t need a buggy.
They have loads of other play areas with picnic benches which mean you are free to eat whatever you wish.
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Guide to Things to do in Southampton With Kids
- 9 Fun Walks in Hampshire That Are Child Friendly
- 33 Half Term Activities in Hampshire That Are Free
The Steam Train runs throughout the summer months and is ticket-based. It does get busy throughout the summer holidays so you may need to do that first or last.
You can find Moors Valley Country Park at Horton Rd, Ashley Heath, Ringwood BH24 2ET.
Laura x If you enjoyed this post and would like some more ideas on things to do in Hampshire then head over to the Things To Do section here on Things To Do In Hampshire With Kids where you’ll find over 50 day out ideas in Hampshire that the whole family will enjoy. You could also pop over and follow our Facebook page here or our Hampshire days out Pinterest boards for lots more ideas on what you can do as a family in Hampshire; Days Out For The Kids in Hampshire and Cheap and Free Days Out in Hampshire.
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