AVON VALLEY & FISHING

The Avon Valley Footpath is very close by.  Just over the road is a lovely stretch of it which goes over a foot suspension bridge over the River Avon, through water meadows & into the New Forest (via the Fighting Cocks Inn!!).  I have a sheet of details regarding local fishing (both river and lakes) - please ask & I will send it.

SALISBURY

This ancient cathedral city is just 20 minutes north and is lovely for a day out.  There is a handy (& cheap) Park n Ride if you don't want to drive your car into the city.

SWIMMING POOL

Sandy Balls Holiday Village is only 5 mins away (by car) & has indoor and outdoor swimming pools open to the public (not available in August though - sorry!)  Ringwood has a Recreation Centre with swimming pool which you can use in the summer.

FORDINGBRIDGE PARK AND RIVER

There is a lovely park and riverbank area near the ancient bridge with a children's play area, paddling pool and part of the river known locally as 'the beach' where children are able to paddle & play in the water.

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).  Bike hire is available nearby from Sandy Balls Holiday Village (http://www.cyclecentre@sandy-balls.co.uk).  I have mountain bike guide books that you can borrow.

MOORS VALLEY COUNTRY PARK

Highly recommended & just 15 mins away (by car).  This park has something for everyone from a miniature steam railway for younger children to the famous 'Go Ape' aerial trekking high above the forest floor for older children (& dads!!)  (http://www.moors-valley.co.uk)

HORSE RIDING

Arniss Riding Stables are situated at Godshill, just 5 mins away (by car).  01425 654114

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.  If you want a day or two without your car then this bus service can take you to Salisbury, Ringwood, Bournemouth and Poole.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

Lyndhurst, Burley, Brockenhurst, Lymington. Beaulieu (with its famous Motor Museum), Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Romsey (Broadlands) and so many more places ........

OFFICIAL NEW FOREST WEBSITE

(http://www.thenewforest.co.uk) A really useful website for information about the New Forest. You can also find out information about the 'New Forest Marque'.

The New Forest offers a great variety of places to eat, from classic hotel restaurants to the best of brasseries, the traditional English pub with real ales to the prettiest tea rooms with the most indulgent cream teas imaginable.

You can get a real taste of The New Forest by choosing local specialties identified by the New Forest Marque when you are dining out.   By selecting local food that is fresh and in season, you will actually be helping the forest to stay special by supporting local farmers and small businesses. More and more pubs, restaurants and accommodation providers are sourcing local ingredients. The New Forest Marque helps people to choose food and goods which have been grown, reared, caught, brewed or produced in the New Forest. It also allows New Forest producers to market their produce under a collective and easily identifiable New Forest symbol, at the same time reassuring consumers about the origins of the food they are buying.

In order to qualify for the Marque, New Forest producers have to make sure that their goods meet stringent quality standards. Meat producers, for example, must show that very high standards of animal welfare and good husbandry have been applied at all times. More information on the marque

WEBSITE FOR INDEPENDENT COTTAGES - 

(http://www.independentcottages.co.uk)  My property appears on this website along with other independently owned properties. 
 

Burgate Farmhouse Self Catering is featured on YouStayUK.com, your guide to recommended things to do and Self Catering Cottage/Home/Apartments in Fordingbridge, Hampshire