Local Area

Shepherd’s Spring Cottages are located within the New Forest National Park. Within a 5 minutes drive, you will have access to over 20,000 hectares of exceptional natural beauty, historic small villages, quaint houses, and traditional pubs.

The local town of Fordingbridge is 0.7 miles away, which is a 2 minutes drive or 10-minute walk. It is a beautiful riverside town build on the banks of the River Avon and provides most of the desired amenities including:

Co-op Supermarket and Tesco local
Fish and Chip and Chinese take away
Butcher and bakeries
Tea rooms and coffee shops
Newsagents and gift shops

Post office and Pharmacy
Pubs and restaurants
A riverside park with a playground and skate park
An independent Cinema
The Fordingbridge Museum

For more extensive shopping and entertainment you can visit the surrounding towns of Salisbury, Ringwood which a 15-minute drive, or Southampton or Bournemouth a 30-minute drive. There’s a wealth of things to do on your New Forest holiday, here are some of the things we think you’ll love to do while you’re staying at Shepherds Spring Cottages, New Forest.

Horse riding in the New Forest

Arniss Riding Stables are situated at Godshill, just 3 mins away (by car). We also have stabling options for horses, please email for details.

Visit Salisbury

A 20 minute are ride away is the Cathedral town of Salisbury. Explore the weekend farmers markets and historic city walls for a beautiful cultural day out.

Pilates Classes

If you’re a Pilates fan or perhaps would like to give it a go, we recommend Tracy Nadin Pilates for private or group classes in mat-work and the reformer.

Get on Your Bike

The New Forest provides beautiful terrain for keen and beginner cyclist alike. We provide free bicycle storage or there are plenty bicycle rental stores in the New Forest.

Visit Stonehenge

Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe, only 40 minutes drive away.

Fishing in the River Avon

Fishing permits can be purchased for you stay which will give you access to 2.5km of the River Avon and a Private Lake.

Swimming

In the Summer months you can take a dip in the sea on the Dorset coast head (45 minutes drive approx). Indoor pools are available at Sandy Balls campsite (5 Minutes drive ) and Ringwood Leisure Centre (15 minutes drive), see their websites for details.

Moors Valley Country Park

Moors Valley is the perfect day out for all the family. 18 minutes drive away, with cycle hire, beautiful park trails, the famous ‘Go Ape’ aerial and trekking zip wire, there is something for everyone.

Hop on Hop off bus

During the summer months, a 'Hop on Hop Off' bus runs across the forest, stopping at pretty villages & attractions.

Nature walks

You’ll be spoilt for choice! If you’re feeling adventurous, the Avon Valley Footpath is 34 mile, long walk that takes you from Salisbury to Christchurch. It follows the course of the River Avon and can be picked up in Fordingbridge.