Have you ever dreamed of moving to a peaceful rural area, away from the hustle and bustle of big towns and cities?
A place where you can truly feel like part of a close-knit community, safely raise a family, or retire to enjoy a relaxing lifestyle?
The charming former market town of Fordingbridge might just be the perfect spot to make that dream a reality.
If this unique little town sounds like what you’re looking for, you’ll want to learn more about it. Moving to a new location is a big decision, and it’s important to ensure it’s the right fit for you before embarking on your journey to a new home.
So, if you’re curious about what life in Fordingbridge is like, read on to discover more about this delightful town and what it has to offer!
At Look at Fordingbridge‘s Past
Fordingbridge has a rich history, dating back hundreds of years.
It was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name “Forde.” In the 16th century, the town became known for its cloth-making, and by the 19th century, it housed several factories dedicated to producing sailcloth and canvas, as well as spinning flax.
Local folklore adds a colourful twist, suggesting that Fordingbridge was a hub for smuggling activities, with the notorious Captain Diamond, known as the “Smuggler King,” often frequenting one of the town’s local inns.
The beautiful river Avon runs through Fordingbridge, and the medieval Great Bridge that spans the river gave the town its present name.
This iconic bridge, with its seven stone arches, is a prominent feature visible from the town’s riverside park and recreation ground.
Historically, Fordingbridge has seen notable visitors, including Edward I in 1285.
Additionally, Roman coins have been discovered in nearby Godshill, where remnants of an ancient encampment can still be found.
For those interested in exploring the town’s rich history, the local museum offers free entry and a deep dive into Fordingbridge’s past.
Plenty of Green Space
True to its reputation, Fordingbridge is surrounded by stunning landscapes and abundant green spaces. Nestled in the world-renowned New Forest National Park, residents and visitors alike are never far from the area’s natural beauty.
Additionally, the nearby Western Downlands and Cranborne Chase offer even more picturesque scenery and outdoor activities.
Within the town itself, the local park is a popular spot for enjoying the outdoors.
Here, you can find a variety of amenities, including access to the river, a children’s play area, a skate park, serene memorial gardens, and sports playing fields.
This blend of natural beauty and well-maintained public spaces makes Fordingbridge a wonderful place to enjoy both nature and community activities.
Community Groups
Living in a smaller town like Fordingbridge often fosters a strong sense of community.
It’s easy to get to know the locals, and casual conversations can quickly turn into long-lasting friendships.
Simple daily activities, like walking the dog or doing the school run, provide great opportunities to meet and connect with your neighbours.
Another great way to become part of the local community is by joining social or volunteering groups.
Fordingbridge offers several such groups, perfect for anyone looking to get involved and make new friends.
Whether you’re interested in community service or just looking for a social outlet, these groups provide a wonderful way to integrate into local life and become an active member of the town.
Here are several to consider:
Fordingbridge Museum. Not only will you learn more about the vibrant historical past of the town, but volunteering to become a steward for the museum will ensure you meet lots of new people too.
Sports Clubs. If you enjoy being active, why not join either the Badminton, Football, Table Tennis or Bowling Club, or perhaps all of them?
Runfit Fordingbridge. A woman’s focussed fitness club. From beginners to more experienced levels, Runfit has an exercise program just for you. Many of the classes are taken in the New Forest, a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors whilst improving your fitness.
Rotary Club. Members volunteer their time to make a difference in their local community, helping to raise money for charities at home and abroad.
Fordingbridge Education & Schools
Parents need not fear about the performance of local schools.
All schools within the catchment area of Fordingbridge are “good” reports Ofsted.
Fordingbridge Day Nursery, The Coach House Day Nursery and Stepping Stones Pre-School Playgroup Group provide care for children too young for school.
For the 4–11-year age group, there is the Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools. www.fordingbridgefed.co.uk
Secondary-aged students attend the local Burgate School and Sixth Form. The school also provides education for several other villages in the area.
Visit the “Locrating” website for further details on each school.
Fordingbridge Property
Before deciding to move anywhere, it’s essential to understand your budget and the local housing market.
In Fordingbridge, you’ll find a wide range of properties, from modest homes perfect for first-time buyers to larger estates complete with amenities like stables, tennis courts, and expansive grounds.
Most of the homes available for sale in Fordingbridge are detached, making them ideal for growing families.
While the average property price is slightly above the national average, it’s not as high as one might expect.
There’s also plenty of opportunities to find a home in the surrounding villages, such as Alderholt, Godshill, and Sandleheath, if you’re looking for something a bit more rural.
This variety in housing options makes Fordingbridge an attractive place for different buyers with varying needs and budgets.
When moving to a new area it is vital that you stay up to speed with the price you can expect to pay for a property.
There are some excellent websites that list the average house prices for a range of different property types, our favourite is Zoopla!
Head over to their site to get an insight into the current average property price in Fordingbridge.
Getting around Fordingbridge
While Fordingbridge’s main appeal lies in its proximity to beautiful rural areas, transportation options may not be as extensive as in larger towns. However, the town is far from isolated.
The A338 is the main road running along the east side of Fordingbridge, providing a direct route south to Ringwood, just 6 miles away, and north to Salisbury, about 12 miles away.
For those needing rail services, the closest train station is in Salisbury, a short 20-minute drive from the town.
Traveling further afield is convenient with Bournemouth Airport only 20 minutes away, making it easy to plan your annual holiday.
Additionally, residents can access various bus services for local travel.
For specific bus routes and schedules, you can check out the details on bustimes.org.
Entertainment Options in or near Fordingbridge
Aside from the museum, there are all kinds of interesting things to keep everyone busy within close proximity to Fordingbridge.
Breamore House built in 1583 is a stunning Elizabethan mansion. It is full of oak-period furniture, family portraits, tapestries, and other interesting exhibits.
New Forest National Park. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock here annually to absorb this special place annually. Home to free-roaming, ponies, donkeys, cattle, and pigs. Plus, fantastic lakes and open spaces where you can camp, BBQ or picnic. It is a place you can visit time and time again and still experience something new.
Also set within the park is the New Forest Water Park. An incredible family, action-packed attraction. You can waterski, swim, kayak, camp and spend hours on the huge water inflatable obstacle course.
To really take advantage of the area you must try familiarising yourself with it on two wheels. Hire bikes from Sandy Balls Holiday Village or Hockey’s Farm and explore the open heathland or cycle the Hyde to Fritham bike route.
Paultons Park. This is an attraction aimed at small children. There is plenty to keep them entertained all day long. 70 exciting rides, Peppa Pig World and around 140 acres of grounds to explore, a great choice for families.
Beaulieu Motor Museum. One for all ages. Sitting in the pretty village of Beaulieu, you can get up close to around 250 vintage vehicles and some more modern ones too. The museum has a collection of motoring books, journals, photographs, films, and automobilia of the world. There are several James Bond vehicles, an interesting day out.
Healthcare in Fordingbridge
The local GP surgeries are often the first point of contact for most people, providing a range of services from routine check-ups to minor procedures.
The doctors and staff are known for their friendly and approachable manner, making visits a pleasant experience.
For more specialised care, residents can head to nearby Salisbury District Hospital, which is well-regarded for its comprehensive services and skilled medical professionals.
While it’s a bit of a drive, the hospital offers a wide range of treatments and specialities, ensuring that more complex medical needs are met.
In addition to conventional medicine, Fordingbridge also has a growing interest in alternative therapies.
Several local practitioners offer services like acupuncture, chiropractic care, and holistic treatments, providing a well-rounded approach to health and wellness.
Ready to Start Living in Fordingbridge?
If you are all fired up and ready to get your move to Fordingbridge underway, you are going to need the service of a good removal company.
R.H Pardy Moving & Storage Ltd is a brand you can trust. We are full members of (BAR) the British Association of Removers, a benchmark of quality for the removal industry.
We can assure you of a well-priced, trustworthy, reliable move door-to-door. Big or small, leave it to the professionals.
For more information about our removals to Fordingbridge services, be sure to give us a call today at 01202499390 or fill out our quick and easy contact form here.
A member of our team will be more than happy to help you get you living in Fordingbridge in no time!
