The River Avon at Fordingbridge in the picturesque New Forest offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere, with its sandy shoreline surrounded by lush greenery. However, the official water quality rating is a concern, classified as Poor by the Environment Agency. During the summer months, the water temperature is estimated to be around 18°C, making it suitable for swimming, but caution is advised due to potential water quality issues.
Hand-picked holiday cottages & coastal retreats near River Avon at Fordingbridge (New Forest) & surrounds
Rural Retreats
From £726
Tucked away within the peaceful surroundings of Home Farm in Hamptworth, Willow Brook offers a delightful rural retreat on the edge of the New Forest. One of five beautifully co...
Rural Retreats
From £726
Tucked away in the tranquil surroundings of Home Farm in Hamptworth, Foxglove Cottage offers a charming countryside escape on the edge of the enchanting New Forest. One of five ...
Rural Retreats
From £726
Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Hamptworth and perfectly positioned on the edge of the New Forest, The Dales Cottage offers a peaceful retreat where comfort, style an...
Rural Retreats
From £726
Located in the peaceful village of Hamptworth, close to the New Forest National Park and the highly regarded Hamptworth Golf & Country Club, Oakwood Cottage offers a stylish cou...
Rural Retreats
From £1,068
Set amidst peaceful surroundings on the fringes of the New Forest and close to the renowned Hamptworth Golf & Country Club, Fern Cottage is one of Home Farm's charming barns whi...
Rural Retreats
From £405
Smugglers' View is a bright and airy ground floor self catering apartment in Niton on the Isle of Wight, situated at the most southern point of the Isle of Wight and boasts stun...
Rural Retreats
From £746
In association with Trinity House, we are proud to present St Catherine's Lighthouse in Niton, the Isle of Wight.
Rural Retreats
From £601
This is the middle cottage on the St Catherine’s Lighthouse site and offers accommodation for four guests. It features entrance hall, sitting room, fully fitted kitchen with din...
Sediment type has not yet been recorded for this site. Underfoot conditions and bank composition may vary.
Water quality regularly fails to meet safe bathing standards. Swimmers face an elevated risk of stomach infections or skin rashes due to high bacterial loads.
This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.
Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.
Monitored as an inland river bathing water. River sites are heavily influenced by upstream rainfall, agricultural runoff, and storm overflows, with water flow changing quickly after rain.
Wessex Water Services Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.
Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 2024. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.
Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the New Forest area.
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