New Forest Cottages for Water Lovers
There is something magical about water, whether it be a lake, river or the sea. Trickling streams and waterfalls and the waves lapping in and out are just mesmerising. If you are looking to escape the city or trying to find your perfect rural retreat, then a New Forest Cottage could fit the bill.
Therefore, delve into our selection of New Forest cottages for water lovers as we highlight all the ways you can benefit from a secluded and serene self-catering cottage, as well as getting a welcome dose of sea air, water fun and recuperation.
Please see Holiday Cottages with Fishing as well for all you who love to fish, and for those of you who love relaxing in a hot tub look at Holiday Cottages with Hot Tubs.
Riverside Lodge
The cedar-clad Riverside Lodge sleeps 4 and literally sits on a small lake in an elevated location within yards of the river. Stunning sunsets across the river to the water meadows and with an ancient woodland to the rear.
If you are a keen fisherman then this is a match made in heaven. Fish the lake or the river, the choice is yours. You might just want to wake up to breakfast by the lake and be able to have a picnic by the river. Either way this waterside New Forest lodge is a real gem.
Additionally, see our range of local discounts on fishing around the New Forest area. There is plenty of choice for keen fishermen with day tickets to some stunning lakes and rivers.
Beck Cottage
This stunning traditional New Forest cottage is a real escape from modern life. Beck cottage is a great base to take family of all ages into Fordingbridge Park for a paddle in the river or the little paddling pool. Take some nets and try to catch some minnows. Additionally, there is plenty of play equipment as well as a skate park and space to lay out with a picnic.
Fordingbridge Riverside Park is famous for its seven-arch bridge and is situated on the river Avon in Hampshire. The little shop has homemade food and beverages to purchase. There are also day tickets available for more serious fishing on the river.
Dogs are welcome in the Recreation Ground, but owners are requested to not allow dogs onto the sports pitches and to clean up after their dog(s). Dogs are strictly prohibited from the children’s play area.
Mews Hill
The accommodation is set right on the edge or the New Forest and sleeps up to 11. The beauty of Mews Hill is that you have stables and grazing outside your door. Bring your horses and take them for a paddle in the rivers and streams around the New Forest. Check out routes and rights of way. There is a fantastic app you can use for free to navigate around the New Forest. It is called Outdoor Active (there are optional paid features too). Here is a link to some great routes for walking, running, cycling or horse riding around the New Forest area to explore. be prepared to get your feet wet in many of the brooks, springs and streams.
If you would like to ride on the beach and take the horses for a paddle you can do so, Avon Beach in Christchurch has the following restrictions – Horses are not permitted on the seashore between the Saturday preceding Easter Monday and the 30th September (both dates inclusive) in any year between 10am and 9pm.
Additionally, a family day at the New Forest water park is sure to zap some energy. You can hire kayaks or paddle boards. Alternatively, don a wet suit and get all the family involved in tackling the assault course.
Forest Drove Cottage
Forest Drove Cottage is the nearest of our New Forest Cottages to the sea… take a drive for 10 miles and enjoy breakfast in the Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach. Walk up the beach and paddle in the sea. Younger family members will love crabbing off the harbour walls. If you are feeling adventurous you could jump on the little ferry and visit Hengistbury Head. Alternatively walk the opposite direction along the beach to the beautiful Highcliffe Castle. There are plenty of refreshments including the traditional seaside staples: ice creams and fish and chips.
For a full range of watery walks in the New Forest the official New Forest National Park website has a great list….