South England is home to some of the best fishing in the country, from chalk stream rivers teeming with barbel and chub to peaceful spring-fed lakes stocked with specimen carp. Whether you’re an experienced angler or simply fancy picking up a rod for the first time, the region offers a wonderful variety of waters to suit every level. We cover some of the best fishing spots across Hampshire, the New Forest and Dorset, along with where to stay to make the most of your trip.
Why Choose South England for a Fishing Holiday?
The south of England boasts a remarkable range of fishing opportunities within a relatively compact area. The famous Hampshire Avon is widely regarded as one of the best coarse rivers in the country, producing impressive barbel, chub and roach year after year. Dorset’s rivers and harbours add further variety, while the New Forest and surrounding countryside are dotted with well-stocked lakes perfect for a more relaxed day by the water.
Beyond the fishing itself, the region’s beauty makes it a fantastic holiday destination for the whole family. Rolling countryside, market towns and miles of coastline mean there’s always something for everyone — even those who’d rather leave the rods at home.
Where to Fish: Top Spots in Hampshire, Dorset and the New Forest
South England’s fishing waters range from exclusive private stretches to accessible day-ticket fisheries. Here are some of the best options to consider when planning your trip.
Private Fishing on the Hampshire Avon
For something truly special, guests staying at Short Stay Homes’ Fordingbridge properties (Criddlestyle Cottage, Mews Hill or Riverside Lodge) have access to 80 yards of exclusive fishing on the Hampshire Avon, just 100 yards from the properties. With four good swims ideal for specimen coarse fishing, this private stretch offers the kind of peaceful, unhurried angling that’s increasingly hard to find. Fishing is priced at £75 per person for a week or £35 per person for a short break, while guests at Riverside Lodge enjoy fishing included in their rental — you can even cast a line from the verandah.
The renowned angler Martin Bowler has fished this very stretch, writing about the experience in Angling Times and filming it for his fishing channel.
South Farm Cottages and Fisheries
South Farm, owned by Short Stay Homes, offers naturally spring-fed fishing lakes. The lakes stock hard-fighting carp in excess of 20 lbs, chub over 6 lbs, plus specimen roach, tench, silver bream, crucian carp and perch — all in prime condition. With the lakes just metres from the self-catering cottages, it’s a wonderful option for families or groups who want fishing on their doorstep without any fuss.
Rockbourne Trout Fishery
Located near Fordingbridge in the New Forest, Rockbourne Trout Fishery features six spring-fed lakes spread over 55 acres of unspoilt woodland. Guests staying with Short Stay Homes who have booked the additional week’s fishing on the private Hampshire Avon stretch can enjoy a complimentary half-day at Rockbourne, with the first fish free. Tackle hire is available at £20 per session, and guiding at £45 per hour for those who’d like a helping hand.
Fordingbridge Recreation Ground
A lovely 500-yard stretch of the Hampshire Avon runs alongside Fordingbridge Recreation Ground, opposite the George Inn. It’s common to see fly fishermen wading midstream here, and day tickets are just £5, available from Fordingbridge Tourist Information Centre or the Riverside Kiosk. This is a great option for guests staying at Criddlestyle Cottage, Mews Hill or Riverside Lodge who fancy an afternoon exploring different water.
Sandy Balls Holiday Centre
Right next to Short Stay Homes’ exclusive private stretch is a half-mile single bank stretch within the Sandy Balls Holiday Centre. Several excellent swims are available along with purpose-built timber platforms. Tickets can be purchased from the cycle centre at Sandy Balls, and fishing is permitted from one hour before sunrise until 10pm.
Witherington Farm Fishery
Ideal for guests staying in New Forest or Salisbury properties, Witherington Farm Fishery has four disabled-friendly, well-stocked lakes with good facilities including a café and tackle shop. Day tickets are available all year round from Reids Tackle in Salisbury, making it an easy and reliable option for a day’s fishing.
Fishing in Christchurch and Dorset
Christchurch and the surrounding Dorset area offer some exceptional fishing. The Christchurch Angling Club provides day tickets and holiday memberships that give access to several excellent local waters. Throop Fishery in Bournemouth is another superb spot, regularly appearing in angling publications for its huge barbel and chub. Then there’s the Royalty Fishery, which offers a day-ticket during the coarse fishing season.
Sea Fishing from Poole
For something completely different, the Ocean Runner offers sea fishing trips from Poole Harbour aboard a 40ft purpose-built fishing catamaran. Trips range from short two-hour excursions near Poole and Bournemouth to full 12-hour mid-channel wreck fishing adventures. Short Stay Homes guests enjoy a 10% discount.
Guided Fishing Experiences
If you’d like expert guidance, Steve Ward offers guided barbel and chub fishing days on the Hampshire Avon, Dorset Stour and other renowned rivers. Individual and group sessions are available, and Steve is an L1ACAQ Qualified Angling Coach. Short Stay Homes guests receive a 10% discount when pre-booking and quoting Short Stay Homes. It’s a fantastic way to improve your technique or learn the local waters from someone who knows them inside out.
Where to Stay for a Fishing Holiday in South England
Choosing the right base makes all the difference to a fishing holiday. Short Stay Homes owns a number of high-quality, self-catering holiday homes across Hampshire, the New Forest, Dorset and Salisbury — many of which are perfectly positioned for the fishing spots mentioned above.
- For fishing on the Hampshire Avon, our Fordingbridge properties are hard to beat. Riverside Lodge is a cedar-clad lodge sitting right on the banks of the river.
- For Dorset fishing, our award-winning Quays Christchurch and the Visit England Gold-award Quay House in the heart of Christchurch place you within easy reach of the Royalty Fishery, Throop, Christchurch Angling Club waters and sea fishing from Poole.
- At South Farm, the self-catering cottages sit just metres from the stocked fishing lakes, with fishing included free for all guests — perfect for a relaxed family fishing break.
All our properties welcome dogs, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged friends behind. Whether you’re after a short three-night break or a full week’s fishing holiday, we’d love to help you plan the perfect trip.
For more information on any of our properties or the fishing available, please contact us today.
