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Riverside House, Fordingbridge

Visitor Rating
Rating
★★★★★
Fordingbridge
8
1
4
1

Riverside House is a spacious detached property in Sandleheath, Hampshire, perfect for large family gatherings and group breaks. This substantial home sits in two acres of private grounds with direct access to the River Avon. The house features a heated indoor swimming pool and games room, making it ideal for entertaining groups of all ages.

The New Forest National Park surrounds this peaceful location. You'll find yourself in rolling countryside with easy access to forest trails and riverside walks.

The property sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms. There is one bathroom throughout the house. Downstairs you'll find three reception rooms including a sitting room, dining room and conservatory.

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About Riverside House

Riverside House is a spacious detached property in Sandleheath, Hampshire, perfect for large family gatherings and group breaks. This substantial home sits in two acres of private grounds with direct access to the River Avon. The house features a heated indoor swimming pool and games room, making it ideal for entertaining groups of all ages.

The New Forest National Park surrounds this peaceful location. You'll find yourself in rolling countryside with easy access to forest trails and riverside walks.

The property sleeps up to 8 guests across four bedrooms. There is one bathroom throughout the house. Downstairs you'll find three reception rooms including a sitting room, dining room and conservatory. The kitchen is fully equipped for catering to larger groups. Upstairs bedrooms vary in size with a mix of double and twin configurations.

Fordingbridge town centre lies 2 miles away (5 minutes). Visit Moors Valley Country Park (6 miles, 12 minutes) or explore Rockbourne Roman Villa (4 miles, 8 minutes). The New Forest Wildlife Park sits 8 miles away (15 minutes).

Riverside House delivers everything needed for memorable group holidays. The combination of pool, river access and extensive grounds makes this exceptional.

Check Prices & Availability »
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

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Local Insights: Riverside House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Fordingbridge, FORDINGBRIDGE

Weather & Local Conditions

12°C

Clear sky

Updated: 16 Sep 2026, 3:09am

🌡️
11.70°C
Temperature
💨
7 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
93%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • ✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • ✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • ✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Riverside House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • ✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • ✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • ✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • ✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

29m

(95 feet above sea level)

Riverside House sits in a peaceful FORDINGBRIDGE setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
29m
Elevation
📍
Fordingbridge
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • ✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • ✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • ✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • ✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Fordingbridge are typical FORDINGBRIDGE lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.9284671° N | Longitude: 1.7887086° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Fordingbridge (Wednesday, 16 September 2026):

5:42am

Sunrise

5:21pm

Golden Hour

6:21pm

Sunset

🌅
5:42am
Sunrise
🌇
6:21pm
Sunset
📸
5:21pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • ✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • ✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • ✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • ✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (5:21pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Fordingbridge, you have approximately 12.65 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Riverside House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural FORDINGBRIDGE. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 16 Sep 2026 | Location: 50.9284671, -1.7887086

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Riverside House

Heated Indoor Pool

The private heated swimming pool provides year-round entertainment for all ages, perfect for keeping groups active and entertained whatever the weather.

Riverside Location

Direct access to the River Avon from two acres of private grounds offers fishing, paddling and peaceful waterside moments for the whole group.

Games Room Fun

A dedicated games room keeps everyone entertained during downtime, providing space for children and adults to enjoy indoor activities together.

Spacious Grounds

Two acres of private gardens give children safe space to play whilst adults relax, with plenty of room for outdoor games and activities.

Multiple Reception Rooms

Three separate living spaces mean groups can spread out comfortably, with room for quiet reading, lively conversations and family gatherings all at once.

New Forest Access

Located on the edge of the New Forest National Park, offering immediate access to walking trails, cycling routes and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Getting To Riverside House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Riverside House by car, take the A338 towards Fordingbridge and follow signs to Sandleheath. The property is located off Sandleheath Road with clear access and ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles in the private grounds.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Salisbury, approximately 12 miles away. From there, you can take a taxi directly to the property, which takes around 25 minutes through the Hampshire countryside.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Salisbury station (12 miles)
Easily accessible from the A338

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Moors Valley Country Park
Distance: 6 miles
BH24 2ET
Rockbourne Roman Villa
Distance: 4 miles
SP6 3PG
New Forest Wildlife Park
Distance: 8 miles
SO43 7GN
River Avon Walk
Distance: On-site
SP6 1AF
New Forest Trails
Distance: 1 mile
SP6 2JR
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Distance: 3 miles
BH24 3PJ
Tesco Superstore Fordingbridge
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1JF
Fordingbridge Town Centre
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1AX
Ringwood Market Town
Distance: 7 miles
BH24 1AE
Fordingbridge Bus Stop
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1AX
Salisbury Park and Ride
Distance: 10 miles
SP1 3YQ
Local Taxi Services Fordingbridge
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1JF
Moors Valley Country Park
Distance: 6 miles
BH24 2ET
Rockbourne Roman Villa
Distance: 4 miles
SP6 3PG
New Forest Wildlife Park
Distance: 8 miles
SO43 7GN
River Avon Walk
Distance: On-site
SP6 1AF
New Forest Trails
Distance: 1 mile
SP6 2JR
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve
Distance: 3 miles
BH24 3PJ
Tesco Superstore Fordingbridge
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1JF
Fordingbridge Town Centre
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1AX
Ringwood Market Town
Distance: 7 miles
BH24 1AE
Fordingbridge Bus Stop
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1AX
Salisbury Park and Ride
Distance: 10 miles
SP1 3YQ
Local Taxi Services Fordingbridge
Distance: 2 miles
SP6 1JF

Is Riverside House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
Children will love the heated indoor swimming pool available year-round for daily swims and water games. The games room provides entertainment during quieter moments. Two acres of private grounds offer safe space for outdoor play, ball games and exploring. Direct river access means paddling and nature discovery on the doorstep. The New Forest location provides endless opportunities for wildlife spotting, cycling and adventure walks suitable for all ages.
Groups Will Love...
The heated indoor swimming pool is the standout feature at Riverside House. Located within the property, it provides year-round entertainment for groups of all ages. The pool area offers a private space for families to enjoy together, away from public facilities. Combined with the games room and extensive grounds, this creates a self-contained holiday environment where groups can spend quality time together without needing to leave the property.
Pet Friendly
Riverside House does not accept pets. This policy maintains the property for guests with allergies and ensures the indoor swimming pool area remains hygienic. The riverside location and New Forest surroundings would otherwise be perfect for dogs. If you're travelling with pets, you'll need to make alternative arrangements. The property management can recommend local kennels and catteries in the Fordingbridge area for boarding during your stay.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Riverside House

The Augustus John

Located 2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SP6 1AX

The Rose and Thistle

Located 3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SP6 3HG

Compasses Inn

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SP6 2LR

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Riverside House

Is Riverside House pet friendly?
No, Riverside House does not accept pets. This policy helps maintain the property for guests with allergies and keeps the indoor pool area hygienic for all visitors.
How many people does the property sleep?
Riverside House accommodates up to 14 guests across seven bedrooms. The flexible bedroom arrangement includes doubles and twins, suitable for extended families or friendship groups.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is ample off-road parking in the grounds for multiple vehicles. The private driveway provides secure parking for all guests throughout your stay.
Can we use the swimming pool year-round?
The indoor swimming pool is heated and available throughout the year. It's located within the house, making it accessible in all weather conditions for daily use.
What facilities are in the kitchen?
The kitchen is fully equipped for group catering with a large oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and microwave. There's plenty of workspace and storage for preparing meals for 14 people.
Are there shops nearby?
Fordingbridge town centre is 2 miles away with supermarkets, local shops and essential services. You'll find everything needed for self-catering breaks within a five-minute drive.
What's included in the games room?
The games room provides indoor entertainment space for the group. Specific equipment varies, but it offers a dedicated area away from main living spaces for activities.
How far is the New Forest?
The property sits on the edge of the New Forest National Park with immediate access to trails. You can walk directly into the forest from the grounds for exploring and wildlife watching.

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