The Railway Hotel Fordingbridge

• Sleeps: 2-4 per room
• Bedrooms: 1-2 per room
• Bathrooms: Ensuite
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Mentioned in the Domesday Book and built on the banks of the River Avon, the charming town of Fordingbridge is known as the northern gateway to the New Forest.

It’s also where you’ll find The Railway Hotel Fordingbridge; a boutique retreat that harks back to the golden age of train travel. Here you can unwind in one of five evocative, individually-styled rooms or a self-contained cottage, and savour meals whipped up by an award-winning chef.

Be warned, however: choosing which room to stay in could prove a challenge! Set around a characterful courtyard, each boasts its very own charm and style, with en-suite facilities and décor themed around an iconic symbol of the railways.

Whichever you opt for, you’ll marvel at the close, loving attention to detail throughout. The cosy Golden Arrow is honey-hued and full of home-style comfort, while the Flying Scotsman is a sophisticated sanctuary with earth-toned décor and a tartan carpet. Pour a wee dram and relax in your separate, courtyard-facing snug… bliss.

If you love being beside the seaside, Bournemouth Belle is the room for you. A cheery suite with its very own beach hut (yes, really!) there’s also a bespoke beach carpet and an incredible wall mural to make you feel like you’re right there on the golden sand.

Celebrating something special? The Orient Express is a sumptuous four-poster suite with rich Eastern-themed décor and opulent fabrics. Perfect for dreamy romantics, you’ll also have a freestanding double-ended bathtub for indulgent bubble-soaks.

Ideal for guests with limited mobility, the Pullman is a large, elegant ground-floor room with a private entrance and a double sofa bed. Last but by no means least, the Railway Cottage is a Victorian-style two-storey haven with rustic oak beams, two double bedrooms, and its own kitchenette.

At a glance

• A boutique, heritage-steeped hotel with train-themed rooms, secluded in the ancient riverside New Forest town of Fordingbridge.
• Sleeping 2 or 4 guests, each of the five rooms include en-suite facilities, with hot drink-making facilities and free Wi-Fi.
• The ground-floor Pullman room is suitable for guests with additional mobility needs.
• There is also a separate, two-storey Railway Cottage with two double bedrooms and a kitchenette.
• Enjoy afternoon tea in the courtyard, or make your selection from a diverse array of dishes crafted from fresh New Forest produce, in the first-class Pullman dining carriage on site.
• The New Forest National Park and south coast beaches are in easy reach, along with heritage sites including Breamore Station – a must for railway enthusiasts!

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Seaside Breaks

More information

Not that you’ll have to use it, when the hotel features a first-class Pullman dining carriage, serving meals crafted from fresh New Forest produce. There’s a joyfully diverse range of seating options too; take a cosy booth, opt for casual dining in the bar, or a book a space in the Observation Carriage that opens out onto the courtyard.

(In fact, why not treat yourselves to a traditional afternoon tea served in the sun-dappled courtyard itself?)

If you’ve decided to explore, there’s plenty to see and do. The New Forest National Park is mere moments away, or you could visit the many golden beaches that line the south coast.

Under ten minutes from the hotel is Breamore Station; a must-visit for railway enthusiasts who want to get under the skin of the area’s rich history, with a beautiful walking-route that leads along the Avon Valley. A particularly perfect way to while away some cherished idle time, before making your return journey to The Railway Hotel Fordingbridge for another cosy evening in.

Things to note

Check in from 4pm, check out by 10am. Well-behaved dogs of at least 1 year old may be permitted to stay in the Pullman and Railway Cottage only, by request and for an additional charge (dog bowls and towels will be provided).