Fishing & the River
One of the defining treats of staying at Undercastle Cottage is its setting on the peaceful banks of the iconic Hampshire Avon River. The river is woven into daily life here, shaping the pace of the days and the view from the garden, whether you arrive with a rod in hand or simply to sit, watch and listen as the water slips quietly past.
Bob Mortimer & Paul Whitehouse
The Hampshire Avon is widely regarded as one of the best chalk rivers in the UK. The cottage appeared in the BBC’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (series 1, episode 6), and anglers can now enjoy 2,500 metres of private fishing rights along the riverbank at the bottom of the garden, offering a beautifully varied stretch of mature banks, fast glides and deep pools combined with reeds, rushes and natural undercuts.
Fishing Tuition
For those wishing to develop their skills or for complete novices, fly or coarse fishing tuition can be arranged during your stay. As with everything at the cottage, tuition is tailored to your requirements, and available one-to-one or for groups of up to six guests - bait and licences are included.
Coarse fishing runs from 16th June to 14th March, while salmon and trout fishing is permitted from 1st April to 30th September.
No fishing is allowed between 15th March and 1st April.
How to book
Once your stay at Undercastle Cottage is confirmed, you can arrange your tuition using the details in your booking confirmation.
Some of our guests at Undercastle Cottage
Cost: £250 for up to two people
£105 per additional person
"Fantastic fishing weekend on the Hampshire Avon. Being able to fish on the river and stay in this beautiful cottage kept my wife, the dogs and myself happy. Stunning views from the cottage and the garden. Will definitely stay again."
5 star Google review, Ben H.
Beyond Fishing
Beyond fishing, the river shapes the cottage's atmosphere in quieter ways. Geese and swans drift past, ducks gather in the shallows, and flashes of electric blue from kingfishers and dragonflies are a familiar sight along the banks. And those sitting quietly on the sun terrace may spot wild otters slipping through the river. Light and colours shift constantly across the water, reflections ripple through the trees, and the soundtrack of birdsong and the soft babble of the river becomes part of daily life.
Guests may wild swim in the river, but note that it can be cold, very deep, and dangerously fast-flowing, particularly after rain. There’s also a rowing boat available for guests to use between 1st March and 30th October (subject to the river conditions).