Hook the Perfect Father’s Day Gift at Undercastle Cottage

Book a stay for Dad at Undercastle Cottage. A five-star gold award-winning luxury holiday cottage deep in the woods of the New Forest on the banks of the famous Hampshire Avon – widely regarded as the UK’s best fly fishing River, which is also teeming with wildlife. The river literally runs along the bottom of the garden, and guests enjoy exclusive access to over 2,500 metres of private fishing rights.

For any dad who loves the outdoors, loves fishing, or has a hankering to learn a new hobby, this experience gift is really special. Dads can have private fishing tuition or hone their skills catching huge barbel, chub, trout, pike and salmon at their own pace. If they are fans of the TV programme Gone Fishing, they may recognise the cottage as Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse stayed and filmed here.

There are no buildings in sight, just free-roaming ponies and donkeys and a bountiful supply of wildlife as your neighbours. It’s a place to be alone or bring family and friends, unwind, sip, dine and chat on the sun terrace while swans, ducks, kingfishers and even wild otters play in the river. There’s also a nearby nature hide for a front-row seat to view and photograph badgers (who’ve shown up almost every night for over a year), along with owls, foxes and elusive pine martins.

Inside, the cottage is packed with character and personality by the bucket load: There’s a large log burner and underfloor heating for chilly months, plus vaulted ceilings and it’s furnished with beautiful antiques, squishy sofas and the most comfortable beds topped with handmade mattresses that you’ll ever sleep on. The cottage itself sleeps 6 and is family, and dog-friendly. There are two double bedrooms in the main house, with the option of an additional ensuite twin in the Fishing Lodge (which cannot be rented separately), just steps across the sun terrace – perfect for teenagers or relatives wanting their own space.

Dining couldn’t be easier with the superb foodie pub, The Horse and Groom, just up the lane, and two more local gems – The Wooden Spoon, a wonky-walled 16th-century pub, and its 18th-century rival, The Bull – just a short drive away. Or, if you’d rather stay in, book the fridge to be filled with bubbles and home-cooked meals ready to pop in the oven.