Where to find the best New Forest pubs

With its vast expanses of pastures, heathland and forest, the New Forest National Park is a leafy haven surrounded by populated pockets in southern England. Here, campers can relax in rustic little villages, explore the region’s network of walkways and delve into a host of family-friendly attractions, including museums, historic houses, theme parks and gardens.

In between your daily journeys outdoors, try resting a while in one of the New Forest’s charming little pubs dotting the countryside in order to sample some local ales and replenish your energy levels. Here is a guide to some of the best New Forest pubs and where they can be found.

Brook

Brook, in the civil parish of Bramshaw, boasts two inns on opposite sides of its small road, the Green Dragon and the Bell Inn. The two buildings, both dating back to the 18th century, nestle into the hamlet’s quaint aesthetics. The Bell Inn, which has been owned by the same family since 1782, is a blend of traditional furnishings with a contemporary menu and comforts. The inn’s afternoon tea is priced at £9.95 while sandwiches range from £6.50 to £7.50.

Brook is also home to the Bramshaw Golf Course, one of the oldest golf courses in Hampshire. Here, visitors can test their skills on two excellent 18-hole courses, surrounded by the area’s heathland and woodlands. After the sporting action, you may wish to head to Lower Canterton to visit its most famous landmark, the Rufus Stone. This inconspicuous stone is said to mark the spot where the King of England, William Rufus, met his end in 1100 by an arrow whilst hunting. After sightseeing, try stopping in the Sir Walter Tyrell Pub towards the village of Lower Canterton.

Linwood

Although Linwood is a small hamlet within the New Forest National Park, there is plenty of space for amenities to satisfy campers, including two pubs, the Red Shoot Inn and High Corner Inn. While the Red Shoot Inn may be a part of the Wadworth’s chain, it has all the character of an independent pub with its own in-pub brewery which can be viewed through glass. High Corner Inn, which is also a hotel, is well worth a lunch date with a pretty exterior and plenty of meandering country walks nearby.

Fritham

While on the Fritham Walk, one of the most popular walks in the New Forest, stop by the Royal Oak pub for a spot of lunch and a cheeky pint. This small pub is a popular resting place for walkers, locals and cyclists, so expect crowds during the summer months. The pub only dishes up light bites between 12pm and 3pm. Get there early to avoid disappointment! After a bite to eat, you can return to the Fritham Walk. You can follow it through the lush fields of Fritham Plain as well as Island Thorns and Amberwood, which featured in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.

Lymington

While the New Forest has many traditional little pubs, the Hobler Inn on Southampton Road offers up more modern, bistro dishes with ethical, local produce. The inn, which includes a two course meal for just £9.95 per person on its roster, is part of the stylish Alcatraz dining group which has restaurants stretched across the country. This modern eatery is fitting for the coastal town of Lymington. Located on the west bank of the Lymington River, Lymington turns into a bustling tourist hub during the weekends as people come here to savour its markets, ports and maritime history. While we recommend the Hobler Inn, there is a wide range of eateries to choose from, ranging from quintessential tea rooms and bars to pubs and fine dining restaurants. Campers should head west along the coastline to Milford-on-Sea and Downton for a choice of campsites.

The New Forest is a real mix of classic treats, hidden gems and modern twists nestled into the southern countryside. Campers to this national park will undoubtedly be impressed by its collection of pubs and everything there is to do between each one.