You just can’t beat a lazy afternoon in a buzzy beer garden complete with good company, top-tier local drinks and delicious pub grub – especially once the sun makes an appearance! Luckily for us, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pub gardens, with plenty of beloved hotspots easily accessible from our holiday homes in the New Forest. Here are some of our favourites.
The Royal Oak, Fritham
Located in the heart of the forest, The Royal Oak is surrounded by stunning countryside scenes and loads of fantastic walking trails. A popular spot for post-walk refreshments, the pub serves a range of local ales and beers, as well as a great selection of wines, not to mention a tasty menu including classic Ploughman’s lunches. You can also expect fortnightly fish and chips and visits from a pizza van every Thursday.
The huge garden provides plenty of room for everyone to kick back and relax, including dogs who are very welcome if they remain on leads.
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The New Forest Inn, Emery Down
Located just outside of Lyndhurst, amidst towering trees and connected to a range of lovely nearby walks, The New Forest Inn is a traditional country pub dating back to the 17th Century. Boasting a menu of freshly prepared pub classics, including homemade pies, as well as a great selection of real ales and other drinks, it’s a fantastic pitstop on your forest adventure.
The stunning beer garden at the rear of the pub overlooks the forest itself, giving a secluded, serene feel. The back gate also leads directly to the various walking trails, so you can’t get much more convenient! Dogs are very welcome.
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The Trusty Servant, Minstead
The Trusty Servant is another quintessential New Forest country pub, overlooking the Minstead village green. Here you can enjoy quality ales, lagers, ciders and wine with a fantastic menu of freshly prepared food, locally-sourced where possible.
The spacious beer garden spans two levels, offering unbeatable views of the surrounding countryside. There is also a large barn to provide for undercover outdoor seating. Various walks are accessible via the gate at the back of the garden. As with other locations already mentioned, the pub is very dog-friendly.
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The Turfcutters Arms, East Boldre
Situated between Lymington, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu, the Turfcutters Arms is in a great central location, ideal if you’ve been exploring these hotspots or nearby Hatchet Pond. The traditional pub is bursting with local history and is known for serving up some of the best food in the area, including a great value two-course lunch.
The expansive pub garden is sheltered and enclosed, with plenty of benches and a covered area, ideal for tranquil summer sipping. There is a small play park at the end of the garden to keep the kids happy. Dogs are welcome if they’re well-behaved.
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The Old Mill, Lymington
Set beside the river on the outskirts of Lymington, The Old Mill combines rustic charm with a scenic waterside setting. Popular with walkers, the pub serves a varied menu of seasonal specials and refreshing sips, making it a fantastic place to rest and recharge.
The pub’s beautiful outdoor area overlooks the water, creating a tranquil backdrop for drinks and dining in the sunshine. Sit by the tranquil river on the large terrace, or take a stroll through the gardens to discover sculptures, water features and hidden seating areas for the ultimate peaceful dining experience. The garden even features on Muddy Stilettos’ list of 50 best pub gardens in the UK!
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Hare & Hounds, Sway
This welcoming pub near Lymington provides everything you want from a classic family-friendly New Forest pub experience. Enjoy a wide and varied menu, with constantly rotating specials and loads of dessert options, as well as various popular local real ales, a choice of three ciders on draft and an extensive wine list.
The beer garden is always a hit with weary travellers, offering a peaceful place to rest and soak up the New Forest good life. There are spaces to store bikes and even tie up horses, so every kind of traveller is catered to! Kids will also love the outside play areas. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
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The Rising Sun, Bashley
Tucked away in the pretty village of Bashley, outside of New Milton, The Rising Sun is a charming country pub that’s perfectly placed for exploring the nearby coast and forest trails. Inside, you’ll find a warm and welcoming atmosphere alongside a menu packed with hearty pub favourites, tasty roasts, modern craft ales and a refreshing summer menu – ideal after a long walk or bike ride!
The spacious garden is a real highlight, with plenty of seating areas, including covered seating pods and picnic benches dotted across the grassy lawn. Surrounded by greenery and countryside views, it’s a peaceful spot to settle in for relaxed al-fresco dining. Every Saturday afternoon, you’ll be treated to live music in the garden, too!
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The Snakecatcher, Brockenhurst
Located in the heart of the forest, The Snakecatcher is a stylish yet traditional family-friendly and dog-friendly pub named after the New Forest’s famous snake catcher, Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills. With a menu of elevated pub classics and local drinks, it’s a popular destination for travellers seeking a laid-back spot close to the forest’s walking and cycling routes.
The two large pub gardens and kids’ playground are perfect for making the most of warmer weather. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch or evening drinks in the sunshine, the relaxed setting offers a brilliant slice of the New Forest good life.
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The Huntsman, Brockenhurst
Also in Brockenhurst, The Huntsman offers a cosy country pub atmosphere with stylish interiors and a menu of seasonal pub food, light bites and summer spritz delights. Its central location makes it an ideal pitstop after exploring the village or heading out on one of the many nearby walking routes through the forest.
Outside, the pub boasts a lovely garden space complete with plenty of seating and an outdoor wood-fired pizza kitchen for the ultimate al-fresco dining experience. Surrounded by ancient woodland and open heath, it’s a wonderfully picturesque setting for soaking up the sunshine with a cold pint or refreshing cocktail in hand!
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Master Builders, Buckler’s Hard
Set in the historic riverside hamlet of Buckler’s Hard, Henry’s at the Master Builders House offers a particularly scenic pub setting. Overlooking the Beaulieu River, this characterful spot is steeped in maritime history while also serving up excellent pub fare, great beer and stunning views.
To immerse yourself in these breathtaking surroundings, take to the spacious beer garden, complete with sprawling vistas of green and blue. It’s hard to imagine a better place for a lazy summer lunch or sunset drink, especially while watching boats drift along the river!
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The White Buck, Burley
The White Buck is a lovely country house pub surrounded by Burley woodland and roaming New Forest ponies. Known for its tempting menu and excellent selection of drinks, it’s a local favourite for relaxed lunches and sumptuous meals after a day spent exploring the forest.
The beautiful garden, complete with charming parasol-covered seating areas, twinkling lights and plenty of picnic benches, is a glorious place for a pint. Overlooking the nearby greenery and forest edge, the outdoor space feels both tranquil and luxurious, making it an amazing spot to unwind with good food, drinks and company.
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The White Hart, Lymington
Set near Lymington’s stunning coastal backdrop, The White Hart is a charming place to unwind after your sea-swept strolls. The Grade II listed building has been sensitively refurbished with warm, inviting interiors where you can relax with a local brew and fresh, seasonal dishes, including legendary Sunday roasts.
Take things outside to the enchanting beer garden or tree-lined green lawn, perfect for lazy summer afternoons. Choose your spot under umbrella-shaded picnic benches to watch the world go by, drink in hand!
For more foodie recommendations, check out our guide to the best restaurants in the New Forest.
Where to Stay in the New Forest
Still seeking somewhere to stay for your upcoming spring or summer adventure? Many of our holiday cottages are just a stone’s throw away from some of the best spots to relax, sip, eat and make merry – you’re never too far from the action.
Explore our summer getaways in the New Forest.
