There’s nothing more British than a beer garden in the sunshine, and the New Forest is blessed with many great pubs which have them. If you’re bringing your dog with you, you’ll be please to know that almost all of them welcome well-behaved pooches, with doggie treats at the bar, and water bowls a regular sight. Think dreamy forest views of the National Park’s wildlife and roaming animals, and menus full of local produce accompanied with well-kept ales, wine lists and if you’re lucky, live music to boot.
Check out our round-up of the best beer gardens in the New Forest.
The White Buck, near Burley
Grab a pint of delicious ale or a glass of wine and find a sunny spot in the pub’s woodland garden and enjoy the sunshine. This place is full of bonhomie and excellent quality food and drink. Take a pew on the sun terrace or drop a couple of steps to a lush green lawn strewn with picnic tables and umbrellas. The garden is framed by walls of mighty conifers, oaks, and rhododendrons which in spring light up the greenness in vibrant pink and purple. There’s also a lovely woodland path that surrounds The White Buck, which is especially popular with children to explore, which generally turns in to a game of hide and seek.
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Turf Cutters, East Boldre
Surrounded by open forest, it’s the perfect pit stop for walkers and destination for a lovely lunch or to watch the sunset against dreamy forest views. The huge, sunny beer garden is sprinkled with plenty of picnic tables, and there’s shade if you want it under the surrounding trees. For little ones, there is a substantial adventure playground and plenty of space to let off steam at the bottom of the garden. The food at The Turf Cutters is fuss-free, good pub grub in hearty portions. There’s also a specials board featuring local produce and fresh fish.
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The New Queen, near Bransgore
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Now under new ownership (July 2020) this unassuming country pub on the road between Christchurch and Ringwood ticks all the boxes. Fill up on simple but delicious fayre, done really well. The rustic beer garden is two huge wooden terraces with an expanse of well-tended lawn framed by mature trees. To the side is a cordoned off children’s wooden adventure play area. What makes The New Queen so special are the views from the garden of the Hampshire Avon River and fields beyond. It’s a mecca for watching birds with swans, lapwings, geese, redshanks and egrets often spotted.
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The Mill Inn at Gordleton, near Hordle
Probably the most upmarket location in our guide, because the garden at Gordleton Mill is to die for – simply gorgeous! Part sunny, part lush, it’s lovely and shady under the canopy of tall trees which frame a vast garden. Walk along the meandering stream and over little wooden bridges to lawns which seem to appear from nowhere, full of artworks and sculptures, alongside secret garden spaces with seating to chill out glass in hand and listen to the birds. Food is the focus of The Mill Inn at Gordleton; it’s delicious, maybe a tad expensive, but the setting is worth it.
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The Mayflower, Lymington
For a change of forest scene, hit the coastline and try The Mayflower in Lymington. The massive beer garden and terrace are also home to an outdoor bar, children’s play area and BBQ which back onto the marina. The squawk of seagulls, tinkling of yacht sails and sea-salty air leave you in no doubt that you’re in relaxation mode. The menu features delicious dishes which whizz out of the kitchen at a rate of knots, featuring cuisine from the land and sea – local produce being high on the list.
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The Alice Lisle, near Ringwood
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The garden at this popular forest pub has a sprawling garden overlooking a lovely lake with an outdoor bar, plenty of seating and a great children’s play area. Fill up on traditional pub fayre, from a simple sandwich to chubby bangers and mash slathered in gravy. The Alice Lisle is also a favourite haunt for some of the New Forest’s free-roaming donkeys to gather outside, much to the delight of holidaymakers for Instagram posts!
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Take a look at our full portfolio of New Forest Cottages here