Pub Walks in the New Forest

new-forest-pub

The New Forest is well known as an area of outstanding beauty, vibrant wildlife and incredible vistas which attracts thousands of visitors each year. As well as the national park’s 130 miles of designated tracks for walkers and cyclists, there are dozens of outstanding historic Inns, quaint thatched pubs and sensational eateries serving good food and tasty tipples. Many have circular forest walks – perfect to build up your appetite or burn off a hearty lunch!

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Here are some of our favourites…

Copythorne and the Empress of Blandings pub

This is a wonderful walk taking in portions of Copythorne Common, lush countryside and pockets of woodland.  The village of Copythorne is a thriving community and locals put on a great carnival on the village green – usually in June. The pub is packed with character featuring curios from Wodehouse’s books about Blandings Castle and a pig called ‘The Empress of Blandings’ – hence the pub is nick-named ‘The Pig’ by locals. The food here is delicious!

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Lyndhurst and the Fox and Hounds pub

A lovely 7.5 mile walk across the forest taking in varied, pretty landscapes of heathland, woods, bog and vast vistas of countryside and wildlife. The walk starts and finishes in Lyndhurst, capital of the New Forest. The high street is packed with shops and eateries. One of the best pubs to eat in is The Fox and Hounds with its cosy log burner in the colder months and a large terraced beer garden for when the sun shines.

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Linwood and The High Corner Inn

Location, location, location is what this beautiful pub and the 4.5-mile walk are all about. Well maintained forest tracks lead through wooded enclosures (Broomy enclosure is one of the best bluebell woods in the forest), past rivers and streams, heathland and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some deer as well. Back at the High Corner Inn find a seat outside in the expansive beer garden, with separate children’s play area, and order a pint of real ale to go with your food, which is plentiful and delicious.

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Godshill and The Horse and Groom Pub – Family Walk

This gentle 3-mile walk is perfect for families with little ones. The paths tend to be gravel or through woods, creating a perfect platform to see the national park’s diverse woodland, flora, rivers, fauna and birds. Pop in to the very child and dog friendly Horse and Groom Pub in nearby Woodgreen. Inside it is spacious, with a lovely ‘home-made’ feel to the food. In summer months head outside to a large, grassy beer garden.

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Christchurch, Mudeford Spit and The Beach House Café

One of the most beautiful coastal walks in the area takes in glorious far reaching views and oodles of history. The 6-mile walk starts in Christchurch town centre, next to the majestic Priory which dates back to the 11th Century. Walk on, past fascinating landmarks and take a little ferry boat across the harbour to Mudeford Spit. Here, on powder soft golden sand, are pretty pastel beach huts reputed to be the most expensive in the UK, with price tags of £300,000!

Stop for lunch at The Beach House and take stock of mariner life on the harbour before heading up to Hengistbury Head nature reserve for impressive views across the entire bay.

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