As a predominantly rural community, the New Forest relies on both locals and visitor to support its economy. We love to champion our local producers, our independent stores and everything that embraces our community and we’d love it if you could too!

Rather than shopping in the big name stores, take a look at some of the delights that you can find here. Let us give you a flavour of some of our local highlights so that you too can help the New Forest remain a thriving place for all.


Image - The Forest Foodie

Discover our local producers

We have a wealth of local producers here. Whether you are looking for fresh fruit and veg grown here in the New Forest, meat reared on our land or perhaps even some local wines and beers.

The New Forest Marque is a local food and produce scheme that champions local businesses who pride themselves on producing and providing food and drinks, and also craft, with a clearly defined New Forest provenance. The marque is awarded to businesses who's produce has been grown, reared, caught, brewed, produced or processed within the New Forest - it's The Sign of True Local Produce! By purchasing products that display the marque, or in shopping in stores or cafes which sell New Forest Marque products, you are directly supporting our local producers and helping to support the New Forest community.

The Forest Foodie offer lots of different, exciting ways that you can try plenty of tasteful local produce. Order one of their great hampers, packed full of delicious treats, perfect for taking on a picnic within our woodlands or on our coast, or you can have their unmissable 3 course dinners delivered to your home - all you need to do is heat it up and enjoy! 

Some other products that proudly hold the New Forest Marque include Beachcomber Gin, based in Lymington, Bell Herbs, who grow micro herbs, salad leaves and edible flowers in Fordingbridge and Brook Hill Vineyard, a family-run vineyard in Bramshaw. Take a look at our dedicated page to the New Forest Marque for more businesses.


Image - Fordingbridge Farm Shop

Farm and community shops

Many of our farm shops stock lots of locally made New Forest products. Farm shops are the perfect place to rustle up a feast, whether to be enjoyed at home, on a picnic or in your self-catering accommodation, selling a variety of meats, cheeses, breads and deli items. Fordingbridge Farm Shop have a brilliant selection of local produce, from daily essentials to tasty treats, plus they have their own Courtyard bar and restaurant. Hockey’s Farm Shop, near Fordingbridge, also has its own on-site café and farmyard animals so makes a great stop for visitors with young children. Sopley Farm and Cat & Fiddle Farm sell lots of their own freshly picked fruit and vegetables, as well as many other local products too, including eggs, honey and flour! Sunnyfields Farm Shop are mad on local produce, stocking over 2,000 high-quality products.

You’ll also find community shops in some of our smaller villages including Minstead, and also Woodgreen and Pilley. Usually run by villagers, these shops are often the heart of the local community and are a great place for finding out what’s going on locally and also to discover some of the locals’ favourite parts and hidden gems of the New Forest.


Image - Burley Fudge Shop

Local retailers – our independent stores

Although you will find some of the well-known stores on our High Streets, you can also explore a lot of our independent stores too.

You won’t want to miss out on the incredible choice of homemade fudge and other delicious confectionary at Burley Fudge Shop! Also located in Burley, you’ll find New Forest Cider, who make and sell their scrumptious cider for you to take home and enjoy.

Within Lymington, the High Street is lined with independent stores. You’ll find boutiques, local department stores and food producers. New Milton is home to a fantastic a zero-waste food and homeware store. LyndhurstRingwoodMilford on SeaBrockenhurst and Fordingbridge are also all packed with brilliant local retailers, from clothes and homeware to food and gift shops, you can get everything you need in our wonderful towns and villages.


Image - The Commoner's Larder

Online New Forest shops – get local delivered to your doorstep

As well as many of our local shops having an online store too, there are many local retailers who solely sell their products online. Get incredible local products delivered directly to your front door with a click of a button!

New Forest Shortbread make mouth-watering homemade biscuits, of many flavours, here in the New Forest and sell them online so everyone can order and enjoy their tasty shortbread.

Create tasty meals at home and order award winning local handmade fishcakes, crab cakes and many other delicious fishy delicacies from The Fabulous Catch Company. They also made amazing scotch eggs and venison eggs. Cook up something special for breakfast, lunch or dinner and order incredible local pork, beef, lamb and even chicken eggs from The Commoner’s Larder.

As well as delicious local food produce, you can buy many other products online from local producers, including jewellery, art, clothing and so much more.


Image - Hythe Market

Markets – perfect for local produce

Our markets are another great place to shop local. You’ll find regular street markets in LymingtonNew Milton, Ringwood and Hythe as well as pop up markets and farmers’ market events. Check our what’s on calendar for upcoming events and browse from local food and drink, cakes, meat and much more.

Make the most of shopping local with a Go New Forest Card

Help support some of our local businesses even further by purchasing a Go New Forest Card. This card gives you over 350 savings across businesses within the New Forest, including many of our independent shops and cafes. Buy your card online, or pop into one of the Go New Forest Card retailers listed here.  

Thank you for choosing to support local when you visit the New Forest!