What two better things to combine together than a peaceful walk in the New Forest followed by a well-earnt visit to one of our country pubs?! With 143 miles of footpaths, 193,000 acres of land to explore and over 60 pubs, the New Forest is the perfect place to enjoy a pub walk!

Our pubs have an amazing local drink selection, from gins, ales and wine to an ice cold soft drink or a bottle of water – a lot of our pubs also use delicious local produce to make their dishes. Chill out under the sun in the pub garden in the hotter months, or cosy by the fire with a hot drink and a warming meal in the colder months – pub walks are great all year round.

Whether you fancy a little walk or a longer ramble, we have a fantastic variety of great pub walks to choose from. Check out our Top 10 Pub Walks in the New Forest below…

  1. Lyndhurst Parish Walk


    Head out on an 8.5 mile walk around the ‘Capital of the the waterloo arms in lyndhurst in the new forestNew Forest’, Lyndhurst. Lyndhurst is a beautiful village surrounded by the forest. Along the way you are very likely to see some of our New Forest ponies and cattle grazing in some gorgeous landscapes and discover some of our wonderful wildlife.

    Depending on which route you decide to take on the trail, you could pass a total of 7 pubs including two fantastic traditional country pubs, The Waterloo Arms and The New Forest Inn, so you could really make a day of this fantastic pub walk!

     

  2. Brook to Minstead


    On this forest walk from Brook to Minstead, you will pass by Rufus Stone to discover the mystery surrounding the death of King William II! The route will then lead you to the quaint village on Minstead, where the famous detective writer Sir Arthur Conon Doyle is buried in the grounds of All Saints Church. Once you get to Minstead Green, stop off at The Trusty Servant for a drink and even a bite to eat.

     

  3. Burley Village


    burley village centre in the new forestThis 4/5-mile walk starts and finishes in Burley Village Centre, next to the wonderful Burley Inn pub – so all you need to decide is whether you would like to start or finish your walk at the pub, or both! Head out on this circular walk around the mysterious Village of Burley, on the top of the slightly uphill climb are beautiful views across Avon Valley, which sets the scene well of the dragons, witches and smugglers from many decades before now!

     

  4. North Taste Trail


    The North Taste Trail is a longer walk for the more adventurous, at 15 miles. Starting at Abbotswell Car Park, follow the instructions that will take you to Fritham, past The Royal Oak (stop here for a nice refreshment in this quaint low beamed pub with a traditional forest feel) and down to the gorgeous Eyeworth Pond. After a little walk around the pond, follow the route where you will end up at The Fighting Cocks – a great place for some hearty food to fuel the rest of the walk.

     

  5. The Royal Oak, Hilltop
     

    A lot of our pubs are quite literally in the middle of the forest. inside the royal oak hilltop in beaulieu in the new forestOne of these is The Royal Oak, Hilltop. Make your way to the pub, park up in the car park (or leave your bikes locked up outside) and head out across the forest surrounding you. Here you will probably see some beautiful New Forest Ponies and loads of other wildlife – then head back to the pub for a lovely refreshment.

     

  6. The Drift Inn
     

    Another amazing pub perfectly located and surrounded by our wildlife, is The Drift Inn. This pub is in a beautiful spot in the New Forest, located opposite the Beaulieu Road Pony Sales  Yard, where you can see across the landscape for miles! This walk is wonderful at all times of day, every day of the year, but if you’re lucky, this is one of the best spots to see the sunset across the forest. The Drift Inn has a delicious menu and fantastic drinks selection for everyone to enjoy! This walk is also easily accessible by car, train (Beaulieu Road station) or bike.

     

  7. The Rising Sun
     

    On the other side of the forest is another lovely pub walking in the new forestlocated in the middle of the forest, The Rising Sun. Near to The Rising Sun is a great mix of woodland and grassland, and another great spot to see ponies, cattle and even donkeys! The Rising Sun is a great family pub, and with a play area for the kids, they can let off even more steam after a walk in the forest.

      
  8. Hatchet Moor – Turfcutters Arms
     

    Turfcutters Arms is a cosy pub with a large garden outback, with fantastic seasonal menus and a great selection of local drinks it’s a perfect place to visit all year round. After you’ve enjoyed a refreshment and some delicious food, if you head out of the front door of the pub and up the road ahead of you, you will find yourself coming across our beautiful forest on your left. Whether just 10 minutes or an hour, this is a great place for a stroll, whilst exploring the New Forest.

      
  9. Norleywood  – Walhampton Arms

      Some of our lovely pubs aren’t a walk away from our walhampton arms in lymington in the new forestforest and woodlands, but only a very short drive away! One of these pubs is the Walhampton Arms, with a combination of pub classics and modern, more contemporary dishes, there is something for everyone. And whether you fancy a walk before or after your visit to the Walhampton Arms, Norleywood Inclosure is just up the road and with a free car park it’s a great place to get out and explore.

      
  10. Shepards Gutter/Canada Common  – The Mortimer Arms
     

    Another pub that is just a small drive away from our amazing forest is The Mortimer Arms. A fantastic pub, perfect for a drink, snack or a meal is just around the corner from Canada Common and Shepards Gutter – both great places to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of the New Forest.
     

    Check out even more Pub Walks on our website and head out & enjoy the New Forest, and our amazing local food and drink.

    You could even make up your own pub walk by combining one of our many walking routes with one of our lovely pubs!