The New Forest is a delight for walkers - especially when so many of the beautiful trails can lead you straight to the hearty warmth of a country pub. Perfect after a busy day’s walking!
With 143 miles of public footpaths, New Forest pub walks can be as varied as you wish. From a bracing 3 hour trek to a quiet evening stroll, there are many fascinating routes which will allow you to start, or finish your ramble in one of the many charming pubs which are scattered throughout the area.
Here are some of our top pub walks for you to enjoy:
Lyndhurst Parish Walk
This 8.5 mile circular walk begins in the centre of Lyndhurst. Along the way the route passes several pubs including the Crown Stirrup pub at Clayhill, The Oak Inn in Bank, The New Forest Inn in Emery Down and the Waterloo Arms on the northside of Lyndhurst, plenty of options for you to choose from!
Sea Air Trail
Beginning in Lymington you will find several pubs where you can start your walk off after a spot of food including The Mayflower, which overlooks the Yacht club.
In Keyhaven, you will find the Gun Inn, ideally located as a lunch spot or continue on to Milford-on-Sea where you will find plenty more places to eat and drink.
North Taste Trail
This 15-mile walk starts at Abbotswell car park and passes through areas of open forest. Along the way you can stop at the Royal Oak at Fritham, via one of the pubs in Fordingbridge or at the Fighting Cocks pub in Godshill.
Seaside Fun
A nice pub walk for the family, this route takes you from New Milton to Hurst Castle with a handy lunch stop at the Smuggler’s Inn pub in Milford-on-Sea with its large garden and great play area.
Avon Valley Walk
Although in total this walk is 34 miles, it is broken down into more manageable sections. The second section between Downton and Fordingbridge is 7 miles long and passes by the Horse and Groom pub before arriving in Fordingbridge where there is a selection of pubs.
The nine mile section between Fordingbridge and Ringwood goes via the Old Beams at Ibsley and the Alice Lisle at Rockford before heading to the market town of Ringwood, which has many eating and drinking spots.
It is recommended you use the local Ordnance Survey maps to follow the exact route of this walk.
Burley Food Trail
The White Buck and the Burley Inn are both along the Burley Food Trail. But if you don’t fancy pub food other options available in the village including tea rooms.
Embark on your own pub walk
We have some amazing pubs and inns around The New Forest, perfect for a quick refreshment stop or a bite to eat. Why not pick up a local Ordnance Survey map and plan your route to encompass one of our pubs? Here are some examples of some of the pub walks you could do:
Lyndhurst and The New Forest Inn
Take a walk from the heart of the New Forest, Lyndhurst, or to the pub from the Forestry Commission car parks at James Hill, Swan Green or Millyford Bridge to The New Forest Inn in Emery Down.
The pub offers not only log fires in the winter, but a large garden for those sunny days, ideal for stopping after an enjoyable walk.
Minstead and The Trusty Servant
Walk to The Trusty Servant inn from either the Forestry Commission’s Acres Down or Minstead Road car parks or take a wider walk to encompass nearby Furzey Gardens and the main village of Minstead.
The Mortimer Arms, Ower
Make a visit to The Mortimer Arms in Ower. Park at the Roundhill or Shepard’s Gutter Forestry Commission car parks near Bramshaw. The pub is also located very close to Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park.
The Royal Oak, Beaulieu
The Royal Oak sits in the middle of the forest, near to the village of Beaulieu. You can walk anywhere around it and soak up the wonderful nature that’s on offer. Ideal for combining with a day out to the nearby Beaulieu National Motor Museum or the picturesque village of Buckler’s Hard.
The Mayflower, Lymington
Walk along Lymington Quay or sections of the Solent Way before making a stop at The Mayflower, overlooking The Royal Lymington Yacht Club. This pub is also listed in the Good Pub Guide and holds an AA rosette for its food. There’s also accommodation on site if you fancy making a complete break of it all.
The Drift Inn, near Beaulieu
The Drift Inn is located right in the middle of the forest and you can walk in just about any direction around it. Wellies, walking boots and dogs are also very much welcome here!
The Rising Sun, near New Milton
The Rising Sun is another of our pubs that’s located in the middle of the forest. Soak up the atmosphere in the bar area or relax in the garden before or after enjoying a walk in the open forest seeing how many New Forest ponies you can spot along the way!
Other walks you can do
The New Forest National Park Authority has a wealth of information on walking in the national park and many of these walking routes will pass via villages or towns with pubs in them. Examples include: the Ashurst Stroll, Landford and Hamptworth and Brook to Minstead village. Visit their website and download routes for the area you are looking to visit.
If you are staying in the New Forest then many of our accommodation providers can also give details of local pubs and how’s best to walk to them as well. Just ask your hosts when you arrive for their top tips.
Save lots of money on your visit
Save money off meals in many of our pubs by purchasing one of our Go New Forest Cards in advance of your visit. The card gives you discounts of drinks, food and much more for up to four people across a wide range of locations in the New Forest.
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