The New Forest offers endless opportunities for on-foot exploration, from the picturesque New Forest National Park to quaint towns and lovely villages. And what better way to unwind after a full day of adventuring than visiting a popular pub? One of the highlights of any vacation is experiencing the local pub scene without the worry of work the following day.
Pubs are known for their cozy atmosphere, hearty meals, and great drinks. Many great pubs also include fireplaces, making them perfect for dinner during the winter months.
If you’re planning to visit New Forest, you may be wondering which of its wonderful pubs to visit on your trip. The pubs in New Forest are all located close to routes where people can walk, cycle, or go horseback riding. As a result, visitors can find the pubs easily.
If you are a horse lover, you can also tie your equine friend outside, and the pubs are usually happy to supply fresh carrots and water. Many of the pubs in New Forest are also dog-friendly and include biscuits and places for them to rest.
Keep reading to discover our list of the best pubs in New Forest, England.
Bars vs. Pubs vs. Inns
Generally, bars specialize in drinks. They typically offer a large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, like different cocktails, mocktails, beer, and ciders. For this reason, minors are often not allowed in bars.
On the other hand, pubs tend to focus mostly on beer, cider, and wine. They also typically offer a large menu to choose from, and many people visit exclusively to make use of the pub lunch. Because bars also offer an entire menu of food, minors are usually allowed inside provided they are with a grownup.
An inn is similar to a pub in that they typically serve both drinks and food. However, an inn has the addition of also offering accommodation.
Best New Forest Pubs
The Drift Inn, Beaulieu
Opening Hours: Sundays 10:20 AM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 10:30 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 023 8029 2342
Dog-friendly: Yes
The Drift Inn is a laid-back, cozy pub with log fires. It forms part of the New Forest Marque and is popular among locals and tourists alike for its exceptional quality food and drinks.
The pub offers home-cooked, seasonal meals made with locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can enjoy morning coffee, lunch, and dinner, as well as bar snacks and afternoon tea.
Every Sunday there is a roast dinner accompanied by authentic ale. Some of the favorites at Drift Inn are the seafood, eggs, chutney, and a selection of cheeses.
Another thing making the Drift Inn so popular is the fact that it is family and pet friendly. There are large gardens and play areas where kids can play safely. The menu also includes dishes for kids, and there are activity packs available to entertain them.
Even the muddiest paws are allowed to come inside, and the pub offers dog towels and biscuits for furry friends.
The Royal Oak, Fritham
Opening Hours: Saturdays and Sundays 12 PM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Fridays 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 023 8081 2606
Pet-friendly: Yes
This quaint pub is home to a thatched roof, three rooms with low-beam ceilings, and a cozy, crackling log-burning fireplace. It dates back to the 1600s, giving it a lot of character and a rich history.
While this is one of the smaller pubs in New Forest, it is home to a big garden with stunning views of the rolling country hillside. There are wooden tables where visitors can sit and have a relaxing drink while taking in the scenery. The menu includes scrumptious, locally sourced traditional country dishes. There is also a great selection of homemade cider and authentic ale.
Some of the favorites to try here include the unusual garlic, nettle cheese, and homemade chutney.
High Corner Inn, Linwood
Opening Hours: Saturdays 11 AM to 11 PM, Sundays 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Fridays 11 AM to 3 PM
Contact: 01425 473973
Pet-friendly: Yes
This is one of the few pubs in New Forest that offers horse accommodation. Often considered a hidden gem, the High Corner Inn sits tucked away among the trees – making it easy to reach on horseback.
The pub welcomes children and dogs, with lawned gardens and a playground where young ones can play. There are also wooden tables where visitors can relax, eat, and enjoy the beautiful scenic woodland around them.
During the winter, visitors can go inside to warm up next to one of the roaring log fires. The pub offers hearty meals that are perfect after a long day of exploring.
The Oak Inn Pub, Bank
Opening Hours: Sundays 12 PM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 023 8028 2350
Pet-friendly: Yes
If you’re looking for the quintessential village pub experience, be sure to visit the Oak Inn on your next trip to New Forest. It makes for a quaint and cozy resting place after a long day of exploring and sightseeing.
It has a large garden for the summer months and a cozy indoor fireplace for the winter months. It also offers places to go cycling or walking with your dog.
There is a bar with milk-churn stools, and the pub is known for its friendly staff and delicious local meals. Some of the favorites to enjoy here are local free-range eggs, local game, trout, and venison. Perhaps the most popular dish is the pheasant and chestnut gnocchi.
The Three Tuns, Bransgore
Opening Hours: Sundays 11 AM to 11 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 01425 672232
Dog-friendly: Yes
If you’re looking for a large garden, a cozy pub, and a rich history, this pub from the 17th century is the ideal place to visit. The Three Tuns offers original meals, like Dorset snail pie, and award-winning cask ales. It also offers some delicious, traditional pub grub.
There is a terrace with a pretty water feature where guests can sit when the weather is nice, as well as big lawned gardens with country fields and ponies. Visitors can tether their horses outside with some water, or visit the next door pétanque court for some lawn games.
The Chequers Inn, Lower Woodside
Opening Hours: Sunday 12 PM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 11 PM to 10:30 PM
Contact: 01590 673415
Pet-friendly: Yes
The Chequers Inn has an old-timey atmosphere and genuine ales that make visitors feel like they’ve gone back to the 16th century. The pub offers a fantastic wine selection and a seasonal, a la carte menu.
It is located right next to the historic salt marshes. It is also home to a courtyard, a large beer garden, and a big lawn ideal for walking. During the summer, there is a barbecue and music to be enjoyed on the patio.
Guests can also go for a walk along the coast after visiting the pub.
The Crown Stirrup, Nr. Lyndhurst
Opening Hours: Sundays 11 AM to 7 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 11 AM to 10 PM
Contact: 023 8028 2339
Dog-friendly: Yes
Named after the ancient object that villages used in the 11th century to decide whether their dogs could join them while hunting in the New Forest, this family pub is dog friendly. Unlike the object it was named after, it has no size restrictions, and all pooches are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
The pub is home to light snacks and bites, grills, home-cooked meals, a carvery, and a wide range of real ales to be enjoyed. There is also a crackling fireplace for colder weather.
Stunning woodland surrounds the pub, and it is home to a beer garden where you can take in the scenery. Behind the pub, visitors can make use of a footpath that will lead them to Brockenhurst.
The Foresters Arms, Frogham
Opening Hours: Saturdays 12 PM to 11 PM, Sundays 12 PM to 10 PM, Mondays to Fridays 12 PM to 3 PM
Contact: 01425 652294
Pet-friendly: Yes
Often referred to as the “donkey pub” by residents, due to the sweet equine friends that greet visitors upon arrival, the Foresters Arms is a great pub to visit if you’re looking for something more rustic. It is set on the trail of a seven-mile circular walk which can also take visitors to the Royal Oak pub.
The décor includes real wood furniture, exposed brick, and shades of green, creating the atmosphere of being inside a forest. There are also log burners to warm you on a cold day.
The pub serves everything from traditional pub food to quick sandwiches. There is also award-winning beer, a barbecue held outside in the garden, and friendly staff to serve guests.
The New Forest, Ashurst
Opening Hours: Sundays 11 AM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 023 8029 2721
Dog-friendly: Yes
This large, traditional English pub has a welcoming country atmosphere that is quintessential of New Forest pubs. It is home to a large conservatory where guests can enjoy meals and views of the New Forest. There is also a smaller, cozy dining room with log fires, sofas, and wooden benches – ideal for enjoying a hot drink on a winter’s day.
The menu serves delicious fresh food, typical pub fare, and seasonal dishes made from local produce, game, and fish. Saturdays feature a carvery, and the pub serves delicious ales and fine wines.
When the weather is nice, children can enjoy the playground outside while their parents keep a watchful eye from one of many tables in the beautiful garden. This beautiful pub also has a terrace which sometimes offers live music and has a children’s menu for the young ones.
The Musketeer Pub, Pennington
Opening Hours: Weekdays and weekends 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: 01590 676527
Pet-friendly: Yes
This old-fashioned pub has a friendly, chatty atmosphere with regular guests, great beer, and incredible food at affordable prices.
It is an excellent place to mingle with locals and offers a wide variety of home-cooked food, from classic pub grub to delicious steaks. The extensive menu also includes authentic local ales and beer.
If you’re visiting during the winter months, be sure to bring your pooch and cuddle up next to a roaring log fire.
The White Buck Inn, Burley
Opening Hours: Sundays 8 AM to 10 PM, Mondays to Thursdays 8 AM to 1:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 8 AM to 11 PM
Contact: +44 1425 402264
Pet-friendly: Yes
Named after the majestic forest creature found in the woods nearby, his historic pub dates back to the 20th century. It is one of the most popular pubs in the area, known for its delicious food and foamy beer poured from the tap.
Besides the wide range of beer brands, guests can also enjoy amazing ales, New Forest cider, and fine wines.
It is an excellent pub to visit for a refreshing drink or a Sunday lunch after exploring the quaint village.
The Forest Inn, Ashurst
Opening Hours: Week days and weekends 12 PM to 11 PM
Contact: +44 23 8029 2331
Pet-friendly: Yes
Another popular pub, both for locals and visiting tourists, is the Forest Inn. It has a comforting and inviting atmosphere, with cozy log fires for colder days and serving food that is bound to satisfy any guest.
The menu includes delicious meals that are home-cooked and served by friendly staff, and there are daily specials to choose from. The pub is also home to a beer garden with gorgeous views of the surrounding New Forest National Park.
The Hare and Hounds, Sway
Opening Hours: Sundays 12 PM to 10:30 PM, Mondays to Saturdays 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: +44 1590 682404
Dog-friendly: Yes
One of the best pubs in the New Forest area is this historic former coaching inn dating back hundreds of years. It is known for its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere.
At this New Forest pub, guests can choose between two cozy seating areas or go for a walk in the garden. It offers great food, including vegetarian dishes, and includes a big lounge bar.
The Hare and Hounds is also a dog-friendly pub.
The Plough Inn Pub
Opening Hours: Sundays to Mondays 11:30 PM to 9 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 11:30 to 10 PM
Contact: +44 1425 610185
Pet-friendly: Yes
Often considered one of the best pubs in New Forest, the Plough Inn is a great mix of hip and rustic, making it ideal for all kinds of guests. It offers delicious drinks and excellent music, and a fantastic beer garden that is sure to please even the most critical visitor.
This New Forest Inn offers high-end, fancy dishes and traditional pub lunch. There is also a bar stocked with a wide selection of beer, cider, and ales.
Additionally, the pub hosts English Party Nights, which is a favorite among locals. And, if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be delighted to know that the pub is family-friendly.
Green Dragon, Brook
Opening Hours: Sundays 12 PM to 6 PM, Mondays to Thursdays 12 PM to 10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Contact: +44 23 8081 3359
Dog-friendly: Yes
The Green Dragon Pub is an excellent place to learn more about England and immerse yourself in local culture, all while enjoying a delicious, foamy beer. This authentic country pub is set inside a historic building dating back to the 15th century.
It is an excellent local pub to relax, with the sounds of a nearby cobbling stream and the possibility of spotting animals like pigs, donkeys, cows, or wild ponies.
A favorite among locals and travelers alike is their specialty cask ales.
Master Builder’s, Bucklers Hard
Opening Hours: Week days and weekends 11 AM to 11 PM
Contact: +44 1590 616253
Pet-friendly: Yes
If you’re looking for a more luxurious pub in the New Forest area, be sure to visit this hotel. The pub serves all types of customers and offers a specialty dining experience that should not be missed on a trip to New Forest.
The hotel has a large garden and beautiful terrace, perfect for relaxing or taking a walk on summer evenings to enjoy the scenery. The pub’s drink menu includes delicious cocktails and local ales. It also serves fantastic meals.
Red Shoot Inn, Linwood
Opening Hours: Sundays 11:30 PM to 8 PM, Mondays to Thursdays 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM, Fridays 11:30 AM to 3 PM and 5:30 PM to 10 PM, Saturdays 11:30 PM to 10 PM
Contact: 01425 475792
Pet-friendly: Yes
Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, this is another authentic country pub with a lot to offer. It includes rural décor and has a homey, inviting atmosphere.
Guests at the Red Shoot Inn can enjoy home-cooked meals, including favorites like rustic bread, Hunter’s board, and beer-battered fish.
The pub also doubles as a vibrant forest brewery, where four different local ales are produced. Each ale has its own, unique flavor palate and character that makes it well worth trying next time you’re in the area.
Waterloo Arms
Opening Hours: Sundays 12 PM to 9 PM, Mondays to Thursdays 12 PM to 10 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Contact: +44 23 8028 2113
Pet-friendly: Yes
Waterloo Arms is a warm and welcoming pub, in a building that dates back to the 1600s. It serves traditional, homecooked, English meals that will have your mouth watering. The pub is home to beautiful décor and often has live music playing in the background – ideal for a social gathering.
The interior of the pub is dark and cozy, with open log fires to keep you warm on winter days. It also has a great beer garden if you’re looking for some fresh air on a hot day.
The Alice Lisle, Ringwood
Opening Hours: Sundays 12 PM to 9:30 PM, Mondays to Thursdays 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 11 AM to 10 PM
Contact: +44 1425 474700
Dog-friendly: Yes
Located in the heart of New Forest National Park, this attractive country pub sits overlooking a large garden and a small lake. There is a beer garden, and the menu includes exceptional dishes well worth trying.
It also offers playgrounds for children and a little aviary for visitors who enjoy birds. And, if you enjoy animals, be sure to take a look at the little horses that can be found wandering outside.
Some of the favorite dishes here include fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and hamburgers.
