13 of the Best New Forest Pubs
Some links in this post contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you use the links at no extra cost to you! Happy reading 😀
Looking for the best New Forest pubs? I’ve got you covered. From cosy open fires to heart Sunday roast dinners, this guide details the very best…
Mmmmm. That first sip of a freshly poured pint in the English countryside. You can’t beat it.
A trip to the New Forest wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the local pubs.
With some dating back hundreds of years, you can eat your fish and chips in an authentic and traditional oldie-style English pub and feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
Whether you need a quick bite or want to lounge around by a log fire after a hike, these pubs are the best New Forest has to offer.
With New Forest being in the countryside, most pubs are dog-friendly, muddy boot friendly and of course, muddy child friendly (as long as you keep them on a lead!)
Visiting the UK? Yay! Check out my other posts:
- 7 Day Scotland Road Trip Route & Itinerary (2022)
- Fairy Pools Skye Walk: Everything You Need to Know (2022)
- The Ultimate Wales Road Trip for Beginners
- 27 Free things to do in London: A Local’s Guide
- Fun Things To Do In Putney, London: A Local’s Guide (2022)
Best New Forest Pubs: The Lowdown
🦉 TOP TIP: Book EVERY pub in advance. We were turned away from almost every pub we tried, especially on a Sunday. The heartbreak when you see a giant Yorkshire pass you by and then you’re told there’s no room at the inn. Don’t risk it. Pre-book people!
1) The White Buck, Burley
Top of my list is the White Buck in Burley.
We actually stayed here for a few nights in November 2021 and rated it 5*s for its food, decor, and just being an all-around decent pub.
Open every day for food and drink between the hours of 08.00-23.00, this traditional English pub is situated in the heart of the countryside.
With live music and events happening throughout the year, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a cozy evening in the New Forest (they also do a cracking roast on a Sunday).
🗺️ My worldwide must-have: I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!
2) The Fox and Hounds, Lyndhurst
Another contender for the best New Forest pubs is the Fox and Hounds in Lyndhurst. Charting back to the 1600’s, this hearty pub with an extensive food and drink menu is a popular punter’s choice.
Plus, there’s always something on at the Fox and Hounds. From live music on a Saturday night, to pub quizzes and special food and drink deals.
🎒Need new luggage? Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips or when you need more than a carry-on!
3) The New Forest Inn, Lyndhurst
Labelled ‘a proper country inn’, the New Forest Inn was built in the 18th Century and is still standing stronger than ever.
Nestled in the Lyndhurst countryside, the pub boasts unbeatable charm and character, as well as one of the best traditional Sunday roasts in the area (and I can personally vouch for this – they are INCREDIBLE!)
🗺️ My worldwide must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos? 📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!)
4) The Royal Oak Hilltop, Beaulieu
We stopped off at the Royal Oak Hilltop in Beaulieu on a whim.
We wanted a quick drink and to then continue our walks through the forest. Little did we know, this 19th Century pub would blow us away with its low beamed ceilings and open log fire.
With an extensive food and drink menu, the pub even specialises in having daily specials and additions to the menu. They also have a great beer garden for the summer months.
A bit of an over-packer? I have the answer! I use these handy packing cubes for every trip, meaning I can pack nearly 2 times as much as I could without! They are so worth investing in!
5) Monty’s Inn, Beaulieu
Monty’s Inn in the Montagu Arms Hotel is without a doubt one of the best New Forest pubs. Not only does it look incredible, but the food and service is exceptional.
Hosting weddings, corporate events, spa breaks and all kinds of parties, they really raise the bar when it comes to hosting.
Head to Monty’s after a walk along Beaulieu high street, and treat yourself to some award-winning dishes on the traditional country house terrace.
🗺️ My worldwide must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.
6) The Stag, Lyndhurst
“Your home away from home in the New Forest.”
Another Lyndhurst winner is The Stag, located at the end of Lyndhurst’s high street.
The luxury hotel and restaurant is a family-run business that sources all menu ingredients from local farms and small businesses.
Check out their website for live music and themed events.
🌎 Travelling for the first time? You’re in the right place! Check out my essential travel kit for EVERY type of trip, big or small!
7) The Mailman’s Arms, Lyndhurst
Another family-run pub, right next door to The Stag, is The Mailman’s Arms.
Boasting home-cooked, reasonably priced meals, the pub offers live music events, Christmas parties, and large TVs for sports showings. The Mailman’s Arms has a beer garden for warmer months, and a real open log fire for the colder ones!
🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab your water bottle here.
8) The New Forest, Ashurst
The New Forest pub in Ashurst is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of walking.
Boasting a calm and peaceful atmosphere, the pub has a large food menu, cask ales, draught beers, and every other type of alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) drink you could wish for.
The pub also is a regular for putting on promotions, such as a burger and a pint for £15. Check out their website for more info.
🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!
9) The Royal Inn, Fritham
For an authentic rural pub experience, head to the Royal Oak in Fritham.
The quaint village pub is located within a working farm, so you’ll be sitting amongst the ponies, pigs, and other livestock (if you sit outside, that is).
If you fancy more than just a pint and a hearty dinner, there’s the option of playing a few board games, darts, or even a selection of books to read.
Check out the Royal Inn in September for the beer festival (it doesn’t get much better than that!) One of the best New Forest pubs, hands down.
🌎 Looking for a carry-on bag to hold everything you need for your flight? I spent YEARS looking for a good carry-on that’s accepted by all airlines, and I finally found it. I couldn’t fault this Aerolite backpack!
10) Master Builder, Bucklers Hard
The luxury hotel in Beaulieu is also home to a bar, restaurant, and event area. Prices may be a bit steeper at the Master Builder, but you really get what you pay for.
Views overlooking the Beaulieu River, extensive fine dining options and luxury rooms to stay overnight. Check out their pretty garden in the warmer months.
If you’re still booking flights to the UK, I recommend checking lastminute.com for the latest deals. Recently, we were able to save £50 on our flights just by booking through Last Minute!
11) The Waterloo Arms, Lyndhurst
The Waterloo Arms is a 17th Century pub with cask ales, a homely food menu, low wooden beams, and a grand piano for when things get a bit livelier (or jazzier).
It also has a thatched roof, a cosy fireplace, and a home-cooked menu catering for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free dishes.
You don’t necessarily need hiking boots for New Forest, but I wore mine on the walk. It made the walk a lot easier and I was much more stable, plus they helped me with other walks around the island. You can buy my favourite walking boots here.
12) The Green Dragon, Brook
“We pride ourselves on bringing you the best pub food in the New Forest and whether you’re visiting for a lazy lunch, a celebratory dinner or a big event, we’ve got you covered.” – The Green Dragon website
If you’re into your food, you’re going to want to stop off at the Green Dragon. Priding themselves on using only locally sourced ingredients or quality ingredients from partners who share similar values, the Green Dragon is the perfect pit stop after a long day.
Regularly serving specials, pouring Wadworth ales, and stocking an extensive list of drinks, it’s a great pub for all of the family.
🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.
13) Fleur de Lys, Lymington
Not only is the Fleur de Lys one of the best New Forest pubs, but it’s also the oldest. Serving its first pint over 1000 years ago, it has a traceable list of landlords from 1498. Also known as the Grand Old Lady of the Forest, the pub has a rustic exterior with a quaint thatched roof and a welcoming interior.
When is best to visit New Forest and its glorious pubs?
So, when’s the best time to visit the New Forest with all of its glorious pubs? Well, this all depends on one what kind of experience you want.
England has four seasons (summer, winter, autumn and spring), and you can either choose to sip on a pint in the snow in December or check out a beer garden in the summer.
Or you might fancy sitting amongst the blossom in spring, or crunching on the orange leaves in autumn.
You can visit the New Forest any time of year and still have an awesome experience.
Best New Forest Pubs: The Lowdown
As you drive around the New Forest, you will be inundated with the number of pubs in the area.
We didn’t come across a single pub that didn’t give us the true authentic pub experience, and there wasn’t one that I wouldn’t recommend!
Whether you want a pint of cask ale, a hearty Sunday roast, or a quick soft drink after a hefty walk, you’re bound to find the perfect pub in the New Forest.
Happy travelling!
Jennie 🙂 x
Check out some of my other posts!
- Shops in Putney: High Street, Supermarkets & Beyond
- Walks Near Putney: Putney Heath, Putney River Walk & Beyond
- Best Putney Sunday Roast: A Local’s Guide
- 27 Free things to do in London: A Local’s Guide
Hey you! 🙋♀️ I quit my job in 2021 to become a full-time travel blogger + visit as much of the globe as possible. Come and join me on my chaotic and hilarious travel journeys!
📷 Instagram: @jennie_wanders
🎥 Youtube Channel: Jennie Wanders
📍Pinterest: Jennie Wanders Travel Blog
