Exploring the New Forest is an assault upon the senses – the beautiful landscapes you see throughout the National Park, the fresh air that you breathe in and the sound of wildlife you hear as you walk.
But why stop there – the New Forest experience can continue with a taste of some high-quality food and drink.
However, we know that when visiting somewhere new it can be hard to know where to find the best food and that’s where the New Forest Marque is so helpful. Set up in 2004, it’s an accreditation scheme which is designed to develop and promote the local produce from the New Forest. Hundreds of local products from cakes to pies, local pubs, restaurants and even hotels across the New Forest National Park are proud to brandish the New Forest Marque.
It’s a sign of quality and a local endorsement that you will get a true New Forest experience. If you are visiting the area and fancy stopping in at one of the best pubs in the area, here’s our favourite places to eat which all have the New Forest Marque:
The Rockingham Arms
Canada Road, West Wellow, Near Romsey, SO51 6DE.
This quintessential village pub was built in 1840 and serves home-cooked food, real ale and fine wine. It’s a dog friendly pub and if your four-legged friend has come with you, they’ll find a selection of doggie treats at the bar. As if that wasn’t enough, the pub also houses a home furnishings shop. Well worth a visit.
Visit The Rockingham Arms website
Rosie Lea Tea House and Bakery
76 Brookley Road, Brockenhurst, SO42 7RA.
This award-winning tea room serves home-cooked food only using New Forest products, so you’ll get a true New Forest experience stopping off here. The selection of teas and cakes are all served on vintage china and there is outdoor seating if the weather is nice. Open seven days a week.
Drift Inn
Beaulieu Road, Beaulieu, SO42 7YQ
The Drift Inn, Beaulieu
Located in the heart of the New Forest, this is the perfect pub to stop off at if you’ve enjoyed a bracing walk through the National Park. With log fires, cosy sofas and hearty meals on offer it’s the perfect place to warm up. The pub is child and dog friendly and their website also states that wellies and walking boots are always welcome!
The Railway
35 Hightown Road, Ringwood, BH24 1NQ
The Railway, Ringwood
Award-winning and a favourite with locals, this gorgeous village pub is also listed in the Good Pub Guide. The pub boasts cosy nooks and log fires and serves a New Forest breakfast at the weekends. Dogs, kids, cyclists and muddy boots welcome.
The White Hart
17 Milford Road, Lymington, SO41 8DF
The White Hart, Lymington
A traditional 200-year-old pub, this sits on the border between Lymington and Pennington so is a great place to stop if you are exploring the local area. Open throughout the day for food, drinks and snacks it also hosts a regular quiz night on Mondays.
