Introduction To Minstead, New Forest

History

People have been busy in the area we now know as Minstead since its palaeolithic residents lived and worked here. A good deal of their time was spent fashioning stone tools that we have to assume they were probably quite annoyed to lose, only for them to be found by their 21st century ancestors (and displayed in the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst labelled ‘handaxe 136822’…) some time later.

Minstead is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 and its name then, ‘Mintstede’, is thought to have sprung up just like the mint that grows here, abundant and wild.

Minstead is also associated with the history of William II, also known as King Rufus, who was struck by an arrow in 1100 and killed in Lower Canterton, just North of Minstead. Can you track down the Rufus Stone that is said to mark the grisly spot?

Then, having been lorded over by the Minstead family until the 15th century, Minstead suddenly found itself in the hands of six-year-old Werburg Berkeley, who might have had her own plans for the area before she was swiftly married off to one Sir William Compton. The village then remained in the Compton family for many years – with sweet-toothed Richard Compton greedily declaring ownership of, amongst other things, ‘all the honey found in the woods’ – until it later became a civil parish.

The delightful village green remains today, as do many other intriguing and historic attractions of this gorgeous little gem of a village, so let’s take a little tour…

Things to do

All Saints’ Church is definitely worth a visit; some of the oldest stone in the nave and chancel dates from the 13th century, with the font over 100 years older than that. The church also boasts a ‘luxury pew’ with its own fireplace (though we’re sure boasting wasn’t actively encouraged, and hope its inhabitants felt suitably humble as they kept cosy whilst other families got cold feet during the longer sermons).

The village pub, The Trusty Servant, dates from 1890 and retains many of its original features, like the design of its unusual sign depicting a pig-snouted man with padlocked lips, the ears of an ass and the feet of a stag. Enjoy your favourite tipple, and have a go at deciphering what servile qualities are being praised here!

The Community Shop on the village green is a wonderful place to meet the friendly volunteers keeping it open every day, and to make the most of their local knowledge. You might pick up a souvenir or two to remember your visit, or a gift for family and friends back home; they stock cards, plants and a great range of locally sourced produce, with the smoked trout, homemade jams and cheese deserving special mention. It’s also a must-stop for a delicious New Forest Ice Cream as you continue your stroll – mint choc chip, anyone?

Popular with families, Furzey Gardens is only a mile away. There’s a children’s play area here, and you can spend hours exploring its 10-acre woodland garden and tracking down every one of its 40 famous Fairy Doors.

Famous faces

And speaking of detective work, fans of Sherlock Holmes will surely want to pay their respects to his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, whose grave is tucked away under an oak tree in the churchyard of All Saints. Minstead features in his novel The White Company – you could add it to your New Forest vacation reading list!

Where to stay

We know that your time in the New Forest is precious, and with your days full of exploration and new experiences, you’ll want a real home-from-home where you can truly relax at the end of the day.

Luckily, there are some stunning places to stay near Minstead, all within an easy drive or cycle ride, so let’s pay a visit to some of the best…

Located just outside the ancient village of Beaulieu itself, The Beaulieu Inn is around a 15-minute drive away from Minstead starting out on the B3056. This former coaching inn is full of character, and you’re sure to dream sweet dreams within the quirky, cosy bedrooms, or one of Beaulieu’s superbly appointed suites.
The magnificent 800-year-old estate of Burley Manor is only 14 minutes away from Minstead along the A31, grand amidst its spectacular natural surroundings. Every room and suite within this elegant country house hotel is thoughtfully and individually designed, and after a day of New Forest adventuring you’re bound to want to treat yourself to its luxurious spa facilities.

Bartley Lodge is a Grade II listed country house hotel set within eight acres of incredible grounds, and as you approach along its woodland drive, you know you’re in for something special. There’s a real sense of elegance here, with every room and every suite here room here the epitome of style and sumptuousness. And to add to its charm, Bartley is a mere seven-minute drive from Minstead along the A337.

If you’re looking for a more contemporary space whilst still feeling very much part of the New Forest, the sophisticated Georgian townhouse Forest Lodge, near Lyndhurst, is the perfect place to call your own for the duration of your stay. This stylish boutique hotel offers a range of fabulous rooms and access to a gorgeous courtyard garden, and at only six minutes drive along the A337, Forest Lodge is the closest of the New Forest Collection hotels to Minstead.

And so, if you’ve been out visiting Minstead and there are hold-ups with wild ponies crossing, you’ll still be on time for dinner whichever one of these fantastic hotels you choose. Talking of which…

Where To Eat

With so much to do in and around Minstead, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Luckily, as we’ve discovered, each of the New Forest Collection restaurants are located close by, so you’re guaranteed a delicious breakfast, a light lunch or afternoon tea, and dinner in gorgeous surroundings, in no time at all.

1820 is the grill and brasserie within Forest Lodge, Lyndhurst. The locally-sourced prime steak with chunky chips is a real favourite, and you can tuck into this, or any of the other many classics on their award-winning menu, outside on the terrace or in one of their sophisticated indoor spaces.

The country house kitchen of nearby Bartley Lodge offers a wide range of the finest fare. Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast and proper pudding in the dining room, or light lunch with friends on the sun terrace. Every plate is sure to delight.

Laid back and comfortable, The Drift is a stylish country pub next to The Beaulieu Inn. Your four-legged companions are more than welcome here too, so after a day of exploring Minstead, or family time on the beaches nearby, it’s the perfect place to relax and tuck into a sharing platter and one of their scrumptious desserts.

Burley Manor is a must for those who love a Mediterranean feast, with tapas featuring flatbreads fresh from their wood-fired oven. The menu here is creative and inspiring, and guests love the afternoon tea at Burley, with a superb vegan option available too.

Every one of the New Forest Collection restaurants near Minstead champions locally sourced and seasonal produce, and they all pride themselves on offering choices to suit every taste and dietary requirement. You know you’re in for a treat whichever one you pick, so it might just be best to sample each one in turn.
May your (gastronomic) tour of Minstead and the wondrous New Forest begin!