Woodland walks, spectacular coastline, miles of wild and rugged heathland to explore. It’s got to be the New Forest, with every day an adventure in this glorious part of the world. The forest is also home to some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the UK, and if you’re setting out to visit Fordingbridge, the historic market town on the River Avon, you’re in for a real treat.
There is so much to enjoy here, and the Fordingbridge Museum in King’s Yard is a great place to begin, offering a wonderful introduction to the town and its history. Stroll across the mediaeval bridge and into the High Street to make the most of the local shops, and pick up some locally made cheeses for a picnic, a souvenir of your visit, or a gift to take home.
The town itself also makes an excellent base from which to tour the surrounding area, with attractions like the nearby Rockbourne Roman Villa with its incredible mosaics, and Breamore House and Museum set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cranborne Chase.
Feeling a little more energetic? Book in for a spot of archery at Insight Activities, located right in the heart of the forest itself, or take a cycle ride along one of the many woodland trails. This is the perfect place for families and their furry four-leggeds too, with dogs able to snuffle about off-lead on many stretches of certain routes.
Exploring Fordingbridge and the New Forest is thirsty work, and you’re sure to build up a hearty appetite. Luckily, delectable refreshment of every kind is just a short trip away, and we’re delighted to be your guide to some of the very best pubs and bars in the area.
Dog-friendly pubs
The Drift
We’ll start with The Drift, the laid-back, stylish country pub in Beaulieu. It’s perfect for families, and dog-friendly too, so the whole family can relax. Their Pub Classics menu is a real crowd-pleaser, including South Coast day boat fish and chunky chips and a substantial Ploughman’s with local cheese, as well as their Light Bite menu featuring locally sourced meats. Cellars are stocked with all the best from local Flack Manor, Ringwood Brewery and Camden Ales, amongst others.
Only a few steps down the road, and you find yourself in Taylor’s Bar inside the charming Beaulieu Inn. This is the perfect spot for evening drinks (special mention has to go to their artisan gin selection), and something light to eat.
Also fantastic is 1820, the award-winning brasserie within the contemporary townhouse hotel, Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst. Dining inside the restaurant itself or on the terrace outdoors in the sunshine, you can enjoy grill classics like the 28-day-aged, hand-cut prime steak. You’ll also find lighter and flawlessly presented small plates here too, so there really is something for everyone. Like all New Forest Collection bars and pubs, 1820 is well-stocked with only the very best from renowned vineyards, and local distilleries and brewhouses, and offers a great range of non-alcoholic beverages too, so your favourite tipple is always available.
If it’s a rare vintage or something very special you’re after, you’ll be impressed by the cellars at Burley Manor, where they are committed to sourcing some exquisite wines from smaller producers and private collections. This 800-year-old country house estate is the perfect location to savour a delicious plate from their modern British menu, or a little something with a Mediterranean-inspired twist, like tapas with the Manor’s famous flatbreads fresh from the wood-fired oven.
New Forest produce is also showcased to perfection within Bartley Lodge, the elegant Grade II listed country house hotel. The location is, of course, magnificent, but the dining experience is laid-back and relaxed, and there’s a variety of British classic and contemporary dishes on the menu. They also offer a superb selection of draught beers and artisan spirits, and you can choose to eat inside the restaurant, the elegant sitting room, or outside on the terrace as you enjoy the best that this stunning country house kitchen has to offer.
Fordingbridge is easily accessible, with a direct link to London along the M3, and nearby Salisbury offering train line connections to all major destinations. It is of course also super handy for a visit to any of the New Forest Collection pubs and bars we’ve visited here.
Burley Manor is just 20 minutes away from Fordingbridge along the A338. Bartley Lodge is a 20-minute drive along the B3078, and the 1820 near Lyndhurst only a few minutes more. Finally, The Drift, and Taylor’s Bar within The Beaulieu Inn, are only 35 minutes away on the B3078.
With all roads leading to a warm welcome, a delicious meal and a glass of your favourite something, after a fabulous day in Fordingbridge you’ll be raising a happy glass in celebration, whichever one of these exceptional New Forest bars you choose.
