The Garden Escape's guidebook
Food scene
The Lighthouse
Hurst RoadGreat food and views. Local favourite.
The Cliff House
Marine Drive WestPerfect spot for a dinner with a view.
10 minutes walk from the Garden Escape. Great food and atmosphere.
7 locals recommend
The House Martin
Christchurch Road10 minutes walk from the Garden Escape. Great food and atmosphere.
Historic building with nice views over the Needles.
23 locals recommend
The Beach House, Milford on Sea
Park LaneHistoric building with nice views over the Needles.
Great location, just outside New Forest with plenty of walking routes nearby.
17 locals recommend
The Rising Sun
Bashley Common RoadGreat location, just outside New Forest with plenty of walking routes nearby.
New Forest Inn Lyndhurst
2 Boult Bee CottagesTraditional forest pub.
Great spot for a drink with a beach and a castle within a walking distance.
15 locals recommend
The Oaks
189 Lymington RdGreat spot for a drink with a beach and a castle within a walking distance.
The Cave
2 Church HillEnjoy your drink and tapas on the village green.
The Gun Inn
Keyhaven RoadPerfect stop on the way back from The Nature Reserve or Hurst Castle.
Great food, great atmosphere. Must visit. Perfect while in Southbourne area.
77 locals recommend
The Larder House
4 Southbourne GroveGreat food, great atmosphere. Must visit. Perfect while in Southbourne area.
Great selection of sweet pastries, sandwiches and bread. Great spot to get your beach supplies.
15 locals recommend
M's Bakery
805 Christchurch RdGreat selection of sweet pastries, sandwiches and bread. Great spot to get your beach supplies.
Fairly new to local food scene. Amazing cakes and lunch options. Perfect stop on the way to the beach.
6 locals recommend
Little Perth
Southbourne RoadFairly new to local food scene. Amazing cakes and lunch options. Perfect stop on the way to the beach.
Very local. Perfect for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. They serve breakfast too.
The Naked Pantry New Forest Zero Waste Refill Shop
Very local. Perfect for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. They serve breakfast too.
Rosie Lea's
76 Brookley RdGreat spot for a light lunch or cup of tea. Right in the Castle's garden. Walking distance to the beach.
The Castle Kitchen
Rothesay DriveGreat spot for a light lunch or cup of tea. Right in the Castle's garden. Walking distance to the beach.
Slightly different cafe, you will be surrounded by cats while having your lunch. Booking recommended.
Pause Cat Café
119 Old Christchurch RdSlightly different cafe, you will be surrounded by cats while having your lunch. Booking recommended.
Breadport
104 Station RdAmazing bread, including sourdough.
The Barn New Milton
Gore Road2 minutes walk from the Garden Escape
Great restaurant in Lyndhurst right opposite the Bolton's Bench.
12 locals recommend
La Pergola Restaurant
Southampton RoadGreat restaurant in Lyndhurst right opposite the Bolton's Bench.
If you have a dinner at The Larder then The Library is an obvious choice for a drink.
6 locals recommend
The library
4 Southbourne GroveIf you have a dinner at The Larder then The Library is an obvious choice for a drink.
Lins Fish & Chips
20 Old Milton RoadSimply fish and chips. Cash only.
Ashley's
Christchurch RoadFish and chips. Delicious!
BODEGA
12 Wick LnWine bar in Christchurch.
The Smugglers Inn
88 High StGreat food and atmosphere. They serve pizza from a fire engine.
Local microbrewery with a very relaxed atmosphere. The locals say it's good value, and whilst the only do food on request (small menu of 4/5 meals) it's excellent because it is delivered to you from the restaurant La Perle nearby.
14 locals recommend
The Wash House Bar
27 High StLocal microbrewery with a very relaxed atmosphere. The locals say it's good value, and whilst the only do food on request (small menu of 4/5 meals) it's excellent because it is delivered to you from the restaurant La Perle nearby.
Enjoy your fish and chips on the village green or take it to the nearby beach.
11 locals recommend
Mister Pink's
Church HillEnjoy your fish and chips on the village green or take it to the nearby beach.
The White Buck
Bisterne CloseQueen's Head
The CrossThe Buttery Cafe/Tearoom
25 Brookley RoadBest Dorset Apple cake in the New Forest.
Simply the best hot baguettes and pastries. Queue is usually long but it is well worth the wait.
9 locals recommend
The Bakehouse
45 Brookley RdSimply the best hot baguettes and pastries. Queue is usually long but it is well worth the wait.
Pickled Weasel
54 High StGreat little place with good selection of cakes and savoury snacks.
Great views over river Stour. Enjoy your day in Tuckton Gardens with crazy golf, 1 hour cruises, walk by the river or a picnic.
Riverside Inn
Great views over river Stour. Enjoy your day in Tuckton Gardens with crazy golf, 1 hour cruises, walk by the river or a picnic.
Maison Cuisine
High StreetNice little place off the High Street.
Casa Carlos
211-213 Seabourne RdVery authentic Spanish tapas
Hourglass Micropub
8 Station RoadRicky's
121-123 Belle Vue RoadFish and chips by the sea.
One of the nicest places to have a lunch or dinner. The food is delicious.
13 locals recommend
The Master Builder's
One of the nicest places to have a lunch or dinner. The food is delicious.
Sightseeing
Quay Leisure
Christchurch QuayBoat hire in Christchurch. Great experience, fantastic views.
Catch a little ferry to Mudeford Sandbanks and enjoy beautiful walk in Hengistbury Head.
95 locals recommend
Mudeford Quay
Mudeford QuayCatch a little ferry to Mudeford Sandbanks and enjoy beautiful walk in Hengistbury Head.
Great spot to start your day. It has a little café and it is within walking distance to the beach. You can walk to Mudeford Quay and catch a ferry to the Sandbanks on the other side of the water. Sandbanks give you a nice sandy beach and an opportunity to explore Hengistbury Head.
112 locals recommend
Highcliffe Castle
Rothesay DriveGreat spot to start your day. It has a little café and it is within walking distance to the beach. You can walk to Mudeford Quay and catch a ferry to the Sandbanks on the other side of the water. Sandbanks give you a nice sandy beach and an opportunity to explore Hengistbury Head.
Hengistbury Head
Great spot for a day out offering stunning views.
Enjoy a 2 mile walk from the car park or catch a ferry to the Hurst Castle.
113 locals recommend
Hurst Castle
Enjoy a 2 mile walk from the car park or catch a ferry to the Hurst Castle.
Beautiful nature reserve. Start your day in Lymington or Keyhaven car park and enjoy the views. Don't forget to visit the Hurst Castle (you can catch a ferry to get there).
9 locals recommend
Keyhaven Marshes
Beautiful nature reserve. Start your day in Lymington or Keyhaven car park and enjoy the views. Don't forget to visit the Hurst Castle (you can catch a ferry to get there).
Highcliffe Beach
Favourite spot for fossil hunting.
Not as famous as Bournemouth Pier, equally good. Sandy beach, plenty of places to eat out. And if you are tired of the beach head to the top of the cliffs.
60 locals recommend
Boscombe Pier
2494 Undercliff DrNot as famous as Bournemouth Pier, equally good. Sandy beach, plenty of places to eat out. And if you are tired of the beach head to the top of the cliffs.
A 200 acre garden, home to a world famous collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and plenty of rare trees and shrubs.
87 locals recommend
Exbury Gardens
A 200 acre garden, home to a world famous collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and plenty of rare trees and shrubs.
The Ferry runs across the River Stour between Wick village and Christchurch. It runs every day, 10am - 5pm.
Wick Ferry
The Ferry runs across the River Stour between Wick village and Christchurch. It runs every day, 10am - 5pm.
The Vintage Ferry Service starts at Tuckton Tea Gardens and runs down to Mudeford Sandbanks, stopping at Wick Ferry and Christchurch Quay.
Prices I found on their website:
Tuckton to Mudeford Beach £10
Tuckton to Christchurch Quay £6.50
Tuckton to Wick Ferry £4.00
Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Beach £9.00
BBQ Cruise - £25
1 hour Vintage Ferry cruise along the River Stour, boat leaves Tuckton Tea Gardens at 19:00pm and returns for a BBQ buffet in the gardens followed by new forest ice cream, tea & coffee.
9 locals recommend
Bournemouth Boating Services
323 Belle Vue RdThe Vintage Ferry Service starts at Tuckton Tea Gardens and runs down to Mudeford Sandbanks, stopping at Wick Ferry and Christchurch Quay.
Prices I found on their website:
Tuckton to Mudeford Beach £10
Tuckton to Christchurch Quay £6.50
Tuckton to Wick Ferry £4.00
Christchurch Quay to Mudeford Beach £9.00
BBQ Cruise - £25
1 hour Vintage Ferry cruise along the River Stour, boat leaves Tuckton Tea Gardens at 19:00pm and returns for a BBQ buffet in the gardens followed by new forest ice cream, tea & coffee.
Hop on and off wherever you like and catch the next Tour or switch between routes, all on the same ticket.
thenewforesttour.info
9 locals recommend
The New Forest Tour
Avenue RoadHop on and off wherever you like and catch the next Tour or switch between routes, all on the same ticket.
thenewforesttour.info
The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned river beds and estuaries in the world and the custodianship of the Montagu family over four centuries is what has kept it such a special place today. There is plenty to do and see.
You can visit the permanent exhibition or hire a kayak, enjoy a short cruise, have a picnic or enjoy a great meal in the local restaurant. The food is delicious!
79 locals recommend
Bucklers Hard
The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned river beds and estuaries in the world and the custodianship of the Montagu family over four centuries is what has kept it such a special place today. There is plenty to do and see.
You can visit the permanent exhibition or hire a kayak, enjoy a short cruise, have a picnic or enjoy a great meal in the local restaurant. The food is delicious!
New Forest walks
Wootton Bridge Car Park
5 mile walk in the New Forest. Walking boots recommended.
New Forest Blackwater Woods and Rhinefield circular walk. 4 miles. Starting at Brock Hill car park, near SO42 7QB.
7 locals recommend
Blackwater Car Park
Rhinefield Ornamental DriveNew Forest Blackwater Woods and Rhinefield circular walk. 4 miles. Starting at Brock Hill car park, near SO42 7QB.
Whitefield Moor
Circular walk, 1.6 mile
According to legend, a noble knight and a terrible dragon lie beneath this storied hill. Walk up to the top of the hill at Bolton's Bench and enjoy the views of the heathland, ancient woodland and grassy lawns. You are likely to see the New Forest's ponies and cattle.
15 locals recommend
Bolton's Bench
B3056According to legend, a noble knight and a terrible dragon lie beneath this storied hill. Walk up to the top of the hill at Bolton's Bench and enjoy the views of the heathland, ancient woodland and grassy lawns. You are likely to see the New Forest's ponies and cattle.
Pick your own
Pick your own fruit and flowers when in season. Farm shop selling local produce.
12 locals recommend
Sopley Farm
Derritt LanePick your own fruit and flowers when in season. Farm shop selling local produce.
Local shops
Breadport
104 Station RdBest bread in New Milton.
Morrisons
Station RoadSmall supermarket within walking distance.
Lidl
49 Lymington RdFor all your shopping needs, within walking distance.
Tesco Superstore
Caird AvenueFor anything you may need. 5 minutes drive.
Tesco Express
Lymington RoadParlourmentary
7 Southbourne GroveOne of its kind. Great selection of cheeses, cured meats and local produce.
Beaulieu Chocolate Studio
1 High StHand made chocolates.
Simply the best hot baguettes and pastries. Queue is usually long but it is well worth the wait.
9 locals recommend
The Bakehouse
45 Brookley RdSimply the best hot baguettes and pastries. Queue is usually long but it is well worth the wait.
Beach
Bournemouth Beach
Boscombe Pier
2494 Undercliff DrFine yellow sand and can be busy at peak times. Don’t miss The Noisy Lobster cafe at Avon beach nearby – it’s great.
39 locals recommend
Highcliffe Beach
Fine yellow sand and can be busy at peak times. Don’t miss The Noisy Lobster cafe at Avon beach nearby – it’s great.
Fine yellow sand and can be busy at peak times. Don’t miss The Noisy Lobster cafe at Avon beach – it’s great.
64 locals recommend
Avon Beach
Fine yellow sand and can be busy at peak times. Don’t miss The Noisy Lobster cafe at Avon beach – it’s great.
Milford on Sea beach is sandy at mid-low tide. Pebbly at high tide. Check the tide times and go there for yellow sand and sandcastles. It’s rarely busy. Park on the cliff and walk down. Dogs welcome all year. Cafes and facilities are limited. Swim here – there are no lifeguards though.
New Beach Huts, Milford on Sea
1 Hurst RdMilford on Sea beach is sandy at mid-low tide. Pebbly at high tide. Check the tide times and go there for yellow sand and sandcastles. It’s rarely busy. Park on the cliff and walk down. Dogs welcome all year. Cafes and facilities are limited. Swim here – there are no lifeguards though.
Barton-on-sea Beach
46 Marine Dr ECanford Cliffs Beach
Cliff DriveMudeford Sandbank
Durley Chine Beach
Southbourne Beachfront
Boscombe Beach
Just east of Lymington is Tanners Lane. Sandy, pebbly, silty. A gentle incline into the water. It’s great for wild walks, quiet picnics, tree climbing and den making.
Tanners Lane
Tanners LaneJust east of Lymington is Tanners Lane. Sandy, pebbly, silty. A gentle incline into the water. It’s great for wild walks, quiet picnics, tree climbing and den making.
Blue Flag award winning beach. Wide, exceptionally clean and sandy.
42 locals recommend
Alum Chine Beach
West Undercliff PromenadeBlue Flag award winning beach. Wide, exceptionally clean and sandy.
City/town information
Georgian market town by the sea with excellent independent shops and a very well supported Saturday market.
224 locals recommend
Lymington
Georgian market town by the sea with excellent independent shops and a very well supported Saturday market.
This sweet and busy little village sits central in the National Park. The entire village is home to the animals of the forest who are welcomed along all the streets, lanes, and especially the High Street where they often wander along. It’s common to find ponies resting in the shade of shop doorways, mooching outside Tesco, asleep on the pavements and drinking from the clear water in the ford at the top of the High Street.
The high street is well worth a visit to explore the little cafes and of course a fantastic butcher, baker and a candlestick seller.
69 locals recommend
Brockenhurst
This sweet and busy little village sits central in the National Park. The entire village is home to the animals of the forest who are welcomed along all the streets, lanes, and especially the High Street where they often wander along. It’s common to find ponies resting in the shade of shop doorways, mooching outside Tesco, asleep on the pavements and drinking from the clear water in the ford at the top of the High Street.
The high street is well worth a visit to explore the little cafes and of course a fantastic butcher, baker and a candlestick seller.
Dating back to the 13th century, it’s perhaps one of the most iconic and most visited in the New Forest. The main draw here is the Palace, Gardens, Abbey and Motor museum. The village is picturesque with tiny redbrick houses, tiny shops, a chocolatier, and several good cafes.
155 locals recommend
Beaulieu
Dating back to the 13th century, it’s perhaps one of the most iconic and most visited in the New Forest. The main draw here is the Palace, Gardens, Abbey and Motor museum. The village is picturesque with tiny redbrick houses, tiny shops, a chocolatier, and several good cafes.
Ancient forests, heathlands, wild ponies, cattle and donkeys and witches.
Witches are a part of Burley’s history that have become celebrated in the village. During the late 1950’s a famous ‘White’ witch named Sybil Leek lived locally. She wore a long black cloak and had a pet jackdaw who used to ride upon her shoulder. Because her costume fitted the idea of a wicked witch, the locals fell out with her and she moved to the USA. Her work on the occult and astrology is still available online and there are several local gift shops that celebrate the theme.
In the 16th century, a new pub was built. Named ‘The Queen’s Head; it was (as many are across the forest) notorious for smugglers, vagabonds and highwaymen. If you visit, ask about the hidden cellar which was discovered beneath the floor of the “Stable bar”. It was hidden full of pistols, coins, bottles and other goods and was believed to be one of the hiding places of the local band of smugglers.
73 locals recommend
Burley
Ancient forests, heathlands, wild ponies, cattle and donkeys and witches.
Witches are a part of Burley’s history that have become celebrated in the village. During the late 1950’s a famous ‘White’ witch named Sybil Leek lived locally. She wore a long black cloak and had a pet jackdaw who used to ride upon her shoulder. Because her costume fitted the idea of a wicked witch, the locals fell out with her and she moved to the USA. Her work on the occult and astrology is still available online and there are several local gift shops that celebrate the theme.
In the 16th century, a new pub was built. Named ‘The Queen’s Head; it was (as many are across the forest) notorious for smugglers, vagabonds and highwaymen. If you visit, ask about the hidden cellar which was discovered beneath the floor of the “Stable bar”. It was hidden full of pistols, coins, bottles and other goods and was believed to be one of the hiding places of the local band of smugglers.