Mallards Guidebook
Sightseeing
10mins away - very popular for all ages. 12th most visited attraction in the UK in 2021.
Forest play trail walk with climbing activities along the route
Mini steam train and play park
Bike hire / Segway
High ropes course & nets
Cafe
Arrive early (before 10am) in peak season as car park fills up fast
No entry fee but car park is expensive
262 locals recommend
Moors Valley Country Park and Forest
Horton Road10mins away - very popular for all ages. 12th most visited attraction in the UK in 2021.
Forest play trail walk with climbing activities along the route
Mini steam train and play park
Bike hire / Segway
High ropes course & nets
Cafe
Arrive early (before 10am) in peak season as car park fills up fast
No entry fee but car park is expensive
Go Ape Moors Valley
Horton Road10mins away - Fun for skiing, ringos or sledge.
Alpine adventure park at the bottom of slope is good (have to pay at reception to enter, adults fee can come off drinks)
49 locals recommend
Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre & Snowsports Shop
Matchams Lane10mins away - Fun for skiing, ringos or sledge.
Alpine adventure park at the bottom of slope is good (have to pay at reception to enter, adults fee can come off drinks)
New Forest - beautiful walk to see the New Forest’s biggest trees.
To eat: The Snakecatcher with park/ The Pig / Balmer Lawn Hotel with nearby stream / The Drift pub with park / Rhinefield House / Carey’s Manor.
Parking: Blackwater car park-cross the road & keep right on trail along road & loop back to car park.
Also to do: bike hire in Brockenhurst / Beaulieu / Lymington / Lyndhurst village
10 locals recommend
Blackwater Arboretum
Rhinefield Ornamental DriveNew Forest - beautiful walk to see the New Forest’s biggest trees.
To eat: The Snakecatcher with park/ The Pig / Balmer Lawn Hotel with nearby stream / The Drift pub with park / Rhinefield House / Carey’s Manor.
Parking: Blackwater car park-cross the road & keep right on trail along road & loop back to car park.
Also to do: bike hire in Brockenhurst / Beaulieu / Lymington / Lyndhurst village
If you get here early enough to park then it’s a lovely walk (maybe not with buggies) & picnic spot. Has toilets. Black water trail nearby.
44 locals recommend
Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental DriveIf you get here early enough to park then it’s a lovely walk (maybe not with buggies) & picnic spot. Has toilets. Black water trail nearby.
Winner of the Blue Flag award for over 30 years and with its soft golden sands and breathtaking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of Britain's best beaches.
Water sports available either on the harbour for calmer shallow water with great sunset or on the beach near shore road small car park (company Easy Riders)
Main car park is Sandbanks Surface Car Park (arrive early in holidays/wkends). You can pay at most car parks with the RingGo app
Not many food/drink choices at the beach. Pop up food hut on beach atm, great ice cream.
Or drive to The Canford / The Cliff / takeaway pizza from Baffi / or if you can get a car park space nearby for a great sea view and bite at The Harbour Heights Hotel or Sandbanks Hotel can get pizza on the terrace at beach near shore road car park.
210 locals recommend
Sandbanks
Winner of the Blue Flag award for over 30 years and with its soft golden sands and breathtaking views, it is no wonder that Sandbanks is considered one of Britain's best beaches.
Water sports available either on the harbour for calmer shallow water with great sunset or on the beach near shore road small car park (company Easy Riders)
Main car park is Sandbanks Surface Car Park (arrive early in holidays/wkends). You can pay at most car parks with the RingGo app
Not many food/drink choices at the beach. Pop up food hut on beach atm, great ice cream.
Or drive to The Canford / The Cliff / takeaway pizza from Baffi / or if you can get a car park space nearby for a great sea view and bite at The Harbour Heights Hotel or Sandbanks Hotel can get pizza on the terrace at beach near shore road car park.
We love this place in Southbourne. Check site for different music events on beach too. Food truck & bar on beach. Car park at top of the cliff
Sobo Beach
We love this place in Southbourne. Check site for different music events on beach too. Food truck & bar on beach. Car park at top of the cliff
On Conde Nest list of UK’s best beaches. Also a favourite of ours.
Get here by ferry from mudeford quay (cash only). Close to Noisy lobster for meal on Avon beach, nice beach view. Once across the ferry The Beach house at mudeford beach is nice for a drink.
Or boat there from Christchurch quay for nice walk / The Boathouse.
Also the Hengistbury Head land train from mudeford beach to Hengistbury head (or vice versa) is nice for cliff walks / beach and cafe, train runs daily from 9th April 10-5pm, check fb for updates.
36 locals recommend
Mudeford Sandbank
On Conde Nest list of UK’s best beaches. Also a favourite of ours.
Get here by ferry from mudeford quay (cash only). Close to Noisy lobster for meal on Avon beach, nice beach view. Once across the ferry The Beach house at mudeford beach is nice for a drink.
Or boat there from Christchurch quay for nice walk / The Boathouse.
Also the Hengistbury Head land train from mudeford beach to Hengistbury head (or vice versa) is nice for cliff walks / beach and cafe, train runs daily from 9th April 10-5pm, check fb for updates.
Sometimes nice to go further away from the busy town center if you’re not going to the bars / restaurants etc. for example Alum Chine with park, Durley Chine or the infamous Sandbanks.
Depending on time of year best to arrive early in the morning to get parking. You can pay at most car parks with the RingGo app.
149 locals recommend
Bournemouth Beach
Sometimes nice to go further away from the busy town center if you’re not going to the bars / restaurants etc. for example Alum Chine with park, Durley Chine or the infamous Sandbanks.
Depending on time of year best to arrive early in the morning to get parking. You can pay at most car parks with the RingGo app.
A stroll or boat hire along the quay, play & splash park called The Quomps. The boat to mudeford beach from the quay is a nice trip.
Cocktails in garden at Dirty Gerties gin bar in centre or captains club hotel near the quay.
Coffee at the Boathouse opposite boat hire.
Can drive to The Jetty for a nice meal with a view.
We park at Christchurch Priory car park or Mayors Mead.
Paddle boarding from the SUP store.
Boat to or from Tuckton tea gardens
198 locals recommend
Christchurch
A stroll or boat hire along the quay, play & splash park called The Quomps. The boat to mudeford beach from the quay is a nice trip.
Cocktails in garden at Dirty Gerties gin bar in centre or captains club hotel near the quay.
Coffee at the Boathouse opposite boat hire.
Can drive to The Jetty for a nice meal with a view.
We park at Christchurch Priory car park or Mayors Mead.
Paddle boarding from the SUP store.
Boat to or from Tuckton tea gardens
New Forest Water Park
Ringwood Road15 mins away
Great day out, prepare to queue for rides if in school holidays. We head straight to peppa pig world, water balloon ride at back. Take towels for splash area. Can pre hire kids double or single stroller to save little ones walking and bag storage.
360 locals recommend
Paultons Park Home of Peppa Pig World
Great day out, prepare to queue for rides if in school holidays. We head straight to peppa pig world, water balloon ride at back. Take towels for splash area. Can pre hire kids double or single stroller to save little ones walking and bag storage.
Nice little farm shop & cafe. On the way home could go for a walk at Rockford Common & paddle in stream opposite. Drink at Alice Lisle.
29 locals recommend
Hockey's Farm Shop
Nice little farm shop & cafe. On the way home could go for a walk at Rockford Common & paddle in stream opposite. Drink at Alice Lisle.
Cliff top or pebble beach walk. One of our favourite things to do is take the land train outside the Hungry Hiker Cafe (or walk) to sandy mudeford spit beach, stop for a bite at the beach house.
264 locals recommend
Hengistbury Head
Cliff top or pebble beach walk. One of our favourite things to do is take the land train outside the Hungry Hiker Cafe (or walk) to sandy mudeford spit beach, stop for a bite at the beach house.
New Forest Activities
Launching straight into the placid waters of the river Avon, a short paddle from Chirstchurch Quay and estuary that leads to the beaches of Mudeford. Stand up paddleboard hire £15 - Lessons from £25 - Paddleboarding adventures from £25 - Kayak hire £15 p/h
The SUP Store LITTLE AVON MARINA, Stony Ln S, Christchurch BH23 1HW
Also Easy Riders at Sandbanks.
The SUP Store
Stony Lane SouthLaunching straight into the placid waters of the river Avon, a short paddle from Chirstchurch Quay and estuary that leads to the beaches of Mudeford. Stand up paddleboard hire £15 - Lessons from £25 - Paddleboarding adventures from £25 - Kayak hire £15 p/h
The SUP Store LITTLE AVON MARINA, Stony Ln S, Christchurch BH23 1HW
Also Easy Riders at Sandbanks.
Village shops / boat trips / sea water baths with inflatables / some dining options nearby: Monkey Brewhouse / Old Mill / The Elderflower
224 locals recommend
Lymington
Village shops / boat trips / sea water baths with inflatables / some dining options nearby: Monkey Brewhouse / Old Mill / The Elderflower
Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Wareham RoadRockReef
Bournemouth pier zip wire and indoor climbing walls
BH2 Leisure Complex
Exeter CrescentCinema and car park for Bournemouth town center
Rainy day activities for young ones - Bowling / soft play / arcades / crazy golf
Oasis Fun Bournemouth
Glen Fern RoadRainy day activities for young ones - Bowling / soft play / arcades / crazy golf
Also has great play area for kids.
Also discover Beaulieu Village. Enjoy a stroll or cycle ride beside the Beaulieu River from Beaulieu village to Buckler's Hard. One of the few privately owned rivers in the world. Boat rides open from 9th April.
Lots of places to eat: Montagu Arms/The Drift with park/Limewood/The Pig/Balmer Lawn/Carey’s Manor
197 locals recommend
National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
Also has great play area for kids.
Also discover Beaulieu Village. Enjoy a stroll or cycle ride beside the Beaulieu River from Beaulieu village to Buckler's Hard. One of the few privately owned rivers in the world. Boat rides open from 9th April.
Lots of places to eat: Montagu Arms/The Drift with park/Limewood/The Pig/Balmer Lawn/Carey’s Manor
Food scene
About 12min drive away, beer garden with play area. Close to Rockford common car park for walk and paddle. Often see ponies grazing
Or High corner inn has a play park too (if reopened) & large beer garden & a walk opposite entrance.
8 locals recommend
Alice Lisle Inn
About 12min drive away, beer garden with play area. Close to Rockford common car park for walk and paddle. Often see ponies grazing
Or High corner inn has a play park too (if reopened) & large beer garden & a walk opposite entrance.
New Forest pub about 20mins away with large beer garden & play park (if reopened) (walks nearby & also red shoot pub / Alice lisle/Rockford common walk / paddle)
21 locals recommend
High Corner Inn
New Forest pub about 20mins away with large beer garden & play park (if reopened) (walks nearby & also red shoot pub / Alice lisle/Rockford common walk / paddle)
New Forest - 17mins. Nice country pub with great roast (best to book in advance). Otherwise High Corner Inn is nearby with play park (if open) & large beer garden. Alice Lisle pub also near with park
8 locals recommend
Red Shoot Inn
New Forest - 17mins. Nice country pub with great roast (best to book in advance). Otherwise High Corner Inn is nearby with play park (if open) & large beer garden. Alice Lisle pub also near with park
Nice local restaurant. The heated beach huts in restaurant garden are nice if you can book, car park opposite.
12 locals recommend
India Cottage
35 Christchurch RdNice local restaurant. The heated beach huts in restaurant garden are nice if you can book, car park opposite.
Framptons
48-50 High StProbably the closest place for cocktails (Ringwood) & Arboro Lounge
Great summer & winter. Pretty traditional pub with a nice large beer garden with outdoor Pizza shack & play area about 18min drive away.
The Old Thatch
285 Wimborne Rd WGreat summer & winter. Pretty traditional pub with a nice large beer garden with outdoor Pizza shack & play area about 18min drive away.
Not near forest or beach so parking easier. A nice pub/restaurant with good food & large beer garden.
14 locals recommend
The Pear At Parley
Not near forest or beach so parking easier. A nice pub/restaurant with good food & large beer garden.
Avon beach - We enjoy breakfast here on top terrace with a beach view. Close walk or drive to mudeford ferry to go across to mudeford beach
67 locals recommend
The Noisy Lobster
Avon beach - We enjoy breakfast here on top terrace with a beach view. Close walk or drive to mudeford ferry to go across to mudeford beach
Ringwood - good brunch & also at the New Forest Pantry next door (although small)
Nava Coffee House, Kitchen & Bar
22-24 High StreetRingwood - good brunch & also at the New Forest Pantry next door (although small)
Now called The Nici, great Miami feel / cocktails / dining. Better for drinks than the food. Parking not great
The Savoy Hotel
West Hill RoadNow called The Nici, great Miami feel / cocktails / dining. Better for drinks than the food. Parking not great
Urban Garden
Exeter CrescentNice casual restaurant anytime of day in Bournemouth gardens
Boscombe - Short walk from overstrand car park / park on promenade or walk from Bournemouth. Flamingo cafe nearby too
149 locals recommend
Urban Reef - Seafront Restaurant in Bournemouth
Undercliff DriveBoscombe - Short walk from overstrand car park / park on promenade or walk from Bournemouth. Flamingo cafe nearby too
Old Mill
Silver StreetPretty pub near Lymington
Luxury spa / Angela Hartnett restaurant / lovely afternoon tea in the forest at this Country House Hotel.
67 locals recommend
Lime Wood
Beaulieu RoadLuxury spa / Angela Hartnett restaurant / lovely afternoon tea in the forest at this Country House Hotel.
Further away but beautiful building and location with locally sourced food. Nice to make a day of it and visit Studland beach, drive or ferry from Sandbanks with car. Or Shell Bay restaurant by ferry stop.
There is also The Pig in Brockenhurst new Forest.
165 locals recommend
The Pig on the Beach
Manor RoadFurther away but beautiful building and location with locally sourced food. Nice to make a day of it and visit Studland beach, drive or ferry from Sandbanks with car. Or Shell Bay restaurant by ferry stop.
There is also The Pig in Brockenhurst new Forest.
5* hotel & spa. Fine dining & casual options like James Martin’s Kitchen. Can also drive to nearby Steamer Point nature reserve for walk & overlooking a beach.
35 locals recommend
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
Christchurch Road5* hotel & spa. Fine dining & casual options like James Martin’s Kitchen. Can also drive to nearby Steamer Point nature reserve for walk & overlooking a beach.
4* hotel in heart of the new Forest with locally sourced food, as shown on bbc2. Their sister hotel Limewood which is beautiful in the forest & The Pig on the beach are also great.
147 locals recommend
The Pig
B30554* hotel in heart of the new Forest with locally sourced food, as shown on bbc2. Their sister hotel Limewood which is beautiful in the forest & The Pig on the beach are also great.
New Forest, nice for casual dining in their alpine lodge & a little paddle in stream nearby. There’s also Senspa and restaurants at Carey’s Manor nearby. Both close to Blackwater car park for beautiful walk
Balmer Lawn Hotel & Saltus Spa | Brockenhurst | New Forest
Lyndhurst RoadNew Forest, nice for casual dining in their alpine lodge & a little paddle in stream nearby. There’s also Senspa and restaurants at Carey’s Manor nearby. Both close to Blackwater car park for beautiful walk
The Canford Pub
53 Cliff DriveNear Canford Cliffs beach or Sandbanks. Nice beer garden & play park across the road
Bournemouth town center. Nice for cocktails & often live music on a Sat night (pre book booth seating if possible)
25 locals recommend
1812
37 Exeter RdBournemouth town center. Nice for cocktails & often live music on a Sat night (pre book booth seating if possible)
If you want to hire a private chef to cook for you at home, find on Facebook or email dine@salt-co.co.uk
SALT Cø. Private Chef and Chocolatier
22 Shore AvenueIf you want to hire a private chef to cook for you at home, find on Facebook or email dine@salt-co.co.uk
The Jetty
95 Mudeford25mins away, near Christchurch, nice harbour view
Sunset beach club bournemouth
Pier ApproachNice for beach side drink / food. Seasonal opening
WestBeach
W Beach is the beach bar added on to restaurant. Open in summer
Takeaway
Ringwood - Pre order online & collect burgers / great poutine / wings. it’s worth the drive. Or eat in & has beer garden / slide
7 locals recommend
The Railway
35 Hightown RoadRingwood - Pre order online & collect burgers / great poutine / wings. it’s worth the drive. Or eat in & has beer garden / slide
Cinnamon
52 Victoria RdIndian - They deliver to us
Wox Thai Fusion Restaurant
2 Southampton RoadRingwood - They deliver to us
Dancing Roosters
613b Ringwood RoadFerndown - they deliver to us
Chicken wraps etc
Neighbourhoods / shopping
18ish mins away - Has a good range of shops: M&S, Next, H&M, River Island, Toy shop, Asda, Sainsbury's, Boots etc. Also Smyths across the street.
castle point shopping centre
Castle Lane West18ish mins away - Has a good range of shops: M&S, Next, H&M, River Island, Toy shop, Asda, Sainsbury's, Boots etc. Also Smyths across the street.