Whether it’s taking scenic walks along the coast of Lymington, reposeful horse riding through Lyndhurst’s marshland, or looking at some of the country’s oldest motors in Beaulieu, The New Forest is a perfect spot for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This national park is often thought of as vast woodland and fields with free roaming ponies, but the tourist attraction, which gets over 13.5 million visitors a year, is also one of the South’s biggest food destinations. The best restaurants in the New Forest range from quaint pubs serving up traditional British grub, to fine dining haunts, and even a totally vegan restaurant. To help you decipher the wood from the trees (if you'll pardon the pun), we’ve narrowed them all down to our top 15 picks.
Made up of a variety of towns and cities, The New Forest offers everything from seaside villages when you’re looking to take in the salty sea air, to small countryside hamlets with a population count that can be done on one hand. Considered one of the UK's top spots for day trips, it also doubles up as an excellent place for staycations too, with boutique hotels, quaint B&Bs, and charming restaurants with rooms. Visitors are spoilt for choice for places to unwind after a day exploring the area.
If you’re looking for New Forest restaurants with a view, you can expect to find plenty of waterside spots serving up fresh, local seafood, and cottages turned restaurants overlooking the endless fields of the national park. Or perhaps you’re travelling out for a special occasion and looking to find a Michelin star restaurant in the New Forest? We’ve got a place for whatever the mood, and you can find the perfect one for you by checking out our list below, or look at our full list of all the restaurants in the New Forest.