The Country Punk Guide to the New Forest
Food scene
This is our favourite restaurant in the New Forest. It's an easy 30-minute cycle from the house and a less easy cycle back, depending on how many cocktails you have with your meal.
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The Pig
B3055This is our favourite restaurant in the New Forest. It's an easy 30-minute cycle from the house and a less easy cycle back, depending on how many cocktails you have with your meal.
Our new favourite pub. A fantastic menu from celebrated chef Mark Young (@newforestchef), along with a great location, sunny pub garden and cosy bar, make this a must-visit.
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The Gun Inn
Keyhaven RoadOur new favourite pub. A fantastic menu from celebrated chef Mark Young (@newforestchef), along with a great location, sunny pub garden and cosy bar, make this a must-visit.
Great fish options with a view over the yacht yard and the sound of clanking masts to accompany your wine and lunch. Book ahead as it gets busy.
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The Haven Bar & Restaurant
King's Saltern RoadGreat fish options with a view over the yacht yard and the sound of clanking masts to accompany your wine and lunch. Book ahead as it gets busy.
For a special occasion, Lime Wood is an amazing place for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. In addition, the spa is, in my humble opinion, the best in the UK. None of it comes cheap, but if you're celebrating, it's worth booking in.
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Lime Wood
Beaulieu RoadFor a special occasion, Lime Wood is an amazing place for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea. In addition, the spa is, in my humble opinion, the best in the UK. None of it comes cheap, but if you're celebrating, it's worth booking in.
Recently reopened and looking so much better since its refit. A good walk, or relatively quick cycle, from the annexe, this is a good spot for a drink. You can eat here but there are better food options elsewhere.
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The Filly Inn
Lymington RoadRecently reopened and looking so much better since its refit. A good walk, or relatively quick cycle, from the annexe, this is a good spot for a drink. You can eat here but there are better food options elsewhere.
Nothing flash but about as traditional as a local New Forest pub gets, although the fact they have a dedicated gin & tonic menu, plus a few vegan options mixed in with the pub classics, makes it a great local.
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Hare & Hounds
DurnstownNothing flash but about as traditional as a local New Forest pub gets, although the fact they have a dedicated gin & tonic menu, plus a few vegan options mixed in with the pub classics, makes it a great local.
Always buzzy, with a good menu of vegetarian, vegan, fish and meat options, plus you're in a great spot for a blustery cliff-top walk afterwards.
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The Cliff House
Marine Drive WestAlways buzzy, with a good menu of vegetarian, vegan, fish and meat options, plus you're in a great spot for a blustery cliff-top walk afterwards.
This nearby mill - it's about 15 minutes from the house if you're on your bike - has just had a makeover, with a large pub garden for sunny lunches and cosy nooks inside for winter suppers.
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Old Mill
Silver StreetThis nearby mill - it's about 15 minutes from the house if you're on your bike - has just had a makeover, with a large pub garden for sunny lunches and cosy nooks inside for winter suppers.
Another favourite with people who've lived in the Forest for years, as well as holidaymakers and visitors. Book in advance if you plan on eating there.
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East End Arms
Another favourite with people who've lived in the Forest for years, as well as holidaymakers and visitors. Book in advance if you plan on eating there.
As traditional and classic as a Great British pub gets: think prawn cocktail, whitebait and Sunday roasts on the menu, and local ales on tap.
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The Chequers Inn
Lower WoodsideAs traditional and classic as a Great British pub gets: think prawn cocktail, whitebait and Sunday roasts on the menu, and local ales on tap.
Super-quirky, high-end fish restaurant. Make your way through a fishmonger into what appears to be someone’s living room, where you choose 4, 6 or 8 courses... and then sit back and see what they bring you. It’s not cheap, but absolutely delicious.
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Verveine Fishmarket Restaurant
98 High StSuper-quirky, high-end fish restaurant. Make your way through a fishmonger into what appears to be someone’s living room, where you choose 4, 6 or 8 courses... and then sit back and see what they bring you. It’s not cheap, but absolutely delicious.
If your fancy is more good food than pub grub this is a great, quite pricey, gastropub situated in the pretty village of Boldre, in-between Sway and Lymington. While away a sunny afternoon with fresh crab, fizz and homemade specials in the little garden, or tuck up with red wine in the thatched cottage come winter.
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Fleur De Lys
Pilley StreetIf your fancy is more good food than pub grub this is a great, quite pricey, gastropub situated in the pretty village of Boldre, in-between Sway and Lymington. While away a sunny afternoon with fresh crab, fizz and homemade specials in the little garden, or tuck up with red wine in the thatched cottage come winter.
We head here religiously every Saturday morning for vegan sausage rolls (they do have the meat variety, too!), doughnuts and fondant fancies, then head down to the beach at Milford-on-Sea to look out to the Isle of Wight and dodge the seagulls. Get there before midday if you want the full pick of everything on the menu, or call ahead to reserve your pastries.
6 íbúar mæla með
Coastal Bakery
25 High StWe head here religiously every Saturday morning for vegan sausage rolls (they do have the meat variety, too!), doughnuts and fondant fancies, then head down to the beach at Milford-on-Sea to look out to the Isle of Wight and dodge the seagulls. Get there before midday if you want the full pick of everything on the menu, or call ahead to reserve your pastries.
I'm not personally a big curry fan, but even I like the options here and my Indian-food-loving family adore it. You'll need to book, but they also do takeaway.
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Rivaaz Lymington
7 St Thomas StI'm not personally a big curry fan, but even I like the options here and my Indian-food-loving family adore it. You'll need to book, but they also do takeaway.
What was originally a tea room and bakery in nearby Brockenhurst has now expanded to a restaurant and pub within striking distance of Sway. Serves breakfast and brunch as well as lunch and dinner.
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Rosie Lea House
Southampton RoadWhat was originally a tea room and bakery in nearby Brockenhurst has now expanded to a restaurant and pub within striking distance of Sway. Serves breakfast and brunch as well as lunch and dinner.
For those evenings when you just can't be bothered to leave the house, this is one of the very few places that will deliver to Sway. The food is fine - doubt it'll be winning a Michelin star anytime soon - but the fact it delivers gets it multiple stars in our book! (Call them on: 01590 688080)
Wok inn
28 Milford RoadFor those evenings when you just can't be bothered to leave the house, this is one of the very few places that will deliver to Sway. The food is fine - doubt it'll be winning a Michelin star anytime soon - but the fact it delivers gets it multiple stars in our book! (Call them on: 01590 688080)
Rainbow Fish Bar
1-2 Avenue RdGood fish and chip takeaway about a 10-minute drive from the house.
Local villages and towns
One of the few British high streets still bustling with vitality. There's a good mix of independent shops, eateries and all your usual high-street names. The best day to visit is Saturday when the market is in full swing.
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Lymington
One of the few British high streets still bustling with vitality. There's a good mix of independent shops, eateries and all your usual high-street names. The best day to visit is Saturday when the market is in full swing.
This is a bit of a tourist hotspot, with beautiful traditional buildings, including Palace House, and The British National Motor Museum.
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Beaulieu
This is a bit of a tourist hotspot, with beautiful traditional buildings, including Palace House, and The British National Motor Museum.
Technically you're out of the Forest and in Dorset once you arrive in Christchurch, but we won't hold that against them. There's a healthy dose of history with what's apparently the oldest church in the country, but the real draw are the sandy beaches and quayside with its picture-perfect beach huts and crab shacks serving freshly caught seafood.
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Christchurch
Technically you're out of the Forest and in Dorset once you arrive in Christchurch, but we won't hold that against them. There's a healthy dose of history with what's apparently the oldest church in the country, but the real draw are the sandy beaches and quayside with its picture-perfect beach huts and crab shacks serving freshly caught seafood.
If you want a bracing beachfront walk, head to Milford on Sea. We often pick up fish and chips in the village centre and then take them down to the seafront to eat.
Milford on sea
If you want a bracing beachfront walk, head to Milford on Sea. We often pick up fish and chips in the village centre and then take them down to the seafront to eat.
A quick ferry ride away from Lymington, a trip to the Isle of Wight is a lovely way to spend a day. From Yarmouth where the ferry docks, you can jump on a bus to explore the rest of island. We often eat at On The Rocks, which is just a few steps away from the quayside, before getting one of the last boats back.
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Yarmouth Harbour
The QuayA quick ferry ride away from Lymington, a trip to the Isle of Wight is a lovely way to spend a day. From Yarmouth where the ferry docks, you can jump on a bus to explore the rest of island. We often eat at On The Rocks, which is just a few steps away from the quayside, before getting one of the last boats back.
Places to visit
This gorgeous little destination includes a vineyard, farm shop, cafe and garden centre. It's impossible to visit and come away without a bag full of local produce, a few bottles of wine and usually some plants, too.
Setley Ridge Farm Shop
Lymington RoadThis gorgeous little destination includes a vineyard, farm shop, cafe and garden centre. It's impossible to visit and come away without a bag full of local produce, a few bottles of wine and usually some plants, too.
If you like any of the vintage pieces in the Country Punk Annexe, chances are we picked them up here. Incongruously tucked behind a car-wash in nearby Pennington, we love finding one-off antiques and unusual interior pieces here.
Elephant Antiques
Silver StreetIf you like any of the vintage pieces in the Country Punk Annexe, chances are we picked them up here. Incongruously tucked behind a car-wash in nearby Pennington, we love finding one-off antiques and unusual interior pieces here.
We've bought plenty of reclaimed pieces here including stripped pine chests and rustic shelving. It's pretty tiny and you'll need to rummage around, but a great find if you're renovating (or planning to!)
Gordleton Barn
We've bought plenty of reclaimed pieces here including stripped pine chests and rustic shelving. It's pretty tiny and you'll need to rummage around, but a great find if you're renovating (or planning to!)
This is a slightly random one, but my Sixty-something father loves at least one trip to Mole Stores when he visits so I feel compelled to include it. If you need screws, Wellington boots, fencing or random bits of timber, this is the place to come!
Mole Country Stores Lymington
Mount Pleasant LaneThis is a slightly random one, but my Sixty-something father loves at least one trip to Mole Stores when he visits so I feel compelled to include it. If you need screws, Wellington boots, fencing or random bits of timber, this is the place to come!
Local supplies
As two pescatarians, we can't personally vouch for Sway Butchers, but we do know the owners and they're lovely! People come from all over Hampshire to buy their sausages and steak here - and the queues outside speak for themselves.
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Sway Butchers Ltd
Station RoadAs two pescatarians, we can't personally vouch for Sway Butchers, but we do know the owners and they're lovely! People come from all over Hampshire to buy their sausages and steak here - and the queues outside speak for themselves.
A good place to stock up if you're planning a picnic, with lots of homemade sandwiches and cakes, or just somewhere to grab a coffee on your way into the Forest.
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Sway Deli & Coffee Shop
3 Middle RdA good place to stock up if you're planning a picnic, with lots of homemade sandwiches and cakes, or just somewhere to grab a coffee on your way into the Forest.
A short drive away from us at Mudeford Quay in Christchurch, and absolutely the best place to pick up fresh fish and seafood straight off the boat.
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The Fish Stall
A short drive away from us at Mudeford Quay in Christchurch, and absolutely the best place to pick up fresh fish and seafood straight off the boat.
A newly opened local convenience store about an 8-minute walk away. Excellent selection of fruit and veg, great vegan options and lots of superb wines and beers.
Sway Co-op
Station RoadA newly opened local convenience store about an 8-minute walk away. Excellent selection of fruit and veg, great vegan options and lots of superb wines and beers.
Things to do
The walk or cycle between Lymington and Keyhaven is a favourite of ours. Once you get to Keyhaven, head out to the fort, or stay near the shore and watch the kite-surfers making the most of the unique winds and flat water here.
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Keyhaven
The walk or cycle between Lymington and Keyhaven is a favourite of ours. Once you get to Keyhaven, head out to the fort, or stay near the shore and watch the kite-surfers making the most of the unique winds and flat water here.
In the nearest enclosure to our house, you'll often spot deer hiding in the trees, but if you want to (almost!) guarantee a whole herd of them, then you're best off heading to the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where there's a special viewing platform over a large meadow and the keepers feed the deer daily between April and September.
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Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
Bolderwood Arboretum Ornamental DriveIn the nearest enclosure to our house, you'll often spot deer hiding in the trees, but if you want to (almost!) guarantee a whole herd of them, then you're best off heading to the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where there's a special viewing platform over a large meadow and the keepers feed the deer daily between April and September.
If you're feeling really energetic, you can hire canoes and kayaks to take to the Beaulieu river at New Forest Activities. The 'paddle to the pub' option is our favourite!
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New Forest Activities
If you're feeling really energetic, you can hire canoes and kayaks to take to the Beaulieu river at New Forest Activities. The 'paddle to the pub' option is our favourite!
If you're a ParkRun fan, our nearest offshoot takes place in Woodside Park in Lymington each Saturday morning at 9am.
Woodside park, lymington
17 Rookes LaneIf you're a ParkRun fan, our nearest offshoot takes place in Woodside Park in Lymington each Saturday morning at 9am.
I know zilch about golf, but can just about manage the crazy golf here and there's a nine-hole course for those who take it a little more seriously. Call to book the latter, but just turn up and play the fun version.
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Lymington Golf Centre & New Forest Adventure Golf
South Baddesley RoadI know zilch about golf, but can just about manage the crazy golf here and there's a nine-hole course for those who take it a little more seriously. Call to book the latter, but just turn up and play the fun version.
Coombe Stables are the nearest option to us for riding lessons and hacks through the Forest. It's a beautiful way to see the New Forest - make sure you book in advance.
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Coombe Stables Ltd - Horse riding in the New Forest
Coombe LaneCoombe Stables are the nearest option to us for riding lessons and hacks through the Forest. It's a beautiful way to see the New Forest - make sure you book in advance.
It's not quite the Med, but a decent enough beach for body boarding or catching a few rays when the sun makes an appearance.
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Highcliffe Beach
It's not quite the Med, but a decent enough beach for body boarding or catching a few rays when the sun makes an appearance.
This is a bit of a drive from us, but if you've ever tasted Hambledon's English Sparking Wine, you'll know it's worth going the extra mile. Book a vineyard tour or wine experience... or you could just head to The Pig in Brockenhurst where this bubbly is always on the menu.
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Hambledon Vineyard
East StreetThis is a bit of a drive from us, but if you've ever tasted Hambledon's English Sparking Wine, you'll know it's worth going the extra mile. Book a vineyard tour or wine experience... or you could just head to The Pig in Brockenhurst where this bubbly is always on the menu.