Pubs with play parks in the New Forest

It can be hard sometimes to keep the kids entertained when you fancy a nice pub stop. There’s only so much a colouring book will do and you don’t always want them just stuck on their iPads. So finding a pub in the New Forest with a play park for the kids is a winner for all the family.

Matt and I love nothing more than a relaxing drink in the pub. It’s safe to say and understandable that Emily and Jack don’t always share the love of a peaceful drink! So we embarked on hunting down pubs in The New Forest that have play areas to keep them entertained and us happy.

So here are my favourite pubs in The New Forest with Children’s play areas. They tick all the boxes when it comes to keeping kids and grown-ups entertained…

 

The Plough Inn, Tiptoe, SO41 6FQ (01425 610185)

On the edge of The New Forest, The Plough has a proper old traditional feel to it with low beams and an open fire. The garden is huge and has a nice kids play park which can be viewed from pretty much any seat outside. Food is served 12pm – 8pm Monday to Thursday, 12pm – 9pm Friday and Saturday and 12pm – 7pm on Sundays. Family events are run throughout the year with barbecues and a bouncy castle in the garden during the summer months.

 

The Rising Sun, Bashley, BH25 5SF (01425 610360)

One of my favourite pubs in the forest, The Rising Sun has a sunny beer garden with a huge outdoor play area. The garden has sunny and shady spots, a large decked area and covered areas too. The forest is right on the doorstep, perfect for a pint after a stroll. There is a small shady area in the car park for horse riders to tether up their equestrian friends and enjoy a drink too. Open from 11am and midday on Sundays. Food is served from 12pm to 9pm and until 7pm on Sundays. There’s no need to book a table in the garden, just turn up and wait for the next available table. Call or book online to reserve a table.

 

The Smugglers Inn, Milford on Sea, SO41 0QE (01590 644414)

Located in my home village of Milford on Sea, The Smugglers is a very friendly pub. It has a lovey garden complete with outdoor play area by the Danestream River. The play areas are fenced off so kids are safe from the water. Food is served from 12pm – 9.30pm, Monday to Saturday and 12pm-9pm on Sundays. This is a lovely pub in the heart of Milford on Sea village and a good spot to stop all year round. Book a table online or call.

 

The New Forest, Ashurst, SO41 7AA (02380 292721)

On the edge of The New Forest in Ashurst this pub has a huge garden overlooking the forest and a great play park for kids to burn off some steam. The pub itself is a cosy spot for a Sunday roast or cider in the summer sun. You can watch ponies grazing in the distance too. The pub has a selection of board games indoors to keep everyone amused on rainy days. There are covered areas in the garden and open spots too, book a table online or call the pub. Food is served Monday – Thursday  12pm – 8pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm – 9pm and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays.

 

The Drift, Beaulieu Road, Near Lyndhurst, SO42 7YQ (023 8029 2342)

In the heart of the New Forest, The Drift is located right by Beaulieu Road train station and is full of rustic, laid back vibes. There are two play parks in one here, one for bigger kids and a smaller one for toddlers. Colouring packs, highchairs and changing facilities are all here too. Dogs are welcome, towels are provided for muddy paws and there’s dog treats available. The menu is locally sourced and has a nice selection for kids. The pub has plenty of tables in the garden, perfect for a summers day.

 

 

I hope my guide to child friendly pubs in the New Forest has helped you find a little sanctuary for a drink and 5 minutes peace while the kids are running around! I’ll add more to this as and when I visit more! If you’ve got any recommendations I’d love to hear them, please pop them down in the comments below. Cheers!