In The New Forest you will find numerous celebrated restaurants and gastropubs, as well as charming village tearooms and cosy cafes, many of which are very welcoming to visiting walkers, families and dogs. Most venues promote a real connection to the land, so you’ll find lots of local, seasonal produce on the menu.

BabyBreaks has researched the best family restaurants in The New Forest, so you can plan your mealtimes with ease.

Also take a look at our selection of activities in The New Forest for the perfect stay.


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1. Lavender Tea Rooms

What could be more picturesque than lunching al fresco surrounded by fragrant lavender fields? This lavender farm’s cafe serves for instance, delicious quiches, cakes, soups and salads. Above all, using their own homegrown produce. Naturally, you’ll find lots of lavender on the menu, from lavender cordial and tea to lavender shortbread and macaroons.

Address: New Forest Lavender, Giles Lane, Landford, Salisbury,SP5 2BG

Phone: 01794 323314

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Source: Lavender Tea Rooms

2. Steff’s Kitchen

Located within  the popular Fairweather’s Garden Centre, Steff’s Kitchen is hidden gem in the the picturesque village of Beaulieu. The owners strive to use local ingredients wherever possible- the salad and vegetables on your plate are very likely to have been picked that morning from Patrick’s Patch, located opposite the cafe. The Little Rascal’s menu provides plenty of variety for kids, whilst parents can enjoy artisan sandwiches, meze platters and Sunday roasts. Breakfast is particularly good here, and served until 11:30am.

Address: 55 High St, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst SO42 7YA

Phone: 01590 614951

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Source: Steff’s Kitchen / Facebook

3. The Old Station Tea Rooms

The kids will love this place – an old converted railway station with lots of memorabillia to look at. There’s an extensive children’s menu, as well as cream teas and homemade cakes for parents. If you fancy working up an appetite, you could cycle here from the village of Burley along the disused railway line – a popular route in the summer. One of the best family restaurants in The New Forest.

Address: Burley, Ringwood BH24 4HY

Phone: 01425 402468

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Source: Station House Holmsley

4. The Pig

This award winning boutique hotel is home to one of the New Forest’s best restaurants, where children are made very welcome.  The Pig aims to only serve food sourced within a 25 mile radius, so you’re really getting a taste of the forest on your plate. The daily changing menu features dishes such as squash risotto, honey & mustard chipolatas and oyster mushroom vol au vents. Throughout the summer you can enjoy dining in the pretty courtyard, where delicious flat breads are served straight from the wood-fired oven.

There’s lots to explore here before and after your meal, including a walled kitchen garden, greenhouse, smokehouse, wild flower meadow, and a paddock that’s home to chickens and pigs.

Address: Beaulieu Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7QL

Phone: 01590 622354

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5. The Drift Inn

This classic pub gets great reviews from families for its good value children’s menu, colouring packs and outdoor play area which will keep the kids happy. Parents can feast on delicious gastro dishes such as venison haunch, sweet potato gnocchi and sticky toffee pudding.

Address: Beaulieu Road, Hampshire. SO42 7YQ

Phone: 023 8029 2342

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Source: The Drift Inn

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