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All you need to know
Pilley is a relaxed, tranquil village with a good selection of shops, free-roaming ponies, cattle and donkeys, and one of the New Forest's best pubs.
Pilley is a relaxed and tranquil village with a well-stocked shop, Post Office, church, village hall and one of the New Forests’ best pubs. The village is frequented by New Forest ponies, cattle and donkeys who take a detour from the surrounding open forest to wander down the village lanes. Nearby is Royden Woods, a nature reserve with paths and tracks to cycle or walk to Brockenhurst. For more shops, the busy Georgian Marine town of Lymington is just 3 miles away.
Pilley is home to the oldest pub in the New Forest, The Fleur de Lys, which has served drinks since 1096. Pop in, and you’ll find a list of previous landlords since 1498 proudly displayed by the entrance. This chocolate box, picture perfect thatched pub is as exceptionally historic and traditional inside, as it is out. Vast inglenook fire places crack and fizzle in the colder months and during warm sunny months, a lovely beer garden beckons you outside. Service is fast and friendly and the food holds an outstanding reputation.
Other notable attractions in the village include the stunning woodland garden at ‘Spinners’. Here, you can see unusual and rare plants, and enjoy a tea and coffee in the quirky visitors ‘Cabin’. If you love soft fluffy, funky sheep then look at New Forest Mohair. They have a herd of beautiful Angora Goats and produce a gorgeous range of lustrous scarves, socks, yarns, silks, hats and fleeces.
Perfect as a gift for a special occasion or simply as a holiday treat, The Cut Flower Farm near Lymington offers a wide variety of beautiful, fragrant, seasonal cut flowers and foliage.
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(2)
A patchwork of ancient woodland brimming with pastures, ponds, heaths and the Lymington River, Roydon Wood Wildlife Reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and from flora and fauna to tawny owls. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust manage the nature reserves and its ideal territory for walking with the dog and enjoying this beautiful environment.
Fabulous location, right on the doorstep of our accommodation. Deer, foxes, cows, horses in abundance! Some great cycle routes running through it on bridleways.
August 2020
Absolutely great for peaceful walking.
October 2017
A nine hole golf course in a tranquil New Forest setting, Walhampton Golf Course is an informal environment with a friendly clubhouse. The accessible links course welcomes all ages and abilities to take part on the course with green fees starting at £12.50 for visitors.
(12)
Puffin Cruises in Lymington is a fun and exciting way to explore this part of the world and see its natural beauty from the water, whether you’re merely enjoying the ferry service, taking a 30 minute river cruise or opting for an hour long picnic or sunset cruise - there’s something for every mood. Trips run daily from the town’s historic quay, weather permitting!
A fun and relaxing way to spend half an hour. Would recommend but wish they did longer cruises too
September 2023
A pleasant river trip, and informative. Worth taking 30 mins to do this.
September 2023
First class
September 2023
Ver clean, comfortable boat and the Captain was friendly and very informative
September 2023
test2
December 2022
Very interesting and enjoyable trip down the river. Wish it had been longer!
July 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable
May 2022
Lovely trip out on the boat. We had the boat to ourselves and my children both had a turn at driving which they were really pleased about. I wish they did trips that were a little longer than half an hour.
April 2022
Would loved to have experienced this cruise but it was closed the entire week that we stayed in Lymington
October 2021
Excellent 30 minute cruise around the harbour! We would book again no problem! Our captain was Phil who was very knowledgeable and courteous.
September 2021
Really enjoyed this fun, informative trip around the Lymingron river passing the beautiful yachts in the marina and spotting the birds in the sea grass.
June 2019
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June 2018
(19)
St Barbe Museum explores the unique history of Lymington and the New Forest Coast. The hands-on displays provide a fascinating journey of discovery for all ages, charting Lymington’s development as a market town and port and looking at the smugglers and boat builders who have used the Solent shore. The art galleries host an exclusive programme of exhibitions that regularly works on loan from national and regional collections.
Small but very interesting. Also has a cafe.
April 2024
pleasant cafe also
February 2024
Visited on a damp day on my own, interesting museum and a good Art Gallery within the same building. Very nice and well staffed cafe area with a good selection of tasty food and nice coffee.
October 2023
Had a nice meal here upon arrival in Lymington. Very pleasant helpful staff. Also, a very nice gift shop, and Tourist Information centre.
October 2023
Brilliant Museum and the cafe is excellent
September 2023
Excellent museum that tells the story of the town and local area and also has space for changing exhibitions. Also acts as the local visitor info centre and has plenty of information about things to do in the area. There's also a nice gift shop and super little cafe.
September 2023
Great little museum. Very informative about the history of the area and even our teenagers enjoyed the dinosaur exhibit.
August 2022
A bit of a hidden gem really, very good and informative displays in a well laid out and spacious environment, we particularly liked the community involvement with a group of local children very actively enjoying the surroundings, the coffee shop and the engaging and helpful staff. If anything the museum could sell itself to the public better - we nearly didn't go in as there was little to explain what was inside other than the art galleries
May 2022
Wonderful art exhibition and everyone was very helpful. Great cafe and recommend the coffee and biscuits!
October 2021
Well worth spending a morning learning about the history of Lymington and the wider New Forest area. There is always an interesting pop up exhibition too. The cafe is great and serves lovely home made food.
October 2021
Well worth a visit. Tasty food and good service.
October 2021
Very interesting museum and when we visited there was an art exhibition which was an added bonus.
June 2021
Have visited the museum previously and found it interesting, having grown up locally. Now has an excellent coffee shop.
September 2020
We had a nice coffee on terrace of their café - didn't get a chance to visit Museum itself, but found some great cards + gifts in shop!
September 2020
Brilliant exhibition and we loved the museum. Our boys attended a free needle felting workshop and and came home with wonderful art work!
February 2020
interesting small museum with good displays
September 2019
Loved our visit to the museum, really friendly staff and despite compact size whiled away a couple of hours. Well worth a visit!
April 2019
Really interesting small museum packed with information and an exceptional display in the art gallery
October 2018
Extremely interesting museum, enjoyed the art,. Very welcoming reception and good cafe. I fully recommend a visit
June 2018
(15)
This pub is thought to be the oldest pub in the New Forest, and it is believed to have been serving drinks since the 11th century! Today it makes for a cosy spot to refuel when enjoying some of the beautiful walks around the picturesque village of Pilley, in the heart of the New Forest.
The Fleur de Lys (T: 01590 672158) Lymington SO41 5QG
Had Sunday lunch here. Food was fabulous with friendly service.
April 2024
Fabulous food in a fabulous building. I especially enjoyed the goats cheese starter
September 2023
Our first visit in years. The former somewhat homespun ambience has changed to a high-end gastropub, with prices to match. Whilst our food was extremely well cooked and presented, it was overpriced. Service was extremely attentive whilst we were the only diners, then when it began to fill up we felt forgotten and neglected. So on balance, unlikely that we will return.
July 2023
Very friendly and lucky to have as your local pub
April 2022
Wonderful food and very lovely friendly staff. Highly recommend.
February 2022
Yes we visited in November , what a lovely welcome when we enquired about if we could take our dog in, We was welcomed by a lovely lady not sure of her name think it was Keran , The atmosphere was fantastic with the little snug pub with a coal fire and the food was to die for, highly recommend proper la carte food!! Well done guys I give you 5 stars !! Will be back from Warrington x
November 2021
Excellent meal and host - new owners and definitely worth a visit or two
November 2021
We did visit for an evening meal. The menu was much more limited than we expected - Although the food was v good - suspect this is due to an imminent management change.
August 2021
Excellent food and friendly service. Definitely recommend!
July 2021
check before visiting as not open much.
June 2021
Lovely dinner soon after they reopened after lockdown. Friendly service and very good food.
July 2020
Lovely pub - we visited twice during the week for a light lunch. The food was good and the staff very friendly and helpful.
June 2019
Lovely Sunday roast
May 2019
Excellent foodie pub, very friendly, exceptional food, do not miss the lamb - stunning!
March 2019
Fantastic food, cosy interior and friendly staff - we went there on 3 occasions during our week's stay
January 2018
(8)
A big, bright and spacious free house serving a good selection of well-kept real ales, wines and spirits. A popular haunt for the locals, who gather for the notorious daily carvery. There’s a main menu with all the usual dishes, or pick from the Specials Board which showcases local produce.
Walhampton Arms (T: 01590 673113) Walhampton Hill, Lymington SO41 5RE
Had a lovely meal here, all ten of us cleared our plates. The staff were polite and friendly.
April 2023
A large group of us staying in the area had a lovely evening meal for my husbands birthday and then returned for breakfast the next morning. The staff were extremely helpful and friendly and the food was delicious.
July 2022
Lovely meal, great service and family friendly. Will definitely visit again.
April 2022
This is a lovely friendly place to visit and either just have a drink or eat there as the staff and food are great Well worth a visit
June 2021
Booked to eat here on a Thursday night and it was amazingly quiet for some reason. Good food and good service in a nice clean environment.
August 2020
We had an evening meal here including children. The food was very good and the staff most welcoming - we felt sorry that everything was so well prepared for safe distancing and so few people there. There was plenty of room for evceryone.
July 2020
Very friendly staff, good space. Food solid pub grub.
November 2018
Very friendly staff. Child friendly. Large portions. Serve food all day. Have high chairs.
December 2017
(19)
Low beams, horse brasses and a crackling log fire can be found in this 15th century gem! Outside is a large and spacious beer garden, just perfect to sip on a pint of delicious local ale, larger or wine. Menus change according to season, and daily specials boards highlight local game, vegetables and seafood. Dog friendly.
The Red Lion, (T: 01590 673177) Boldre SO41 8NE
We had a delicious meal during our stay on a Monday
October 2023
We had a disappointing meal. The meat dishes were good but the vegetarian options lacked flavour. However having complained about the standard of the food the staff were quick to remove the charge for the dishes from the final bill.
August 2023
Very friendly helpful staff and delicious food. Highly recommend the steak pie!
August 2023
Brilliant olde world pub with loads of character. Had a lovely meal on the patio recently Top marks.
July 2023
Surprisingly quiet for a Saturday evening, we sat outside in the patio area, there are also tables on the lawn. Good main courses, friendly and efficient service from young chap who I think is the Manager. I am not vegan but tried the. ‘Vegan cherry tart’ which was a bit disappointing as it was a quite dry, may have been better warm. Same goes for the waffle my husband had, expected it to be warm. Would visit again, but maybe give dessert a miss.
June 2023
The food was excellent - the burger in particular was moist, succulent and very tasty! There was also a good selection of pale ales.
June 2023
Our first visit for lunch was very enjoyable. Food was good and the service friendly and attentive. Bit surprised how quiet it was but maybe Tuesdays are slow days. Will certainly go back on our next holiday.
October 2021
Great pub food & good friendly service.
October 2021
Very friendly, lovely food would recommend. If large party book early
September 2021
We visited for an evening meal - a party of 8 (3 of whom were disabled to varying degrees) and two dogs. We sat on the patio. Staff, beverages and food superb! Would visit again without a moments hesitation - has our full recommendation.
August 2021
Lovely country pub. Food great and staff very friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend.
July 2021
Recommend Sunday lunch,very good. Lovely pub ,friendly staff.
October 2020
Excellent food and very friendly stuff. Good selection of beers and ciders.
October 2019
Disappointed with the food and the tables were very cramped.
September 2019
The food was good and staff friendly but there were no high chairs available for my 2 year old grandson
June 2019
As far as we're concerned, this is the best pub in the Forest. A really snug, typical and 'pubby' pub with good food, good staff and good beer! Definetely worth a visit!
April 2019
Excellent service, food plentiful, lots of choice on menu and very tasty. Highly recommended
April 2019
Very friendly. Food was excellent, sorry to have missed Friday Pie night, hopefully it will still be on when we return
October 2017
One of the nicest pubs in the New Forest. Had a fantastic meal with wonderful beer, all set in a wonderful cosy atmosphere. Will definitely be back next year.
September 2017
(5)
The Ferryman is a stylish country pub situated on the far side of Lymington's harbour, on the edge of the New Forest, with a good choice of well-priced food served from either a fixed priced lunchtime menu or a la carte. Vegetarians will be glad to hear there’s also a menu just for them. Dogs welcome.
The Ferryman (T: 01590 672517) Lymington SO41 5SB
A 2 minute walk from Island Point. Excellent food (especially Sunday lunch) and a warm welcome from Rob, the landlord.
November 2023
Excellent food and very friendly staff
September 2021
We stayed in the Lymington area during August, and enjoyed our visits to the Ferryman. A couple of excellent meals, along with numerous visits for the odd G&T! Staff extremely friendly and helpful.
August 2018
Do not go there if you have to be somewhere else to bewithin the hour as the service was very very slow (and that was on a quiet day). However, all off the staff were very friendly, and very helpful.
June 2018
A lovely bar and a welcomed stop for refreshments following our IOW ferry trip.
April 2017
(12)
A relaxed, informal atmosphere welcomes you at The Monkey House. The Bistro style, bright airy interior still retains lots character with beamed ceilings, wooden floors and open fireplaces. There’s also outdoor seating. Food here is good too, the menu mixing classic pub dishes, seasonal specials and superb range of puddings. There’s live music every Sunday night.
The Monkey House, (T: 01590 676754) 167 Southampton Road, Lymington SO41 9HA
Great fresh fish washed down with a lovely ale brewed on the premises!
September 2023
Fabulous Sunday roast here. Food and ambience were great
September 2023
Great beer- didn’t eat here
August 2023
Excellent Sunday lunch
August 2023
Good food and very helpful service, making sure that a dairy allergy was well catered for.
June 2023
Went for dinner in April 2023, food was freshly cooked and served, proper desert (!) would definitely return.
June 2023
Very welcoming, lovely Sunday roast. Great selection of home brewed and local ales.
March 2023
A lovely pub with great beers and an outdoor space with heaters. Really good Sunday lunch with live music and excellent, friendly, service.
May 2022
Lovely pub/brewery with quality food and beer, food a little overpriced, staff very welcoming and efficient
May 2022
Great food and welcoming staff!
July 2021
Excellent food and service
September 2020
Loved this place. It's friendly and efficient and the food was really really good. You can even take the dog!
September 2017
(16)
A beautiful shingle beach with pretty painted beach huts, plenty of parking, and excellent coastal walks along Hurst spit to Hurst Castle with clear views of the Isle of Wight and needles. The superb Raft Rocks Restaurant is worth a visit with its Art deco style and roof terrace. You can also walk across the wildlife marshes to Keyhaven harbour and (in season) take the boat to Hurst Castle or the Isle of Wight.
Lovely sea walk within 15 minutes of the cottage.
March 2024
A lovely place to stay. So much to see and do locally and within easy reach.
August 2023
Milford on Sea is a very quintessential English village which has retained all its charm. The seafront is a delight to stroll along and The Needles Eye Cafe produces lovely coffee and lunches which is well worth a visit. A walk around Sturt Pond is also enjoyable and through to the village.
June 2023
Lovely quiet location for a beach walk. Great for watching the sea and waves without the crowds.
June 2023
Brilliant beach.
September 2022
Beautiful beach with views to The Isle of Wight. Good for swimming, picnics and walking. Very good car parking and public toilets. Lots of good places to eat and drink either next to the beach or in the village, a short walk away
July 2022
A proper gem. Great location for the new forest. The village is great and was only a short walk from our house. Not too busy or full of holiday makers. We will be back.
October 2021
One of my favourite places
July 2021
Good place to go if you have a buggy or wheelchair as there is a tarmac path along the top of the cliffs with great views of the Needles, plenty of parking and a kiosk serving refreshments.
September 2020
Lovely village with adequate shops on a very pretty green.
September 2019
Due to my husband breaking his leg we hired a mobility scooter for our holiday. It was a joy to ride along the front at Milford. Wonderful views of The Needles and lots of benches along the way too. Great access from the car parks. Would be great if the short path from Milford to Keyhaven could be the same good surface. We felt the rough stones would be too hard to ride on.
June 2019
Love Milford on Sea so old fashioned hasn't changed much since I use go as a child in the 1960/70s
April 2019
great walking area, small cafe-the needles, children climbing play park- crashing waves over stoned beach
March 2019
Great for a dog walk along the spit to Hurst Castle. Needles Eye cafe is a welcome break, quite good food but very busy and a bit basic.
December 2017
Fantastic sea location with goods pubs, shops etc
November 2017
Lovely village, plenty of shops and places to eat - no post office though.
June 2017
(2)
A stony beach with sandy areas as the tide goes out, and a great spot to do some fossil hunting. The cliffs are subject to considerable coastal erosion and at times parts of the beach can be cordoned off. The Beachcomber Café on the cliff top is one of the most popular cafés in the region. Plenty of parking in car parks along the cliff top as well as on-road parking.
A pleasant walk along the cliff top and along the beach. There was less cliff than last time we went to the New Forest.
June 2023
Super walk, nice and easy and great place for a meal or tea and cake by the car park.
April 2019
Some of the best views of the Solent can be enjoyed from over a mile of beach and pine fringed cliffs. Historic D-Day remains, wildflower meadows and children's play area. Beach front car park.
Highcliffe beach, beneath the popular Cliffhanger Restaurant is a part sandy, part pebble beach. The beach has sloping access as well as steps down to the shore from the pay and display clifftop car park. To the east, Highcliffe beach towards Barton on Sea is a part sandy beach at the foot of the second most eroded cliff in England. This side of the beach is dog-friendly all year. However do check the tide times as high tide can make it difficult to walk along the beach.
To the west towards Highcliffe Castle beach, the promenade leads across the top of the small beaches inbetween the groynes with views across Christchurch Bay and Hengistbury Head. Groynes 4-8 have dog restrictions as does the promenade during the summer months, May-September.
(3)
A picturesque, tree-lined beach of shingle, and sand at low tide. Good facilities on the cliff top including an excellent tea room, public toilets, baby change and a children’s play area in the Castle gardens. Plenty of parking and sloping access down to the beach. Highcliffe Castle beach is dog-friendly all year round.
Very picturesque beach with great access, looks good for a beach day
October 2021
Lovely
April 2019
Lovely clean sandy beach and a really i would highly recommend this spot for your car to break down takes the ouch out of waiting for the recovery truck
April 2017