Where to go in the New Forest

[Zebedee88]

Hi, I'm meeting up with a good friend and her daughter (6) . Would like to have a pub lunch and ideally somewhere that has a play area for her daughter, so family friendly. Any one have any ideas of places to go? We've got cars, so no transport issues. Thanks

Did put New Forest in the post originally, not sure where that went!

Today Hengistbury Head just outside Bournemouth, walk on the beach, ride the Noddy Train and there are two different places to have a nice lunch. Not pubs, but far more child friendly.

The Drift Inn in Lyndhurst has a children’s menu, outdoor play area and colouring.
The Rising Sun also has a good play area and a children’s menu.
The White Hart has a basic play area but is super handy as it’s only 1 minute from where the M27 turns into the A31.
Sir Walter Tyrell is quite hard to find but it’s nice. You could be mistaken for thinking you are lost as there are no obvious houses nearby. The road you drive down to reach it feels like the only thing you are going to find at the end of it is a farm. Then, the road opens out, and the large pub sits looking out over beautiful forest views.

Lonecatwithkitten - Hengistbury Head will be absolutely heaving today - the roads all around here were completely gridlocked all day yesterday. The Noddy train has also been out of action for 6 months (Health & Safety ...)

The High Corner Inn is nice, tucked away with lovely views and ponies mooching about.

Alice Lisle is more family-friendly but still nicely situated.

The Red Shoot Inn is dog friendly.