New Forest

[Stonker]

We have a friend over from Germany next week and are thinking about riding down to the New Forest with hime. where is the best place to go and maybe stop for lunch? Sammy Millers was suggested but I don't think some of the party fancy a museum

 

[Phil Reynolds]

You could always go to the Montague Motor Museum. There is the stately home and abbey ruins there to have a look at for those who don't like museums. For those who do like Museums then you couldn't find a better one (in that area ) There is also a restaurant on-site too.

HTH.

Phil

 

[Stonker]

We were thinking more of a nice little village or something. also, where are the best roads round the New Forest?

 

[twizzle]

the road from Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst is good... if you want to have a mooch about Lyndhurst is nice so is Lymington....

Sammy Millers is well worth a visit if you like bikes, Beulieu is OK, but a bit "standard english day out" ie expensive and crap food.....

look up Rhinefield house hotel on google earth there are some good roads around there....

All roads in New forest are restricted speed wise due to the wild animals... so do not expect to be going too fast!.... most are 30mph!! even when you can see for miles!

 

[autogs]

go to burley and eat at the tea rooms there v nice

 

[Muppet]

Take the road from Lyndhurst toward Beaulieu, as you go over the hump back bridge at Beaulieu Road station take the next left towards Hythe. Some interesting little twists and turns. Come back along the bottom road towards Beaulieu again and then head towards Brockenhurst. Look out for loose animals, they won't stop crossing the road if there's a vehicle approaching, especially the ponies.

Northern part of the New Forest, north of the A31 that dissects it has some good roads but there's a blanket 40mph limit everywhere so get into cruise mode and enjoy the scenery.

Lymington is good for a wander around down near the harbour. Lyndhurst is usually bunged up with traffic and grockles but there's a few interesting little shops there, especially the Ferrari/Maserati garage. Loads of accommodation, Lyndhurst is best choice for that.

Personal recommendations for food in Lyndhurst are the Waterloo Arms (look for police station/court building it's near there just outside the north end of the village) excellent pub for food. If you want to sample some truly excellent food you should go to the Imperial China at the top end of Lyndhurst High Street. It doesn't get any better, I've tried chinese food in many different towns and countries and I can personally vouch for this place - I had my 50th birthday party there a couple of weeks ago, Gary the owner is a superb host.

The Indian restaurant very near the traffic lights is also good, but forget the Italian restaurants, really not very good. The New Forest is a great place, but it's definitely worth getting off the bike and going for a walk into the woods.

If you want any more info PM me, I lived there for 6 years and still have some useful contacts.

 

[Stormforce8]

The Hobler just outside Lymington on the A337 is good for excellent pub food, or the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu if you want to go more upmarket.

Great riding roads all around once you get of the main drags - as long as you like taking in the scenery - lots of animals strolling around and across the roads.

We've lived in Lymington for over 15 years, so know all the scenic back roads in the Forest that don't get congested. Are you riding down purely for lunch and a stroll, or looking to take a ride around for a few hours?

 

[JoeC]

Sammy's has a cafe outside of the museum entrance fee.
There are tea shops, cafes etc scattered all over the place. You could always just stop at one.

 

[Jonnie Boy]

The Red Shoot at Linwood

http://www.redshoot.co.uk/

Bike Friendly, with quite a few bikes gathering at the weekends.

Good Beer and Good food!

PS heres some more..... http://www.new-forest-national-park.com/new-forest-pubs.html

 

[Old Codger]

Lepe Beach

Then the road cross country to Lymington is good for coastal views over to the isle of Wight

Or a run out to Calshot spit then round to Lepe

Watch out for the wandering animals !

Blanket 40 limit all over the Forest except main A Roads

Frank

 

[Stonker]

Thanks for your input guys

 

[GS Rider]

This is such a great place and every body has got there own,but dont for get the towns on the outskirts such as Christchurch (A35), park up, in the town centre, short walk to the high street, and priory with grounds to walk about, also has the river avon. Food avalible from cream teas to take aways. try the River side inn A35 or pubs in the old town.
Ringwood (A31) with its market and off, of that, the old high street. with a pastie shop,at the end, buy a few take them home. If you want to watch the surf try,
Highcliffe (A337) the car park is on the sea front, Chip shop on corner of traffic lights, and further up is the castle, but this weather take a jumper.its a steep walk to the sea front.
Have fun.

 

[Kritou]

As mentioned before visit Rhinefield House. This fascinating old pile is now a hotel (used to be a school, but DAMHIK) and serves refreshments to non residents. The Ornamental Drive that leads to it from the A35 is lined with exotic trees including Californian Redwoods

I suspect you and your oversees visitor would also be impressed with Bucklers Hard just downriver from Beaulieu - some of the Royal Navy's Men o' War were built here and the picturesque setting is redolent of those times (good pub overlooking the river too)