45 Pubs with Play Areas in Hampshire 2024

ByDonna Wishart

If you’re anything like us, wherever you go as a family, you want to make sure that the children will be entertained. Because of this, there’s always that joy of finding a pub with not just a beer garden but a play area in it too. A pub that knows that parents want to enjoy a drink and relax whilst their children play happily, make new friends but remain close by and supervised.

Growing up in the 90s, some of my fondest memories are of sitting in pub beer gardens on a holiday afternoon or sunny weekend. My brother and I would have a glass bottle of Coke, drinking it through a straw whilst enjoying a packet of crisps in the sunshine. But back then, we talked or read a book whilst our parents relaxed. There weren’t any new play areas to keep us amused!

Now, the majority of pubs cater to families and are positively kid friendly. They often have a lovely children’s menu, soft drinks, activity sheets to enjoy whilst the children wait for their meal and have highchairs and baby change facilities. Pubs know that families are great clientele and will do all they can to make a family visit a great one, ensuring the pub is as child friendly as possible so that any family who visits will want to return again and again.

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

Play areas in pubs go that one step further. Not just creating family friendly pubs but actively wanting families to visit. So here are some pubs with play areas across Hampshire to keep your little ones entertained including a great selection of new Forest pubs. I hope it gives you inspiration when you’re next looking for somewhere to visit after a day out or just to spend a sunny afternoon with friends or family. Thanks to a reader suggestion, I’ve also created the below map so you can see easily where each pub is.

Family Pubs with Play Areas in Hampshire

1 – The Cleveland Bay – 1 Pilgrims Close, Valley Park, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 4ST

The Cleveland Bay is all about family, fun and food. It’s a hub of the local community that plays host to so many events and functions with live music, quiz nights and televised sports. There’s a roaring fire in the winter, plenty of comfy seating and dining spaces to suit all occasions. There are hearty roast dinners on Sundays and it has a large pub garden complete with a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained.

Things to do nearby:

2 – The Woodman, 246 Ringwood Road, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 2SB

The Woodman is a brilliant family-friendly pub, within easy reach of both Bournemouth and Poole. There’s a delicious menu of 2-4-1 meals and specials, making it the perfect treat for families on holiday or locals looking for great-value food in a welcoming environment. There’s a huge range of pub classics and adventurous special dishes plus so many delicious puddings! The garden has a children’s play area perfect for the little ones and there’s also excellent disabled access including a lift into the dining area.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

3 – High Corner Inn – Linwood, Ringwood, Hampshire BF24 3QY

The High Corner is a charming 17th-century country pub and inn, located in the heart of the New Forest. They have a delicious menu full of locally sourced seasonal dishes and pub classics along with a great selection of award-winning Butcombe beers, cocktails, and wines. Plus, the High Corner Inn is both dog-friendly and child-friendly with a large beer garden and a children’s play area – ideal for al fresco drinking and dining.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

4 – The Alice Lisle – Rockford Green, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3NA

Nestled at the heart of the New Forest, The Alice Lisle is set in a truly gorgeous location with food to match. The award-winning chefs produce locally-sourced dishes and there’s a wide range of refreshments to accompany them too.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

5 – The Jolly Farmer – Alton, Binsted Road, Blacknest, Alton, Hampshire GU34 4QD

The Jolly Farmer is a countryside retreat for fans of the great outdoors. This wonderful country pub serves first class beer and home-cooked food. Plus, it has an award-winning garden with a fantastic enclosed children’s play area, making it fantastic for enjoying a pint in the summer.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

6 – The New Forest – Lyndhurst Road, Ashurst, Hampshire SO40 7AA

The New Forest, Ashurst has an extensive menu of locally-sourced dishes and a bar full of new drinks and everyone’s favourites. In a fantastic location with beautiful views, it would make a perfect starting-point, welcome stop or destination for any New Forest walkers or holidaymakers.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

7 – The Jekyll & Hyde, A33, Hartley Wespall, Hook RG27 0AX

The Jekyll & Hyde is a lovely Hampshire country pub. Situated on the edge of the Duke of Wellington’s estate, it’s the perfect resting point for anyone travelling between Basingstoke and Reading. There’s always a warm, welcoming atmosphere and the pub has comfortable dining rooms, a large fireplace and a cosy bar. There’s a large beer garden, countryside views and a children’s play area.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

8 – Bartons Mill – Barton’s Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8AE

Bartons Mill is a converted mill, steeped in history and set in the beautiful surroundings of the Hampshire countryside. It has its own lake and river, complete with swans, ducks and otters plus the remnants of a working water wheel alongside the extensive beer gardens. Log fires burn in the winter and in the summer the doors are open out to a large patio. Outside there’s covered seating for all year round al fresco dining with heaters and lighting plus a large play area for the children.

Things to do nearby:

9 – The Portsmouth Arms – Hatch Warren Lane, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG22 4RA

The Portsmouth Arms is a traditional thatched pub at the heart of the local community. It’s a great combination of a fabulous traditional dining room with more informal dining areas and a cosy and comfortable bar with relaxed seating. It’s a great place for anyone wishing to enjoy a drink with family and friends. There’s also a large garden with a fantastic children’s play area and separate outside patio area.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

10 – The Spotted Cow – 131 London Road, Cowplain, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 8XJ

The Spotted Cow is one of Waterlooville’s best family pubs with a great menu, real local ales and an outside play area perfect for the kids. There’s also a pool table, dart board and regular sports matches on the TV.

Things to do nearby:

11 – The Harvest Home – Southwick Road, Denmead, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 6LB

A great pub in Waterlooville for a family meal, The Harvest Home is very child friendly. There’s a secure garden with a small play area for kids that includes a climbing frame, garden toys and sand pit.

Things to do nearby:

  • Meon Valley Trail
  • Fort Nelson
  • Peter Ashley Activity Centre – Fort Purbrook
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

12 – The Woodman – London Road, Purbrook, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 5LJ

The Woodman has all the best qualities of a true local, including a fine selection of real ales, pub food, live music and sports entertainment. Plus, there’s a large garden, outdoor play area and children’s menu so you can bring whole family along – and dogs are welcome too.

Things to do nearby:

  • Nore Barn Woods
  • Southmoor Nature Reserve
  • Farlington Marshes

13 – The White Buck – Bisterne Close, Burley, Hampshire BH24 4AZ

The White Buck is in the heart of the New Forest, an area with an array of local activities to enjoy. It’s a charming country house and the perfect place to drink, dine and stay while exploring the beauty of the New Forest.

Things to do nearby:

  • Knightwood Oak
  • Durmast House
  • Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

14 – The Hunters Inn – The Winchester Hill, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 7NW

The Hunters Inn is a friendly community pub with a lovely restaurant, a huge garden and an amazing children’s play area. There are two very distinct bars and a large patio making it a fantastic place for a broad range of customers.

Things to do nearby:

  • Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
  • Abbotswood Nature Reserve
  • Baddesley Common

15 – The White Horse – Main Road, Otterbourne, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2EQ

The White Horse is a traditional pub with a cosy feel and an AA rosette. They have a great menu of dishes made using locally sourced ingredients alongside local real ales, an extensive wine list and speciality spirits. It’s a pub with a cosy laid-back atmosphere – perfect for whiling away an afternoon with friends and family. It features a large garden and dining terrace along with a newly improved kids play area that’s guaranteed to keep the little ones amused.

Read our review of The White Horse here

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

16 – The Hampshire Bowman – Dundridge, Bishops Waltham, Southampton, Hampshire SO32 1GD

The Hampshire Bowman is a traditional, unspoilt country free-house serving real ales, real ciders and great food all year round. They’re dog friendly and have a fantastic children’s play tower and nest swing in the vast garden.

Things to do nearby:

  • River Hamble Country Park
  • Beacon Hill National Nature Reserve
  • Marwell Zoo
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

17 – The Langley Tavern – 5A Lepe Rd, Blackfield, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1XR

The Langley Tavern is a beautiful family run pub in the New Forest, just over a mile from Lepe Beach. It has a fantastic garden with children’s play area and is also a live music venue with accommodation available too.

Things to do nearby:

18 – The Forest Home – Long Lane, Hardley, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 3FH

The Forest Home is a cosy pub, restaurant and bar that offers a taste of home for all the family. They serve quality home-cooked food using locally sourced ingredients, with some produce harvested from their own vegetable garden and polytunnel! It’s the perfect place for a delicious Sunday carvery lunch with the family or to chill with a craft ale by the wood-burning stove in the bar.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

19 – The Robin Hood – Durley Street, Durley, Southampton, Hampshire SO32 2AA

The Robin Hood is a wonderful place to spend time. With warm, friendly service and home cooked food, sourced from local suppliers plus real ales and fine wines, it’s a real home from home with lots of personality. It has a comfy sofa area, open fires and a false bookcase taking you to the toilets! Plus, there’s an enormous garden with a childrens play area too.

Things to do nearby:

  • The Brickworks Museum
  • Itchen Valley Country Park
  • Marwell Zoo

20 – The Cricketers Inn – Curdridge Lane, Southampton SO32 2BH

The Cricketers Inn is a traditional country pub with a cosy interior, open fire, ales, gins and a good selection of wine. There’s always a warm welcome from the team and you can choose to dine in the restaurant, the dog-friendly bar area, or outside in the large beer garden. Plus, there’s a lovely play area too.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

21 – The Plough – Portsmouth Road, Bursledon, Southampton, Hampshire SO31 8BT

The Plough is a charming traditional country pub with a beautiful garden and children’s play area, making the pub ideal for families. There are roaring log fires and a cosy interior when the nights get colder too.

Things to do nearby:

  • Swanwick Lakes Nature Reserve
  • Royal Victoria Country Park
  • SeaCity Museum

22 – The White Hart – Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, Hampshire SO40 2NP

The White Hart is a traditional New Forest pub with open fires, bookcases, rustic furniture, prints, rugs and oak floors all with a lovely garden room extension, plenty of plants and flowers and so much daylight. The pub has a really buzzy, chatty and civilised atmosphere, welcoming a great mix of locals and visitors who enjoy the garden and play area as much as the beautiful pub interior.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

23 – The White Hart – 17 Milford Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 8DF

The White Hart is a traditional inn dating back 200 years. It has a bar area, contemporary lounge, large restaurant and garden with plenty of space to relax, unwind, enjoy a drink or indulge in a full three course meal from the delicious menu. Dogs are welcome – with treats and water bowls available plus, dogs get a free bowl of turkey when their family dines on a Sunday.

Things to do nearby:

  • St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
  • Hurst Castle
  • Keyhaven Marshes
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

24 – The White Hart – London Road, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3NW

The White Hart is a social hub at the heart of Overton village. It’s everything you need it to be – from a daytime coffee house serving Moon Roast coffee and local cakes to a quality pub open all day for drinking and socialising. Breakfast and brunch are served daily and there are all day lunch and dining options with delicious menus.. There are also rooms to book if you’d like to extend your stay.

Things to do nearby:

  • Bombay Sapphire Distillery
  • Overton Nature Reserve
  • Ewhurst Park

25 – The Clarence Pier – Long Curtain Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 3XX

At Brewers Fayre you can bring the whole family down for a delicious meal and playing every day from midday until 7pm. There’s a fantastic soft play and kids activities too. With unlimited coffee for just £4 and great value menus, it’s a great place to visit for any occasion or just to let the kids burn off steam.

Things to do nearby:

26 – Chalkhill Blue – Hawker Siddley Way, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8BF

The Chalkhill Blue is the perfect place for a spontaneous drink, lunch with the family or dinner with friends. The menus are fantastic – with exceptional rotisserie chicken served in traditional and inventive ways along with fresh cask ales, guest beers and wonderful wines. Plus, there’s a beautiful beer garden with a covered terrace and a private pagoda as well as outdoor and indoor play areas, and a children’s menu with favourites that kids all kids will love.

Things to do nearby:

  • Rooksbury Mill Nature Reserve
  • Hawk Conservancy Trust
  • Longstock Park Water Garden

27 – Wyke Down Country Pub – Walworth Road, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6LX

The Wyke Down is a food-focused country pub with a relaxed family friendly offering at a reasonable price. It has an historical country feel with an open modern experience. The menus are delicious with fresh home-cooked dishes using locally sourced ingredients alongside a great selection of drinks. Plus, there’s plenty of space indoors and outdoors with a large fenced garden complete with a children’s play area.

Things to do nearby:

28 – Portway Inn – Joules Road, Andover, Hampshire SP10 3UX

At Brewers Fayre you can bring the whole family down for a delicious meal and playing every day from midday until 7pm. There’s a fantastic soft play and kids activities too. With unlimited coffee for just £4 and great value menus, it’s a great place to visit for any occasion or just to let the kids burn off steam.

Things to do nearby:

  • Charlton Lakeside
  • Anton Lakes
  • Hawk Conservancy Trust
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

29 – The Fighting Cocks Pub – 78 Clayhall Road, Gosport, Alverstoke, Hampshire PO12 2AJ

The Fighting Cocks is a family and dog friendly pub with a really lovely atmosphere. There’s a fantastic food served all day plus a huge beer garden that’s a great place to socialise with friends during the long summer evenings.

Things to do nearby:

Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

30 – Sailmaker – Fareham Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO13 0ZX

The Sailmaker is a lovely family pub with a traditional carvery offered seven days a week, alongside a classic menu of great pub grub and a fantastic children’s menu too. It has a really friendly atmosphere and two play areas – one indoors and one outdoors that the children will love.

Things to do nearby:

  • Fort Brockhurst
  • Alver Valley Country Park
  • Wild Wonderland
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

31 – The Hare & Hounds – Downend Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, Hampshire PO30 2NU

The Hare & Hounds is a beautiful thatched pub with a real family focus and an extensive menu. It has a real variety including a wide range of vegetarian options and a healthy children’s menu that the kids will love – especially alongside the outdoor play area!

Things to do nearby:

  • Isle of Wight Steam Railway
  • Amazon World Zoo
  • Carisbrooke Castle

32 – The New Queen – Ringwood Road, Avon, Christchurch, Hampshire BH23 7BG

The New Queen country pub has a relaxed ambience yet is full of style and comfort. It’s somewhere you can wine and dine or simply enjoy the bar, stocked with a fine selection of wines, spirits and real cask ales. Outside there’s a large decking area giving spectacular views over the local countryside. There’s also a fantastic menu full of traditional pub classics and excellent daily specials, taking inspiration from local seasonal produce and typical British dishes.

Things to do nearby:

  • Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre
  • Adventure Wonderland
  • Highcliffe Castle
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

33 – The Turfcutters Arms – Main Road, East Boldre, Hampshire SO42 7WL

The Turfcutters Arms always gives a warm welcome. It’s a great, traditional pub food with bed and breakfast accommodation available in a converted thatched barn. The pub is famous locally for serving up some of the most outstanding food in the area at very reasonable prices. There are cosy fires in the autumn and winter and a beautiful, child friendly pub garden to enjoy in the summer. Plus, well behaved dogs are always welcome.

Things to do nearby:

34 – The Snakecatcher – Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7RL

The Snakecatcher pub has everything you could possibly want from a family pub. There are two large gardens and a playground to entertain the kids, plus a pool table and games machines. They serve a great selection of food, with daily specials, and drinks for everyone.

Things to do nearby:

  • Roydon Woods Nature Reserve
  • Blackwater Arboretum
  • New Forest
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

35 – The Rising Sun – Bashley Common Road, New Milton, Hampshire BH25 5SF

The Rising Sun is set in a beautiful location in the heart of the New Forest with a great choice of meals and snacks available along with a fantastic children’s menu. There’s a large garden and decking area to enjoy in the summer with an exceptional children’s play area and a log fire to keep you warm in the winter.

Things to do nearby:

  • Highcliffe Castle
  • Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre
  • New Forest

36 – The Drift Inn – Beaulieu Road, Nr Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO42 7YQ

The Drift Inn has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with rustic yet comfy interiors. There’s always the warm welcome and hearty hospitality of a traditional country pub but with an award-winning restaurant too!

Things to do nearby:

37 – The Crown Stirrup – 12 Clay Hill, Lyndhurst, New Forest National Park, Hampshire SO43 7DE

The Crown Stirrup is a country pub in the heart of The New Forest serving locally sourced fresh food. The pub has a large beer garden and is a great place to spend an afternoon, have dinner or stop off during a long countryside walk.

Things to do nearby:

  • New Forest National Park
  • Knightwood Oak
  • Stag Park

38 – The Sir Walter Tyrrell – Rufus Stone, Brook, Near Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7HD

The Sir Walter Tyrrell is a lovely New Forest pub with fantastic menus and a great children’s play area, making it a great place to visit for the whole family.

Things to do nearby:

  • Furzey Gardens
  • Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
  • New Forest Lavender Gardens
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

39 – Green Dragon – Canterton Lane, Brook, New Forest, Hampshire SO43 7HE

The Green Dragon dates back to the 15th century, overlooks a stream and during the summer months wild ponies, pigs, cows and donkeys can be seen taking shade on the forecourt of the inn. It’s a tranquil haven with a beautiful garden complete with a children’s play area.

Things to do nearby:

  • Paulton’s Park
  • New Forest Lavender Gardens
  • Langley Wood National Nature Reserve

40 – The Fighting Cocks – Godshill, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2LL

The Fighting Cocks is a traditional, family and dog friendly forest pub with stunning quality, homemade food. With a children’s play area, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon.

Things to do nearby:

  • New Forest Water Park
  • Rockbourne Roman Villa
  • Insight Activities

41 – The Red Lion – High Street, Southwick, Fareham, Hampshire PO17 6EF

The Red Lion is a wonderfully traditional pub with all the hallmarks of a classic country inn. It’s somewhere to find great company and conversation, as well as outstanding cask ales, great world wines and fresh, home-cooked food.

Things to do nearby:

  • Flip Out Portsmouth
  • Red Spider Climbing
  • Fort Nelson
Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire

42 – Langbrook Farm – 2A Langstone Road, Havant, Hampshire PO9 1SA

The Langbrook Farm is a great place to take the whole family. It’s friendly, welcoming and warm with separate adult and family dining zones, complete with indoor play area, so you can sit back and relax knowing your little ones are playing in a safe and friendly environment.

Things to do nearby:

  • Southmoor Nature Reserve
  • Broadmarsh Coastal Path
  • Staunton Country Park

43 – The Ship Inn – 2 Whites Hill, Owslebury, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1LT

The Ship Inn is a beautiful, boutique country pub. You can enjoy an ale in front of the fire in the homely, wood-beamed bar or tuck into the high-calibre menus in the restaurant. The kitchen has a reputation for creative modern British food, following the seasons. There’s also a play area, pétanque pitch and horse pen.

Things to do nearby:

44 – Horse & Jockey – Hipley, near Denmead, Worlds End, Hampshire PO7 4QY

The Horse & Jockey is a family run and family friendly pub with so much history and character, set in a beautiful location. It has a great outside space with two gardens and a stream flowing through the middle plus there’s a fantastic children’s play area and dogs are welcome too.

Things to do nearby:

45 – Queen’s College Arms – Aldermaston Road, Pamber End, Tadley, Hampshire RG26 5QR

The Queen’s College arms is full of traditional character and charm. It features an impressive, traditional, wood panelled dining room that offers table service, together with more informal dining areas and a comfy bar. Plus, there’s an outside terrace and gardens with an extensive children’s play area, perfect for those spring and summer days and long evenings.

Things to do nearby:

So there you have 45 child friendly pubs with outdoor play areas, climbing frames and play frames across Hampshire. I’ll add more as I come across them and please let me know if you have a favourite that I’ve missed too. It’s so nice to enjoy the outdoor space that many pubs offer, especially over the warmer months, and it’s lovely that so many have dedicated an outdoor area to family fun to help keep the kids entertained!

You can also see pubs with play areas in other counties here:

45 Pubs with Play Areas Hampshire 2022

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you for this list. Seems there are so many options in parts of Hampshire but places like Fareham are seriously lacking!

    Reply

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