The Old Mill, Hampshire

Overview

Two miles west of Lymington, set in over five acres of grounds beside the Avon Water, this delightful creeper-clad 17th-century inn underwent a stylish makeover in 2020.

The Old Mill has its own stunning terrace overlooking delightful gardens which prove a magnet for wildlife. Push open the latch gate, escape the hubbub of the summer terrace and explore the pub's rambling 'Secret Garden' with a drink in hand - the Art Walk is full of unusual artworks, sculpture and exhibits.

Inside, you'll find a relaxing bar with parquet floor, soothing colours, rich fabrics and local ales on tap - bag the wing chairs by the log fire in winter for an early pre-dinner drink. There are two beamed lounges and from one you can see the original mill workings. The smart, light and airy dining rooms overlook the terrace and gardens. Book into your room early and enjoy afternoon tea, with a glass of fizz, on the terrace.

The vegan ice-cream is without a doubt the best I have ever had.

Flora Beverley - Food Fitness Flora

Rooms from

7 doubles: £169

Good to know

Credit cards accepted
Disabled access
Alfresco and private dining
Parking available
Dog stay: £25

Outdoor adventures
A vast network of woodland paths and tracks awaits you on the doorstep of the Old Mill.

Family favourite
Families can expect a warm welcome, kids have their own menu and smaller portions are served. Children can stay overnight as extra beds are available on request.

Water and waves
This picture-perfect riverside spot overlooks Avon Water, as well as grounds which include a stream and mill pond with dabbling ducks.

Rooms

Rooms are split between the original 400-year-old building and the adjacent Mill House, converted into four boutique bedrooms kitted out with all the contemporary modern comforts guests require.

Those in the main building ooze character and country-house charm with pastel floral and checked fabrics, big comfortable beds with quality linen and down, relaxing upholstered easy chairs, floral and country pictures, painted furnishings and swish bathrooms.

The suite enjoys views of the river and garden, has a separate beamed sitting room with comfortable armchairs and a cosy fireplace, and a gorgeous bathroom with a freestanding bath. Each room has a Smart TV, fresh coffee, quality teas, Burley shortbread, bathrobes, and Annie Semonin toiletries. With miles of New Forest walks on the doorstep, some rooms are dog-friendly with beds, bowls, blankets and treats.

Restaurant & bar

The daily menus at the Mill successfully balance the traditional with the modern, making sound use of fresh, local and seasonal produce, including locally grown vegetables, handmade cheeses and New Forest reared venison and pork.

The bar menu offers delectable sandwiches and pub classics - things get a little more refined around dinner time with a range of more sophisticated dishes to choose from.

The great value set lunch menu, delicious Sunday roasts, homemade breads and ice creams, locally brewed beers, and a raft of boutique spirits and wines complete the pleasing picture.

Private dining

The Mill is also a great wedding venue with a marquee on the Mill House lawn, private access to the Secret Garden and twelve very comfortable rooms for your guests.

Things to do

There is fabulous working in this part of the world; one of the loveliest walks in the area connects Lymington to Beaulieu via a scenic stretch of the 60-mile Solent Way. The second half of this section, very popular with walkers, is along the banks of the Beaulieu River, sheltered and beautiful. If you're keen visiting the nearby Isle of Wight, you'll find a bewildering assortment of paths and tracks that take advantage of the island's many miles of stunning natural beauty

Had enough of walking? The New Forest Bus Tour is a wonderful way to see the local scenery at its best and witness the region's fascinating wildlife at close quarters on a bus ride with a difference. From the top deck the backdrop is a spectacular mix of open heath and ancient woodland. Hop on and off as you wish!

For a little more history, head to the iconic Salisbury Cathedral. Finished in 1280 and home to the original copy of the Magna Carta, its spire is the tallest in the country, immortalised in John Constable's famous painting Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows, painted in 1831.

Finally, visit Mottisfont Abbey - a 12th-century former Augustinian priory which became a private house after the Dissolution of the monasteries. Now managed by the National Trust, Mottisfont includes a drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and a superb walled garden containing one of the finest collections of roses in the country. A tributary of the Test flows prettily through the ground.