Summer is the perfect time to go rambling in the New Forest, with ponies, cows and a multitude of birds to spot, it makes the perfect day out for all ages.

But of course, you may be in need of a spot of lunch after a walk – here are seven New Forest pubs that are worth a try.

1. The White Buck in Burley is a former grand country house, which was used as a hospital complex during World War II. With a variety of locally sourced ingredients, you can watch your fish being cooked in a woodburning oven in the garden on weekends, and chat with the chef about the process.

2. The New Forest in Ashurst welcomes all, including your furry friends. In the garden there are beautiful views of the surrounding forest, and the pineapple upside down cake with rum drizzle and frozen yoghurt ice cream sounds particularly delectable.

3. The Pilgrim Inn in Marchwood near Hythe has a lovely thatched roof, traditional wood beams, and a large beer garden with trees dotted between the tables. In a convenient place for exploring the New Forest, the breakfast is excellent.

4. The Alice Lisle in Ringwood is an excellent family pub, with plenty of seating and beautiful views of the nearby lake. Their Sunday roast has a choice of four different meats and a variety of trimmings, and if you’re lucky you might spot some inquisitive donkeys peering over the wall.

5. The Rising Sun in Bashley is a few miles from seaside town New Milton, and is surrounded by forest and moorland. You can watch the New Forest ponies wander around the grass right outside the pub, and children can enjoy the outdoor play area.

6. The Royal Oak in Beaulieu dates back to 1848, and has a traditional, cosy feel with new comfortable seating areas. Everyone is welcome, including horse riders who can accommodate their horse at one of the five horse corrals in the garden.

7. The New Forest Inn is set in the quiet backroads of Emery Down near Lyndhurst. With local real ales and New Forest-sourced ingredients, you can walk off your lunch to Lyndhurst, where there are antique and independent, quirky country shops.