Just a mile from Lyndhurst, down a country road peppered with chocolate box thatched cottages and with pony sightings aplenty, you’ll find The Oak Inn at Bank.
It’s a pretty 18th Century pub opposite open forest with a repurposed phone box and a rare Asian ginkgo tree, thought to date back to prehistoric times, in the garden.
Inside, there’s original features like beams, alcoves, a fireplace, plus a quirky collection of bank notes from around the world, horse paraphenalia and, inexplicably, an old pair of skis on the ceiling.
It is believed that underneath the pub there are secret tunnels leading to the local church which priests used centuries ago to escape persecution.
There’s real ales and an excellent locally sourced menu, including a roast dinner platter and fish and burger specials, but it’s the location that really sets The Oak Inn apart.
“Driving up to the pub is just the best in all seasons. It’s lovely using the garden in the summer and the fire in the winter. There’s not really a time of year where I think I’m not sure I’m enjoying this.
“You can’t go many other places where you see horses and their foals just ambling by.
“It’s certainly got the wow factor. International visitors particularly love it as it’s just like they want a traditional English country pub to be.”
It’s recommended by top hotels including Lime Wood and The Balmer Lawn, camper vans stop here on their road trips and there’s a regular band of returning locals.
They all rate the reasonably priced high quality food and welcoming feel of a pub off the beaten track.
