Planning a Summer Day Out in the New Forest? Here's Why Hockey's Farm Shop Should Be Your First Stop

Summer in the New Forest is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year. Families are looking for memorable days out during the school holidays, walkers are making the most of miles of beautiful woodland and heathland, visitors are discovering Hampshire for the first time, and locals are searching for great places to eat, shop and spend time together.

If you're wondering where to eat in the New Forest, looking for a farm shop near Fordingbridge, planning a barbecue, searching for a dog-friendly café or simply wanting somewhere that the whole family will enjoy, Hockey's Farm Shop in South Gorley brings everything together in one place.

Named New Forest Business of the Year, Hockey's has become much more than somewhere to buy great food. It's a destination where local produce, exceptional hospitality and genuine countryside experiences come together, making it one of the New Forest's favourite places to visit throughout the summer.

A Farm Shop That Celebrates the Best of the New Forest

One of the things visitors notice first is that Hockey's feels authentic.

The shelves aren't filled with products chosen simply because they're popular, they've been carefully selected because they reflect the quality, craftsmanship and flavour that make the New Forest and the surrounding Hampshire countryside so special.

Alongside everyday essentials, you'll discover artisan cheeses, preserves, bakery treats, locally produced drinks, pantry favourites and seasonal produce that celebrate the very best of our local area.

Shopping at Hockey's isn't simply ticking items off a list. It's about discovering something new, supporting local producers and taking home food with a story behind it.

Whether you're visiting the New Forest on holiday or live just a few miles away, it's the kind of place where every visit offers something different.

Looking for the Best Butcher in the New Forest?

Summer and barbecue season go hand in hand, and this is where Hockey's award-winning butchery really comes into its own.

The counters are filled with exceptional meat, carefully prepared by a knowledgeable team who are always happy to offer cooking advice, serving suggestions and recommendations for something new to try.

From premium steaks and handcrafted burgers to sausages, marinated chicken, pork and seasonal specialities, you'll find everything you need for relaxed evenings in the garden or entertaining family and friends.

Many of our products come from trusted local suppliers, reflecting our commitment to quality and supporting British farming wherever possible. It's one of the reasons customers travel from across Hampshire, Dorset and beyond to shop with us.

If you're planning a barbecue this summer, there's every chance you'll leave with much more than you intended.

Breakfast, Lunch and Great Coffee in the Heart of the New Forest

A visit to Hockey's doesn't end at the shop door.

The Farmyard Cafe has become a popular meeting place for walkers, cyclists, families, friends and visitors looking for somewhere to enjoy freshly prepared food in relaxed surroundings.

Start the day with breakfast before exploring the National Park, stop in for coffee and cake after a countryside walk or settle down for lunch using fantastic seasonal ingredients.

If you're short on time, our freshly prepared filled rolls and grab-and-go options make the perfect choice before heading off to explore everything the New Forest has to offer.

During the warmer months, our refreshing iced drinks and ice creams provide the perfect excuse to slow down for a while and enjoy the sunshine.

A Place Where Families Can Spend Time Together

Finding somewhere that appeals to every generation isn't always easy.

Children want somewhere to explore, adults want somewhere to relax and everyone hopes to enjoy great food.

That's exactly why so many families choose Hockey's.

Children love meeting the friendly farm animals, watching them play and discovering a little more about farm life, while parents and grandparents can enjoy lunch, coffee or simply take a break from the pace of everyday life.

It's a chance to swap screens for fresh air, conversation and time together, something that feels more valuable than ever during the school holidays.

Whether you're visiting for an hour or spending an entire afternoon here, Hockey's offers a slower pace that encourages everyone to simply enjoy being together.

Dog-Friendly Days Out in the New Forest

The New Forest is one of the UK's favourite destinations for dog walkers, so it's no surprise that many visitors are looking for dog-friendly places to stop along the way.

Dogs are always welcome on leads around the Hockey's site, making it the ideal place to visit before or after a walk through the surrounding countryside.

While your four-legged companion enjoys stretching their legs and making new friends, you can browse the farm shop, enjoy lunch or relax with a coffee outside.

It's one of the many reasons Hockey's has become a regular stop for walkers throughout the year.

More Than a Farm Shop This Summer

This year, there's even more reason to visit.

Our brand-new Summer Series brings a collection of themed dining evenings to Hockey's, transforming our beautifully refurbished polytunnel into a unique setting for relaxed summer dining.

Each evening has its own personality, celebrating different cuisines while showcasing the quality of seasonal ingredients and the creativity of our talented kitchen team.

Whether you're planning a date night, celebrating with friends or simply looking for something different to do in the New Forest this summer, the Summer Series promises memorable evenings in a truly special setting.

With places limited, many events are expected to book quickly.

Visiting the New Forest & Hampshire County Show?

If you're heading to the New Forest & Hampshire County Show this summer, make Hockey's part of your day.

Start with breakfast before the gates open, call in for lunch afterwards or stop by on your way home to pick up everything you need for dinner.

Located in South Gorley, Hockey's is perfectly placed for anyone exploring the western side of the New Forest, visiting Fordingbridge or enjoying a scenic drive through Hampshire's beautiful countryside.

It's also an ideal stop if you're spending the day discovering nearby villages, cycling forest routes or simply enjoying everything the National Park has to offer.

Why People Keep Coming Back

Winning New Forest Business of the Year was a proud moment for everyone at Hockey's, but the award reflects something our regular customers have known for years.

It's the warm welcome.

It's the quality of the food.

It's the friendly conversations with the butchers.

It's coffee with friends that turns into lunch.

It's children asking to visit the animals before they've even left the car.

It's finding exactly what you needed and a few things you didn't know you wanted.

Most of all, it's because Hockey's never stands still. Every season brings something new to discover, whether that's fresh dishes in the café, exciting events, locally sourced products or another reason to spend time in one of the New Forest's most welcoming destinations.

Make Hockey's Part of Your Summer

Whether you're visiting the New Forest for the very first time or have lived here all your life, Hockey's Farm Shop is somewhere you'll want to return to again and again.

Come for breakfast before a day exploring the National Park. Pick up award-winning meat for the barbecue. Enjoy lunch in the Farmyard Cafe with friends. Meet the animals with the children. Cool down with an iced drink or ice cream on a sunny afternoon. Browse shelves filled with exceptional local produce. Or treat yourself to an evening at our Summer Series.

Whatever brings you through our gates, you'll discover much more than a farm shop.

You'll discover a place where great food, local produce, warm hospitality and the very best of the New Forest come together.

This summer, make Hockey's Farm Shop in South Gorley part of your story. We can't wait to welcome you.



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The Summer Series at Hockey's: Seven Friday Nights, Seven Incredible Food Experiences