Minstead, New Forest, Hampshire
Minstead is one of those idyllic villages in the New Forest where the pace of life seems to slow down. It’s a happy little place with several events during the year where everyone comes out and has a good time, and it’s very pretty – old red brick thatched cottages, a village green with stocks, and a community run shop; what you’d call a quintessential English village, where characteristic of this area, ponies, donkeys, cows and pigs amble freely.
Go and poke your head in the church and see the Saxon font that was found by a gardener working on the grounds of the Old Rectory in the late 19th century; under an oak tree at the edge of the churchyard you’ll find Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s grave. You’ll find footpaths that lead you on walks in the surrounding forest, which is beautiful, of course. When you’re done go for lunch at the Trusty Servant, the village pub.
All information correct at the time of writing