The Shoe Inn is steeped in History and should not be missed on a visit to the New Forest.  

Built in 1420, a beautifully crafted thatched roof protects the original inn. The Shoe Inn took its name from the Cavalry troops who frequented it when travelling from Salisbury to the military port of Marchwood on Southampton water.  

Around 1640 the current attractive black and cream, half-timbered structure was added when the inn became a posting station for the mail coaches. A toll -gate was constructed across the road and the landlord was responsible for collecting the King’s tolls.

The last New Forest Highwayman, John Taylor was caught while drinking at the inn and publicly hanged on the nearby Plaitford Common. Queen Victoria also stopped at the inn on route to the Isle of Wight.

Alongside the building runs, what used to be, the original main road between Salisbury and Southampton.

The Shoe Inn is just as inviting on the inside with an abundance of “Olde-worlde” charm, real fires and Many bygones on display.