Youngsters will be able to enjoy the play frame, with slide, fireman's pole, a rope bridge, and climbing fun while their parents take advantage of a new outdoor area perfect for drinks and socialising while keeping an eye on the little ones. 

The play area was opened with the help of a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub, the not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.

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Publican Kerry Wolfe felt there was a need for the new facility as there are no children's playgrounds in the immediate area around the pub. 

She said: "While the weather is warmer, the play area will offer children the opportunity to exercise in a safe environment.

"We wanted to offer this service to help families as there really is nothing for them in the local area. We look forward to offering everyone a warm welcome."

The family-friendly and dog friendly pub has been at the heart of the local community for more than 170 years.

The building, which overlooks a quiet country road lined with picture-postcard cottages, has been a pub since 1852.

The pub garden overlooks fields and plays host to the popular annual Tractor Fest event, as well as regular live music and a host of other special events. 

It used to be called The Royal Oak but 30 or so years ago was given another name reflecting its New Forest location – The Gamekeeper.

For years it has seen the start of the Netley Marsh Carnival, with floats assembling in the pub car park before beginning their journey to Netley Marsh itself.

Locals and visitors praise the pub's food offering, which includes stonebaked pizzas, ploughmans and beer battered cod, plus the huge selection of drinks, including great beers and wines and a large range of gins and vodkas. 

The Gamekeeper boasts Sky Sports and an open fire in the winter.