If you’re looking to swap screens for something more hands-on during your Camping New Forest holiday, this colourful, welcoming space offers something truly different – from shelves of board games for all ages to imaginative roleplay areas and creative activities like pottery painting.
We caught up with Emily, owner of Meeple Play Café, to hear more about how it all started, what makes the café so special, how their family ended up in the New Forest, and why this little café might just be the perfect addition to your itinerary while camping in the New Forest.
Don’t miss the exclusive offer for Camping New Forest guests at the end of the blog!
Meet The Owners
We are Emily and Robin Black, parents to Wyatt and Emmett who had a passion for board games long before we got into a business sharing them with others! We would spend weekends away with friends just playing board games and exploring the local areas.
Robin is a carpenter, which came in handy during the build of the café! I am a community engagement officer – which is where a lot of our passion for building a space for everyone came.
We all love halloween and the photo added is us last year dressed up as Super Mario characters in front of Meeple Play Cafe, where we are part of the community trick or treat trail.
A New Forest Life: Why They Made It Home
We moved to the New Forest about 10 years ago, though we lived nearby in Southampton before and Robin grew up in Romsey. (Emily was born in the USA).
Robin spent his childhood visiting the inclosures of the national park for family days out, and we’re both passionate about nature, conservation, and the unique and beautiful landscape of the Forest.
When it came to starting a family, the pace of life in the towns and villages in and around the Forest, and the close access to vast nature that they offer made it the perfect place for us.
What’s a Meeple, Anyway?
Meeple is an odd word that a lot of folks might not be familiar with but not only is it kind of fun to say, it’s also a board gaming term!
A Meeple is a generic counter or game piece that represents a person on the board. It looks like a little five pointed star or starfish, and they’re used in a lot of boardgames.
Our café is a place for all people, regardless of age, background, gender, or ethnicity… and that’s what Meeples represent.
Life in Hythe
Running a small business anywhere is obviously a lot of hard work, but we are blessed with the community in Hythe. We are so lucky to live, work, and take our children to school in the heart of a safe, friendly village full of familiar faces.
Bringing people together is by far the best part of our job. We pride ourselves on offering something fun for everyone. Welcoming guests of all ages and seeing them meet new people or enjoy something new together is a joy.
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Camping New Forest guests can expect to be welcomed to a bright, fun, and friendly café and coffee shop, where they can enjoy local treats, and delicious coffee from award winning local roasters.
Most importantly they can expect to see a huge selection of games, pottery painting, and crafts for kids and grown-ups alike. As well as our totally unique roleplay village fit for children up to 6, where they can use their imagination to enjoy 9 individual play areas themed around local businesses from Sunnyfields Farm Shop to PC Building Supplies.
Exclusive Offer for Camping New Forest Guests
We are launching into summer 2025 with a newly refurbished café, new role-play areas, longer opening hours, and delicious new menu. There are always deals available to combine what we have on offer, providing the best value we can to all our visitors.
Camping New Forest guests can enjoy free unlimited games (usually £5 per person) for their whole group with any spend of £10 or more – just show your Camping New Forest booking confirmation at the counter. That’s a full afternoon of fun for the whole family, from just £10!
Add Meeple to Your Itinerary
Whether you’re staying at Hollands Wood, Roundhill, Ashurst, or another of our nearby New Forest campsites, Meeple Play Café makes for a brilliant day out – especially if the weather turns or you’re looking for something a bit different to do with the kids.
Pop it on your holiday itinerary – and don’t forget to bring your best game face!