There has been a settlement at Cadnam for many centuries and it is said to have been named after a farm owned by a man called Cadda. At that time a farm was also called a ‘ham’ – hence Cadda’s Ham which became Cadnam as it is known today.

Cadnam, is one of the main gateways into the New Forest. Situated on Junction 1 of the M27, it has always been one of the Forest’s major road junctions between Southampton, Winchester, Bournemouth and Poole. As a consequence, it is more of a ribbon development of houses than a village with a determinable centre. Whilst the village could not be described as a tourist attraction, it does have a good selection of pubs with a variety of menus making it a good stopping off point for visitors. Two of the most popular are the 12th century Sir John Barleycorn and the White Hart which is situated right on the main roundabout in the village. In addition there is an excellent country hotel, Bartley Lodge, situated just off the main village roundabout and surrounded by woodland.

The village also boasts a large, well stocked garden centre with a busy restaurant. It is also a short distance from the very popular Paulton’s Theme Park and also the historic Rufus Stone where King William II is reputed to have been killed whilst out hunting.