There’s nothing like having a short break to look forward to to make everything else in life seem just that little bit more rosy.
Planning a break in the New Forest National Park really is something to get excited about, and it’s a treat to see it pencilled in on the calendar, as you start to imagine all the lovely things in store for you.
Whether it’s the wild woodland, coastal paths, or historic towns and villages you want to explore, the New Forest is a true treasure of the British countryside, always inviting you to discover more of its wild beauty and magical atmosphere for yourself.
Having a luxurious home-from-home, somewhere warm and inviting to return to at the end of the day, is a must-have to ensure your short break is everything you want it to be. With some stunning hotels to choose from in this glorious part of the world, your break might be short, but it will be very, very sweet…
Each New Forest Collection hotel enjoys the spectacular natural backdrop of the forest and has its own beautiful gardens and grounds to stroll or play in. Complimentary parking also gives peace of mind, and there are EV charging points, WiFi, and all sorts of other thoughtful touches that make the difference. Most venues have their own pool and 24-hour room service, and every restaurant is proudly overseen by talented chefs showcasing the best available locally sourced and seasonal produce on their menus.
If you’re coming away with the children, you’ll want a place where you can all completely relax and feel looked-after. There are always generously-proportioned rooms and suites available in all New Forest Collection hotels.
Parent-friendly settings and fantastic children’s options are available in most of the restaurants too, and guests with children particularly love The Drift, the laid-back and stylish country pub right next door to family-favourite Beaulieu Inn.
Beaulieu is characterful and quirky, with elegant interiors and a soothing atmosphere meaning parents find themselves able to simply relax and enjoy. Happy children meanwhile love spotting the donkeys and New Forest ponies that are often grazing just outside on the open heath.
If you’re celebrating an anniversary milestone, or treating your other half to a romantic short break, you need look no further than stylish Georgian townhouse Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. The rooms are crisp and contemporary, and its intimate dining spaces are the perfect setting in which to enjoy a candlelit supper from the menu of its award-winning restaurant, 1820.
Another idyllic couples’ getaway with a long romantic history is Burley Manor, set within a magnificent 800-year-old estate. Its sumptuous rooms, wellness facilities and indulgent signature treatments will ensure your short break feels timeless and unforgettable. The Shepherd’s Hut at Burley, with its wood-burning stove, copper roll-top bath and secluded woodland setting, is perhaps the ultimate secret escape.
Grade-II listed Bartley Lodge is another heritage gem, with traditional-meets-contemporary interiors and beautiful bedrooms, each with breathtaking views over the landscaped gardens and neighbouring deer park. The Charles Lyell suite with four-poster and chandeliers is very special, and perfect for couples looking for a luxury short break.
If you’re excited about the prospect of a short break in the New Forest, then just imagine how your pet pooch must be feeling!
With wonderful walks and trails in every direction from their doorsteps, and their own beautiful gardens and grounds, each New Forest Collection hotel is a dog-friendly paradise.
Every guest, including those with waggy tails, receives the warmest of welcomes, and when you let your hotel know their name in advance, your dog will be presented with their own special mat, bowls and healthy treats on arrival. Delighted yips all round!
Whichever would suit you best, any one of these exceptional hotels in the New Forest is easily accessible, with excellent links via road and rail. There are also local airports at both Bournemouth and Southampton, with Heathrow and Gatwick no more than 90 minutes away along the M3 and the M3 and M25 respectively, and ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton.
Every hotel is also within a short distance of some incredible New Forest attractions, which is great news if you’re only staying for a short while. There are hundreds of acres of forest to explore, pretty coastal villages and water sports to enjoy, and vibrant towns with their independent shops, galleries and markets to visit. From historic landmarks to theme parks, there really is something to please everyone.
You can opt for a short weekend break, book last minute to enjoy a midweek stopover, or choose to extend your short break in the New Forest until it’s not a short break any more because you simply want to stay forever. If this does happen, no one’s going to judge. You’re only human after all.
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