Nothing says May bank holiday quite like a springtime mini break in the New Forest. It’s the perfect chance to treat yourself and the ones you love to some special time together.
The New Forest might well be at its most magnificent in May, with woods and heathland alive with colour and birdsong, and bracing walks by the sea made even more wonderful by warmer weather and longer, lighter days.
And whilst it’s not always possible to be sure of the sun, a May bank holiday break in the New Forest does guarantee a whole host of other attractions to please every visitor, whatever the weather.
If squeezing into your wetsuit in a spring shower isn’t for you, there are historic landmarks, zoos and theme parks to visit. Of course, a luxurious hotel to cosy up in with your book might be your idea of heaven, and in that case too, you’re in luck.
There are some stunning luxury hotels nearby, each offering a warm welcome, fabulous food and a place to dream sweet dreams after a day of May bank holiday fun – however that looks for you!
As well as complimentary parking, EV charging points, WiFi, and all sorts of other thoughtful touches that make the difference, these superb hotels also boast their own pool, so you can really savour every moment of your May bank holiday break.
Each of them also enjoys the spectacular backdrop of the forest, and beautiful gardens and grounds to stroll or play in when you want to make the most of the spring colours and blooms. This is a real joy, not only for you, but for any four-legged members of the family that might be joining you in any of these pet-friendly hotels.
Grade-II listed Bartley Lodge, with its traditional-meets-contemporary interiors and beautiful rooms, is one of these. Its eight acres of landscaped gardens and proximity to some of the finest walks in Britain might be the real reasons why your canine companion likes it best however.
A May bank holiday break with the kids is going to be exciting and fast-paced, so having space and time to unwind is vital. The generously-proportioned rooms and suites in all the New Forest Collection hotels mean that everyone’s happy. There’s plenty of room to lounge, and if you want an extra fold-away sofa-bunk or another pop-up bed or two, you’ve got it.
Parent-friendly settings are also available in all of the restaurants, and guests with children particularly love The Drift, the laid-back and stylish country pub right next door to family-favourite Beaulieu Inn.
Beaulieu Inn itself is completely charming, with a soothing atmosphere and elegant country house interiors that invite parents to simply sit back and relax. Just outside, where the open heathland will be bright with yellow gorse at this time of year, donkeys and forest ponies graze, and every child believes they are there just for them!
If you’re a couple, the New Forest is a heavenly place for a romantic getaway at any time of the year, and treating your other half to a May bank holiday break in a special hotel is a gesture sure to delight them.
Try Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. It’s the quintessential boutique experience, with elegant interiors and gorgeous rooms that are crisp and contemporary. Whilst the warmer May weather will no doubt lure you out onto the terrace for lunch or afternoon tea, its intimate dining spaces are just the place to enjoy a candlelit supper from the menu of its in-house restaurant, 1820.
Every restaurant within these luxury hotels is proudly overseen by talented chefs showcasing the best available locally sourced and seasonal produce on their award-winning menus. Enjoying an exquisite dining experience within another country house hotel beloved by couples, Burley Manor, is definitely one for the bank holiday wishlist.
Burley Manor is part of a magnificent 800-year-old estate, and has a real reputation as a luxurious New Forest haven and retreat, with sumptuous rooms, beautifully designed gardens, and wellness/treatment rooms. The Shepherd’s Hut at Burley might be the manor’s best kept secret, and there may be no better way to spend the May bank holiday than cosying up with your loved one in this deluxe, secluded woodland bolthole.
Whether you like to plan well in advance or leave it till late, it’s no problem, because these New Forest hotels offer all sorts of great deals, packages and opportunities to book last-minute. Opt for a long bank holiday weekend break, or to extend your stay beyond Monday – the choice really is yours.
Over a bank holiday, great transport links are a must. Any one of these exceptional hotels is easily accessible via excellent links to the New Forest from anywhere in the UK, and with ultimately all roads leading to the perfect May bank holiday break.
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