The New Forest is spectacular at every time of the year, although as the days get shorter and you feel a little nip in the air, something especially magical starts to happen here.
Autumn feels like a celebration, a festival of vibrant colours, with the rich golden sun bringing a burnished glow to a glorious landscape that comes alive in a new way. The pinks and purples of the heathland heather and splashes of yellow gorse are vivid against evergreen brackens, and in the forest’s ever-enchanting woodlands, red and orange leaves twirl about, crunch underfoot, and the air is crisp and exciting.
Change is on its way, and the visitors who are drawn here for a break during this special season always feel enlivened and restored.
Whether you’re a family with a happy canine companion tracking down an exciting autumnal adventure, a solo traveller here to relax and unwind, or a couple on a romantic getaway, a New Forest break in the autumn is sure to delight you on every level.
And to complete the experience, all that’s needed is the perfect home-from-home offering a warm welcome (think log fires, a little glass of something and a delicious meal…) and a restful night’s sleep in a heavenly comfortable room. There are some incredible hotels in the area that deliver exactly this, and more, so when it comes to booking your autumn break you’re in luck.
The exceptional New Forest Collection is renowned for offering superb quality across the board, with each one charming and characterful in its own unique way.
Breathtaking locations are a given, with gorgeous gardens, landscaped grounds and all the autumnal delights of the New Forest literally on your doorstep. There are also pretty villages, bustling towns, historic landmarks and even a theme park or two only a short distance away.
This mellow time of year is a reminder that time is precious, and so as you seize the day and book your break away, you’ll want it to be extra special; you can rest assured that the dedicated teams at these fabulous hotels always go the extra mile to ensure your stay will be fantastic.
You can also expect complimentary parking, EV charging points and WiFi, and all sorts of special touches to surprise and delight you. Standards are incredibly high, with most venues having their own pool for example, and talented kitchen brigades showcase their passion, creativity and the very best locally sourced produce that the area has to offer on their award-winning menus.
Of course, families travelling with children have their own particular needs and desires, and these family-run hotels understand just what’s needed, and are always there if there’s something extra you require.
Parent-friendly settings are available in most of the restaurants, and in all the New Forest Collection venues, generously-proportioned rooms and suites have more room for families to lounge, with either a fold-away sofa-bunk or space for another pop-up bed or two.
Ideal for a family-friendly autumn break is charming Beaulieu Inn, just outside the historic village of Beaulieu. Children adore the New Forest Ponies grazing just outside, and the peaceful atmosphere and elegant interiors hit all the right notes with parents too. Guests with children also particularly love The Drift, the laid-back and stylish country pub right next door.
Moorhill House is another warm, welcoming venue that is perfect for an autumnal family break. This lovely bed and breakfast is a delight, with its fresh, light interiors reflecting the natural beauty of its location; Moorhill is located right in the heart of the forest, with the ancient village of Burley only minutes away, so you, the children and any excitable dogs can enjoy the great outdoors, kicking up leaves, before coming home for a scrumptious afternoon tea.
The New Forest in autumn has to be one of the most romantic places in the world, and these New Forest Collection hotels offer some of the very best options for couples celebrating a wedding milestone, honeymoon, or simply a well-deserved weekend away.
The quintessential boutique experience is what sophisticated townhouse hotel, Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst, is known for. Its elegant interiors offer plenty of secret nooks to cosy up in, and its intimate dining spaces are just the place to enjoy a candlelit supper from the menu of its award-winning restaurant, 1820.
Another great choice for a couple’s break is Burley Manor, set within a magnificent 800-year-old estate. It has a long romantic history and a real reputation as a luxurious New Forest haven and retreat, with sumptuous rooms, wellness facilities and sublime signature treatments.
The Shepherd’s Hut, also at Burley Manor, is perhaps the ultimate in pure indulgence for couples on an autumnal break. Snug, secret and secluded, there’s a wood burning stove, a copper roll-top bath for a long soak, and stargazing from your cosy bed at night.
Relaxation and indulgence are also top of the list at Grade-II listed Bartley Lodge, with its gorgeous heritage-meets-contemporary interiors, and beautiful rooms, each with breathtaking views over the landscaped gardens and neighbouring deer park. The Charles Lyell Suite with four-poster and twinkling chandeliers is exquisite and ideal for couples looking for a luxury break in the New Forest in autumn.
It really wouldn’t be right to come on a break in the New Forest at this time of year, with all those autumnal walks to enjoy, without your four-legged best friend by your side.
Each one of New Forest Collection’s hotels warmly welcomes every guest, including those with waggy tails. Let your hotel know their name in advance, and your dog will be presented with their own special mat, bowls and complimentary healthy treats on arrival.
And after exploring the grounds and gardens, or another dash along an autumnal forest trail, there are also handy ‘wash pipes’ available for muddy paws!
So whether it’s a short weekend break, a midweek stopover or an extended stay in the New Forest you’re after, the choice is yours.
And because sometimes you feel like being spontaneous, each of New Forest Collection’s hotels offer opportunities to book a last-minute autumn break, and there are often seasonal special offers available too, so if you feel suddenly inspired, it’s always worth reaching out to the venue you like. They’ll be delighted to assist.
Whichever would suit you best, any one of these exceptional hotels in the New Forest is easily accessible from anywhere in the UK and beyond, 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.
Being so well-connected means every hotel is within a short distance of some incredible New Forest attractions, and of course, at this time of year, the forest is a haven for walkers. If you time things right, you can join in with the annual New Forest Walking Festival; otherwise, the mighty oak and beech trees along the walking trails at Bolderwood are majestic in all their autumnal glory, and the Blackwater Tall Trees trail, planted with trees from all over the world, is also definitely worth a visit.
Autumn in the forest is also an ideal time to make the most of the 40 miles of forest coastline, with wonderful views and bracing sea air to enjoy at Milford-on-Sea and Lymington.
So can you imagine yourself here, in this beautiful place, in the perfect hotel for you? Your dream autumnal break in the countryside just got that little bit closer to reality.
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