The ideal break is one where you feel uplifted, refreshed and inspired to return home with a renewed sense of optimism and energy. A stunning location, a luxurious home-from-home and deliciously nourishing food, where the only thing you have to do is relax and enjoy it all, are the perfect ingredients.
No wonder then that so many people choose the New Forest when their thoughts turn to taking a break in the UK. The iconic and varied landscape, all wild heath, rugged coast and magical woodland, draws visitors throughout the year to enjoy everything it has to offer.
New Forest breaks for all
This incredible part of the world really does have something for everyone, whether you’re a family (with four-legged furry in tow) wanting an exciting forest adventure, a solo explorer, or a couple on a romantic weekend away.
There are trails for walkers and cyclists, the sea for fisherfolk and water sport enthusiasts, and for those preferring a more gentle-pace, there are beautiful gardens to stroll in, historic buildings to visit and thriving, friendly towns and villages to enjoy.
What’s more, there are some fabulous hotels and cosy retreats to stay in too, so you’re never far from a gorgeous place to return to at the end of your day.
Boutique hotel break
Forest Lodge
Those seeking the quintessential boutique hotel experience need look no further than Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst. It’s a real favourite with couples enjoying a romantic staycation, and perfect if you’re travelling alone and looking for a quiet haven. Located just a few minutes from the vibrant New Forest ‘capital’, Lyndhurst, and right on the edge of the forest itself, there is already lots to do right on its doorstep.
Venture inside and you’ll love its sophistication and style, with invitingly intimate spaces to curl up with a book, and you’ll enjoy its wide-ranging menu of brasserie classics served up by its award-winning restaurant, 1820.
At the end of the day, its crisp, contemporary rooms are comfortable and inviting, and like all the New Forest hotels we’ll feature here, Forest Lodge offers guests full use of its pool. A real treat all round.
Also popular with couples, as well as anyone treating themselves to a luxury spa break, is 800-year-old Burley Manor which has a long romantic history and a real reputation as a luxurious New Forest haven and retreat.
Wellness rooms offer indulgent signature treatments and bedrooms are heavenly, each individually designed and spacious, with our Garden Suites even enjoying their own balconies and most rooms starring breathtaking views overlooking the estate gardens and neighbouring deer park.
Each New Forest Collection hotel offers only the finest dining experiences, with locally sourced and seasonal produce showcased on every menu. At Burley Manor, you can dress up and enjoy an intimate meal for two in the restaurant, cosy up in front of the fire in the lounge, or take some time out for afternoon tea in our grand drawing room.
It also has to be said that the Shepherd’s Hut at Burley is the ultimate lovers’ secret escape. Think woodburning stove, roll-top copper bath and a canopy of stars watching over you as you sleep. It really is very special indeed.
You can find the lovely village of Beaulieu located midway between Beaulieu and Lyndhurst, home to the quaint and quirky Beaulieu Inn. This former coaching inn is right in the middle of a vast open heath, and children love to spot the famous New Forest ponies grazing quite freely all around.
Beaulieu is full of character, with gorgeously cosy rooms, elegant suites and some lovely garden rooms that have more space for families to spread out in.
As in all New Forest Collection’s hotels, your waggy-tailed friends are also more than welcome here at Beaulieu; let the friendly staff know their names before you arrive and they’ll be presented with their own goodies on arrival. And after a bracing scamper through the countryside or walking back from a delicious lunch at The Drift, the award-winning country pub next door, there are handy ‘wash pipes’ available for muddy paws too.
Also right up there as a destination hotel perfect for a New Forest hotel break is Bartley Lodge, a Grade II listed country house hotel. Set within eight acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, it’s a heritage gem, and inside, the stylish contemporary interiors are a delight.
After a day enjoying the New Forest, it’s a total pleasure to return to Bartley, your own sumptuous home-from-home; bedrooms here are stylish and comfortable, with the Deluxe rooms and luxurious suites offering more space to lounge, so great for families.
Of course, your time is precious and you want your New Forest hotel break to exceed your expectations, so it’s worth mentioning that the teams at these featured hotels are passionate about going the extra mile to ensure your stay feels fantastic. Every hotel also offers complimentary parking and EV charging points, as well as offering 24-hour room service, WiFi, extra beds if you need them, and all sorts of treatsome touches that elevate your stay to the next level.
Well-connected
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 not more than 120 minutes away along the M3 and the M3 and M25 respectively, and ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton.
The choice is yours
So whether you choose a long weekend break, enjoy a midweek stopover or indulge in an extended stay in the New Forest, it’s never too early to schedule in some important time out of everyday life and start planning your New Forest hotel break.
Of course, some of the most memorable times in life are those which are spontaneous and unexpected. Each New Forest Collection hotel offers opportunities to book a last-minute break, and there are often special offers available too, so if you feel suddenly inspired, it’s always worth reaching out to staff at the venue that most calls to you. They’ll be more than delighted to help, so your hotel break in the New Forest gets off to the best possible start.
