Easter is a time of new beginnings and a wonderful opportunity to book some well-deserved R&R on an Easter break in the New Forest. Glorious during any season of the year, the magical landscape of the New Forest really comes alive at this special time.
There’s a sense of anticipation in the air as new buds begin to unfurl, with the fresh green leaves of spring and those early bluebells and primroses brightening up the countryside.
As well as all the natural activity taking place on the coastal paths, trails and forest floor, there are also plenty of other attractions to get excited about here. There are castles, theme parks and bustling towns and villages to explore, with lots going on to keep everyone busy.
The perfect Easter break also includes the perfect place to stay, and this area is the proud host to some of the finest country house hotels in the UK. Coming up, four of the very best from which to choose your ultimate Easter home-from-home.
You’ll want all the basics in place of course, so if you’re looking for complimentary parking with EV charging points, WiFi and superb leisure facilities with a pool, these particular venues have all that covered.
If indulgent spa facilities are on your wish list, then historic Burley Manor is the one for you. Set within a magnificent 800-year-old estate, this luxury country house hotel has a real reputation as a New Forest haven and retreat, with sumptuous rooms and indulgent signature treatments. It’s also the ideal place for couples on a romantic Easter break, with a luxurious gem of a Shepherd’s Hut hideaway tucked away in the woods.
Another venue that’s a real favourite with couples looking for a boutique-style hotel in which to enjoy a relaxing Easter break, is Georgian townhouse Forest Lodge.
Located right on the edge of the forest where you might just spot the first wood anemones and even a new-born fawn at this time of the year, this sophisticated hotel is also home to an award-winning restaurant – 1821. Their in-house brasserie, it is a great place to indulge in a delicious Easter lunch.
Like all the other hotels featured here, Forest Lodge is proud to showcase the very best local and seasonal produce on its creative and inspiring menu. As the weather starts to warm up, afternoon tea on the terrace at Forest Lodge is another Easter treat you wouldn’t want to miss.
There’s always something delicious on the menu at The Drift, where Easter is a great time to celebrate. This laid-back and stylish country pub is a real hit with everyone and is only a short stroll away from another family favourite, the Beaulieu Inn.
Nestling right in the middle of a vast open heath, bright with yellow gorse flowers at Easter, Beaulieu is charmingly quirky and its elegant and characterful interiors provide a snug and cosy place to return to after a brisk walk in all that fresh spring air.
Children love Beaulieu, though perhaps it’s the presence of the cheeky forest ponies that graze outside that make them smile the most. At Easter it’s often possible to see a newly born foal too, something that always makes a magical memory to take home from your family break away.
If your family includes any waggy-tailed ones, they’ll enjoy their own pooch-perfect Easter break here too, with every one of these outstanding hotels being pet-friendly and offering a warm welcome to all the lucky dogs who come to stay.
Stunning country house, Bartley Lodge in Cadnam, with its traditional-meets-contemporary interiors and sumptuous rooms, is one of them. Not only will you be supremely comfortable here, Bartley offers all sorts of treats for your furry best friend to enjoy as well. After an exciting exploration of some of its eight acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, there are handy ‘wash pipes’ for those muddy paws too.
The New Forest, and each of these hotels, 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 90 minutes away along the M3 and the M3 and M25 respectively, and ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton.
Book your Easter break well in advance and have something to really look forward to, or seize the day with a last minute deal at any of these excellent hotels.
Whether you decide to make the most of the two-week break from school and bring the whole family to the Forest for a fortnight, opt for a long and leisurely weekend, or go for something in between, the New Forest is your oyster this Easter.
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