There’s something extra special about a break away with the family. Spending some dedicated time together with no other reason than to have fun, and sharing an adventure to remember gives you all the chance to reconnect and recharge.
The gorgeous New Forest is a wonderful spot to choose for a family break, offering something for everyone to enjoy. There are historic castles to explore, fishing and watersports galore, and plenty of fresh air and woodland trails to cycle and scamper about in – just what you need if your family includes any furry four-leggeds!
Of course, a welcoming and luxurious home-from-home where you can all come back and relax at the end of the day is part of the perfect package, and so here’s a run-down of some of the very best family-friendly hotels that the New Forest has to offer.
Laid-back elegance is what Bartley Lodge, a Grade II listed country house hotel, is all about. Set within acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, ideal for games on the lawn with the children, it also has a heated pool to splash about in, and the bedrooms are a delight. Even the cosiest snug is generous and stylish, and the larger Deluxe and Grand Deluxe rooms are designed for a family to stay in comfort, with extra foldaway beds if you need them.
At Bartley Lodge’s restaurant, and in all the New Forest Collection hotels featured here, you’ll find fabulous children’s options, family-friendly seating, and locally sourced, seasonal produce taking pride of place on every menu.
Another hit with families is stylish townhouse Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. It’s set right on the edge of the forest – which is great when little ones need to get outside and run off steam, plus there’s a heated pool and a courtyard to play in too. Inside, every room here is exquisitely designed and super comfortable, with the Deluxe Double and Grand Deluxe Four Poster suites fantastic for families with their spacious bathrooms and more room to lounge.
Another great base for a family-friendly New Forest break is the characterful and quirky Beaulieu Inn, just outside the historic village of Beaulieu. The New Forest ponies and donkeys grazing just outside will delight the children, who’ll also love the exciting play area and heated pool. Parents meanwhile can soak up the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the elegant interiors.
Moorhill House is another warm, welcoming and pet-friendly venue that is perfect for a New Forest break. This is a charming Bed and Breakfast that families return to again and again, set right in the heart of the forest, and with picturesque Burley village only minutes away, children and doggies can spill outdoors and run free in all directions.
Each of these hotels also offers complimentary parking and WiFi, and most importantly, knows that a family break simply wouldn’t be complete without your waggy tailed ones.
Simply let your hotel know your dog’s name in advance, and they’ll be presented with their own special mat, bowls and healthy treats on arrival. The ‘wash pipes’, available for muddy paws after another morning out exploring the woods, are really handy too!
So whether you fancy a weekend break with the children, opt for a midweek stopover during half-term, or are planning an extended stay during the holidays, the choice is yours.
And because it’s often a spur of the moment thing, each of New Forest Collection’s hotels offers opportunities to book a last-minute break. There are often special deals available too, so it’s certainly worth checking out the hotel that appeals to you.
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 M25 respectively, and ferry ports in Portsmouth and Southampton.
Each of these family-friendly hotels is also within a short distance of pretty seaside villages, bustling towns with their independent shops, galleries and markets, and some real crowd-pleasing New Forest attractions. Step back in time at Buckler’s Hard, or take the children to Peppa Pig World and really make their day!
However you choose to spend your precious time together as a family, what’s sure is that you’ll return home from your break in the New Forest with some lovely new memories and lots to smile about.
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