The friendly seaside town of Barton-on-Sea is a real delight. Located on the edge of the magnificent New Forest, it attracts visitors all year round to wonder at its spectacular coastline and incredible views of the surrounding Hampshire countryside and beyond towards the Isle of Wight.
Families delight in the safe swimming in its shallower waters. There’s lots for those who love walks and wildlife too. The famous 60-mile Solent Way starts here, with the Tudor fortress that is Hurst Castle still standing strong; this a fantastic place to explore, with a ferry from Keyhaven or a leisurely walk along the shingle bank of Hurst Split taking you right there.
A sense of history is woven throughout this entire area, and fossil-hunters come to comb the pebble beach for treasures.
If you’re visiting Barton-on-Sea and the surrounding New Forest, the right place to stay has the power to make your entire experience even more special. There are some stunning hotels near Barton-on-Sea, and here are some of the very best…
History and heritage
Bartley Lodge
History and heritage are very much in evidence at the Grade II listed country house hotel, Bartley Lodge in Cadnam. Its woodland drive leads you into its beautifully landscaped grounds, and the impressive country house, with its elegant and calming interiors, provide a sumptuous haven for guests from all over the world.
Families love the larger Classic, Deluxe and Grand Deluxe rooms, which are spacious enough for extra beds if you want them, and even the cosiest snug room here is generous and stylish. For special occasions, the Charles Lyell suite is light and airy, with four-poster and chandeliers.
With a day at Barton-on-Sea coming up, your morning might begin with a dip in the indoor pool before a hearty New Forest breakfast, with fresh, locally sourced produce at the heart of every plate. Just as they are in each of the New Forest Collection restaurants, the meals you’ll enjoy at Bartley are exceptional, with delicious options to suit every member of your party.
Choose a traditional Sunday roast and dessert in the grand drawing room, a light plate from the contemporary best-of-British menu, or indulge in afternoon tea with friends out on the sun terrace.
Another hotel near Barton-on-Sea of real elegance and historical charm is 800-year-old Burley Manor, set in the ancient and captivating village of Burley.
Every room here is individually designed, spacious and comfortable, with breathtaking views over the gardens and neighbouring deer park; the larger Deluxe and Grand Deluxe are especially ideal for families, with children over the age of 13 more than welcome at Burley. The fully accessible Garden Suite is simply beautiful, as is the Shepherd’s Hut, the ultimate romantic hideaway.
The invitation at Burley Manor is to relax and unwind, and all guests can make the most of the Burley signature treatments on offer in the luxurious spa.
You are always supremely looked after here, and when it comes to dinner, the varied and often Mediterranean-inspired menu is a joy. Enjoy your meal in the restaurant, one of the comfortable lounges, or outside on the impressive stone terrace.
Relaxation is also the order of the day at charming Beaulieu Inn, the former Coaching Inn surrounded by magical heathland and just a few minutes from the delightful villages of Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.
Its modern country interiors suggest comfort and ease, and you can’t help but smile at the New Forest Ponies grazing right outside the windows. The gardens here seem to merge with the forest itself, beckoning you (and any happy canine companions that might be joining you) out to explore.
Its cosier bedrooms are wonderfully quirky, and there are also some superbly appointed suites, spacious family rooms and several peaceful garden rooms.
Taylor’s Bar at Beaulieu Inn is an idyllic spot for a light plate or afternoon tea with friends. For something more substantial, take a short stroll to The Drift next door; this laid-back and stylish country pub offers an award-winning menu of classic fare, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Those looking for a boutique hotel experience closer to town will love Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst. This gorgeous Georgian townhouse was once famously used as a hunting box by King George IV, and is just a short stroll from the enchanting woodland trails of the New Forest.
Inside, every room here is exquisitely designed and super comfortable, from the Snug Double and Twin rooms, all the way through to the Deluxe Double and Grand Deluxe Four Poster suites. These boast spacious bathrooms and more room to lounge, so they’re ideal for families.
The in-house award-winning brasserie,1820, offers an inspiring array of grill classics and modern british plates. Freshly caught seafood has to be the order of the day for anyone visiting Barton-on-Sea, and like every one of the New Forest Collection restaurants, 1820 is proud to place this, and other locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable produce, very much at the heart of every menu.
The coast at Barton-on-Sea is easily accessible from Bournemouth, Southampton and London, with New Milton train station also only a mile away.
Barton-on-Sea is a mere 15-minute drive from Burley Manor on the A35, and from Bartley Lodge, it’s around 20 minutes on the same road.
It’s a pleasant 25-minute journey to the coast from Forest Lodge near Lyndhurst along the A35, and finally, Beaulieu Inn to Barton-on-Sea is a pleasant 30-minute trip.
After a day spent making the most of everything that this lovely location has to offer, it really is wonderful to know that your seaside home-from-home is never far away.
