The New Forest contains one of Britain’s most attractive National Parks, created to protect its forests and heathland, and resident wild ponies. Easy to reach from London, what better place to treat yourself to a luxurious, relaxing stay? We’ve picked out luxury hotels from the classic country-house, with acres of grounds, spas and a choice of dining, to more chilled-out boltholes and gastropubs.
For classic luxury
- You’ll switch off as soon as you step inside Chewton Glen, with its ivy-clad exterior, old-school sitting-rooms with deep armchairs and piles of papers, spacious bedrooms and fabulous spa. Service is tip-top, and if you really want to treat yourself, opt for one of the treehouse suites with wood-burning stoves and private terrace with hot tub!
- Careys Manor, a wood-panelled, 18th-century manor house, spoils with four-poster beds and rooms with private gardens. There’s also a sensational Thai spa and choice of dining.
For contemporary luxury
- Combining Georgian elegance with contemporary luxury, Lime Wood has a truly modern sense of luxury. Rooms offer irresistible pampering touches including freestanding baths, fires and four-poster beds; or choose a cottage or forest suite for ultimate privacy. There’s a spa, woodland walks and bikes to borrow, too.
- The Pig, a restaurant-with-rooms, has a luxuriously laidback rustic style with plenty of contemporary comforts, including cosy lounges, funky mis-matched furnishings and wooden cabins for spa treatments. Rooms offer a quirky choice - including lodges and cabins - while much of the food is sourced from the hotel’s own walled garden.
For Inn-style luxury
In a bucolic setting, with a garden backing on to the New Forest, The White Buck is perfect for a relaxed, jolly but still luxurious stay. Public rooms are furnished in a rich, rustic style – wood-panelling, stripped oak floors – while bedrooms are a mix of bold wallpapers, chic paintwork, freestanding baths plus picnic baskets for a minibar.
Still not sure which to book?