Why I Love.....Spending time in the New Forest.
WHY I LOVE….
… spending time in the New Forest, 145 square miles of ancient heath and woodland, where ponies, donkeys, pigs, cattle and deer still freely roam.
Spring brings the foals; summer the purple heather; mushrooms abound in autumn and at dusk in winter low mists swirl mysteriously above the heath. Protected as a National Park, entered via cattle grids, the New Forest is a world apart, but one where these days the luxuries of life go hand in hand with endless opportunities to stretch ones legs and explore. The Forest may have become a gastronomic hotspot (Chewton Glen, Lime Wood, The Montagu Arms, The Pig, Terravina), but it has remained essentially unchanged for 900 years.
A visit to the bustling Saturday market in Lymington’s Georgian High Street is always absorbing, and from there it’s a short drive across the heath to Beaulieu. Here the attractions of land and water are perfectly combined, with the Cistercian abbey and Lord Montagu’s Palace House and Motor Museum set picturesquely beside the Beaulieu River, and the open Forest all around.
This is prime cycling country. Bikes can be hired in Beaulieu, from where a network of waymarked tracks spread out to Brockenhurst, where lunch in The Pig’s charming conservatory is a treat and the giant redwoods along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive shoot skywards; to Lyndhurst and its Verderers’ Court, which has run the New Forest since the 14th century; to Fritham, whose diminutive Royal Oak is the Forest’s oldest and most atmospheric pub; and to the Rufus Stone, which marks the spot where King William II was felled by an arrow in 1100 during a hunting expedition.
Two miles along the Beaulieu River, is Buckler’s Hard with its Maritime Museum and shipwrights’ cottages where, amongst many warships, Nelson’s favourite, Agamemnon, was built. Or take the gentle riverside walk, then perhaps a pub lunch at the Master Builder’s. To see the Beaulieu River at close quarters, take a pleasure boat trip from Buckler’s Hard; or if you, like us, are in the mood for mild adventure, hire a canoe or a kayak.
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Chewton Glen New Milton, Hampshire 72 rooms from £405
Country Escape - A gorgeous country house spa, set in 130 acres of parkland at the edge of the magical New Forest.Tennis - There are both indoor and outdoor tennis courts and coaching with the resident pro.Great walks - Plenty of walking across the 130 acres of parkland, or head into the New Forest.Kids Club - All new The Beehive, available every weekend and school holidays
Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin TravelCheck AvailabilityOn the edge of the New Forest and close to the sea, Chewton Glen offers five-star luxury to couples and families. Its wow-factor treehouse accommodation is the star of the show, along with the fantastic staff that always go the extra mile. Imitable service, gourmet dining and The Beehive, kids club. See More
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Lime Wood Lyndhurst, Hampshire 33 rooms from £495
Exclusive offer - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast SPRING OFFERFoodies - A super chic restaurant, serving Anglo-Italian fare. A product of Lime Wood’s Luke Holder and high-profile chef Angela Hartnett.Families - Extra beds allowed in rooms, kids activities on site and baby sitting facilities makes this an obvious choice for parents.Country Escape - A beautifully renovated country house situated in the heart of one of the UKs finest National Parks.Cooking classes - The excellent Hartnett Holder & Co Backstage cookery school has a wide variety of hands on courses.
Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Tablet, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, SawdaysHotel WebsiteScintillating luxury hotel in a superbly redesigned Georgian house in the heart of the New Forest. Wonderfully comfortable beds in large rooms all with unique features including free standing baths, fireplaces or four posters. A sublime restaurant curated by a celebrity chef. Countryside perfection. See More
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The Montagu Arms Beaulieu 22 rooms from £228
Restaurant - The Terrace Restaurant offers fine dining or you can opt for a more relaxed vibe in Monty's InnSpa - Access to Spa at sister hotel Careys Manor.TraditionalFour poster beds - For romantics.
Recommended by - Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Michelin TravelCheck Availability17th century country house hotel in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Michelin-starred restaurant, library bar, terrace, sumptuous rooms. See More
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The Pig Brockenhurst 31 rooms from £185
Spa - Potting Shed treatment rooms with one of the hotel's personal therapistsGreat walks - Borrow a pair of Hunter wellies and set out in to the New Forest.Sights nearby - Visit Beaulieu Abbey, Hurst Castle or Buckler's Hard.Restaurant - Delicious home-grown ingredients.Recommended by - I Escape, Mr & Mrs SmithCheck AvailabilityA country escape a step above the rest. Traditional meets modern world comforts in rooms with oh-so comfy beds and huge rain showers. The restaurant is worthy of a visit alone with produce being very locally sourced (often from the garden). Treatment rooms on offer for some pampering. Glorious. See More
Written by Fiona Duncan
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