Spend a night or two in the New Forest and you’ll begin to get used to waking to the sight of deer grazing outside your window, having to put your foot on the brakes as free-roaming ponies trot carefree across the road and stopping every few minutes while on a walk to take photographs of donkeys grazing under ancient oak trees.
But where are the best places to stay? Whether you’re looking for a boutique room above a pub, a smart townhouse with top-notch food or a grand country pile with roaring fires, all these New Forest hotels have character, style and super service for a memorable mini-break.
The best hotels in New Forest are:
This hotel is right in the thick of it at New Forest’s centre
(The Crown Manor House Hotel)
Neighbourhood: Lyndhurst
Situated right on the High Street in Lyndhurst, the “capital” of the New Forest, this is a great place to stay if you want easy access to the independent boutiques and bars that make up this vibrant town. Occupying a striking half-timbered building at the top of the High Street, the Crown Manor House has plenty of historic flourishes in its design, including a kissing seat in reception and a two-AA-rosette restaurant bathed in the light from arched Victorian bay windows. The 50 rooms are all a little different in shape and size with period styling.
Price: Doubles from £89, B&B
You might just wake up to some animals grazing outside your window here
(Balmer Lawn)
Neighbourhood: Brockenhurst
Walk into the busy bar of this popular four-star hotel and you’ll find an array of furry friends curled at their owners’ feet having been thoroughly exhausted by excited romps across the 500 acres of low-lying woodland that makes up Balmer’s lawn itself. In winter enjoy the Saltus spa and indoor pool, while in summer head to adjacent “Brockenhurst beach” to splash in the river and lounge on the shore. Take a room overlooking the lawn and you might catch sight of a summer cricket match or a herd of grazing deer. Two AA-rosette Beresford’s restaurant serves up fine dining as well as afternoon teas and sunday lunches.
Price: Doubles from £129, B&B
Relax and unwind at the Chewton Glen
(Chewton Glen)
Neighbourhood: New Milton
For a private and exclusive New Forest hideaway, book one of Chewton Glen’s treehouses. Tucked away in the grounds of this five-star hotel, these bespoke lodges come packed with luxury, including wood-burning stoves, arcade game machines and outdoor hot tubs with views over the…
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