Fall in love with this tranquil, emerald holiday destination. The New Forest has been a popular place to visit throughout the ages and there’s a fantastic array of accommodation options to choose from, including a luxury country-house retreat and exquisite lodges.
Top things to do in the New Forest
1. Visit the New Forest Lavender Farm
Ignite your senses with the fragrant lavender farm and plant nursery. Located near Salisbury, the New Forest Lavender Farm has a plant nursery, café, and lovely accommodation all in one. It’s a popular attraction which sees tourists perusing a wonderful selection of beautiful garden plants. You’ll also get to enjoy some scrumptious lavender shortbread in the tearoom. If waking up to the scent of lavender sounds ideal, you can book a weekend getaway in the holiday cabin which has a view of the lavender fields.
2. Go horse riding at the Burley Villa School
If you’d love to take in the views while riding a horse, head to Burley Villa situated near New Milton. The horse riding school provides a great opportunity to traverse the ancient lands of the New Forest. Trek through the wooden enclosures, gushing streams, and open plains for a one-of-a-kind weekend escape in nature. The school offers western saddle horse riding lessons for all standards. So whether you’re a beginner or seasoned rider, you’ll get to experience the wonders of the magnificent New Forest. Look out for wild deer and a wide variety of other beautiful animals in their forest habitat.
3. Visit Exbury Gardens
This breathtaking garden is located in Hampshire and is 200 acres in size. This informal woodland garden has two lovely designated picnic areas and a tearoom. Go ahead and purchase the locally-made ice cream in the garden’s tea room. Ideal for a family outing, Exbury Gardens offers adventure trails and the Exbury Steam Railway. Visitors can take a 20-minute ride across the pond in Summer Lane Garden and into the American Garden. Be sure to take your camera with you to capture the picturesque greenery.
4. Dine at The Mill at Gordleton
The Mill at Gorldeton is an attractive hotel and restaurant, located on the river Avon, which also gives guests the prime chance to indulge in platters of seafood at a waterside table. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing ingredients ethically from the area. Look out for the Secret Garden which contains a newly renovated pond. The Mill is the ideal place to unwind with friends and family while enjoying delicious homemade food. There’s plenty of activities to do, including visiting the beaches, shopping and walks in the serene area.
5. Go paddleboarding with the New Forest Paddle Sport Company
Venture to the exquisite Milford on Sea! The New Forest Paddle Sports Company provides the amazing chance to explore the New Forest coastline on a paddleboard. That’s not all, after your paddleboard trip, the company provides a sunset picnic with splendid views of Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. Is it your first time paddleboarding? No problem, a guide will be on hand to support you at all times along the way. This water activity is ideal for the adventurous or holidaymakers looking to try something new.
Accommodation in the New Forest
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding great accommodation in the New Forest. Here are some great establishments to consider.
1. Lime Wood Hotel & Spa
If your ideal weekend escape consists of a country house with birds chirping and trees everywhere in sight, Lime Wood Hotel & Spa is the perfect accommodation for you. Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park, Lime Wood provides guests with a sustainable farm-to-fork cuisine experience. The Herb House Spa is a forest-inspired retreat that provides holistic wellness treatments.
2. Cottage Lodge Hotel
Discover Cottage Lodge Hotel’s individually designed rooms. Comprising 16 eco-chic hotel rooms, guests can experience the ambience of New Forest inside their room. Before you book your stay, you can choose your individually-decorated New Forest room. Adorned with wooden tables, four-post beds and headboards, guests are treated to a serene and tranquil stay with a rustic feel.
3. The Master Builder’s House Hotel
Located on Lord Montagu’s Beaulieu Estate in the New Forest, the Master Builder’s Hotel is set in a historic building with excellent views over the Beaulieu River. Delight in the hotel’s seasonal menus which makes use of the best local suppliers. You’ll be staying in the former home of a master shipbuilder while enjoying luxurious period rooms in a tranquil environment.
Visit the New Forest for the perfect weekend escape
The New Forest offers visitors so many beautiful attractions to visit and things to do. This unique getaway charms all who take the time to explore it. Made up of vast tracts of unspoiled woodland, heathland, and river valleys, the New Forest is abundant with wildlife, including ponies, deers, and cattle. What are you looking forward to doing in the New Forest?