If you’re looking to fill the memory bank with a dream staycation where you’re surrounded by endless green scenic views, roaming ponies and are mere minutes from the sea, then look no further than the stunning New Forest. As well as long, rambling walks and hearty pub lunches, the New Forest is home to sprawling spa hotels and lots of wholesome activities.
Where to stay
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
For the ultimate luxe countryside getaway, Chewton Glen Hotel and Spa is the kind of place that ticks all the boxes. The five-star hotel is situated on a picturesque 130-acre estate, with so much to see and do you could easily spend days there without ever having to leave the grounds. The hotel is quintessentially English at heart, with charming, traditional rooms and classic dining and seating areas that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Bridgerton. While the Treehouses, located a short buggy ride away from the main building and a newer addition to the hotel, are a lot more modern in design - but still retain that classic Chewton charm.
I stayed in one of the Treehouses and from the moment I entered I was blown away by how incredibly warm, homely and cosy they are. Super spacious, the Treehouses are equipped with everything you could need for a relaxing stay: the fridge is stocked with milk for your tea, still and sparkling water, iced coffees and juice. There are sweet and savoury snacks galore, including bars of delicious local chocolate and a superior coffee machine for your morning caffeine fix.
In the main room, there’s a cosy fireplace which overlooks the balcony and your private hot tub (yes), while the main bedroom boasts one of the biggest, cosiest beds I’ve ever slept in. Just after dawn a continental breakfast is delivered to your Treehouse via a convenient hatch nestled next to the front door, which you can tuck into whenever you’re ready. Expect bowls of fresh fruit, cold meats, freshly baked bread, and a selection of yummy pastries.
Room service is available at a touch of an ipad screen if you don’t fancy leaving your cosy confines, but we ventured out for dinner and ate at both of the hotel’s wonderful restaurants. The formal fine dining restaurant The Dining Room offers a six-course tasting menu or an a la carte menu, serving up classic fare like sea bass, dover sole, poussin and steak. While the more relaxed restaurant, The Kitchen by James Martin, has a menu that includes fish and chips, fish pie, slow-cooked lamb shank and pizzas.
Everyone's clicking on...
As well as enjoying the beautiful grounds and hotel activities, you also need to make the most of the indoor and outdoor pools and the spa where you can choose from a huge variety of dreamy treatments, ranging from facials, massages and manicures to holistic treatments such as reiki and reflexology.
Rooms start at £405, for more information and to book head here.
Where to eat
The Pig Hotel, Brockenhurst
The New Forest outpost of the famous country hotel and restaurants, and also the first-ever Pig to open in 2011, is another warm, rustic and cheerful affair. Walking through the doors of the main hotel building feels like you’re walking into an inviting, homely hallway where you’re greeted by the friendliest of staff before heading into the bustling main restaurant. The hotel prides itself on choosing local, fresh ingredients and there are multiple, seasonal menus to choose from, each one carefully curated by the talented chefs. I opted for the ‘25 Mile Menu’ and had the saddleback crackling and apple sauce to start, the pork for main and a dreamy caramelised apple and sultana crumble with a mountain of custard for dessert. It’s an absolute must if you’re visiting the New Forest.
To book, head here.
What to do
Coastal walks
Bring your best walking shoes or comfy trainers because there are so many wholesome walks to take in the New Forest. In fact, there are more than 140 miles of hiking trails and footpaths, where you’re bound to bump into some of the free-roaming ponies the New Forest is famous for. And if you’re staying at Chewton Glen, there’s a 20-minute walk through the forest down to the beach at Highcliffe-on-Sea.
Cycling routes
Cyclists rejoice because there are multiple routes that cater to families, as well as the more seasoned rider. One highlight is a two-mile, family-friendly route from the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard. As well as the ponies, it’s a wholesome way to check out more of the Forest wildlife.
Beaulieu
Beaulieu boasts a host of attractions, including Beaulieu Chocolate Studio and Beaulieu Abbey. And if you’re an F1 girlie, then book a trip to Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum which features over 285 vehicles, including a host of 21st century F1 models.
Zoe Shenton is Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. Follow her on Instagram here.
Zoe Shenton is the Site Director at Cosmopolitan UK. As well as looking after the day-to-day running of the website, she oversees video, e-commerce and social for the brand. Starting out in teen magazines (RIP, Bliss), Zoe has worked in the media industry for almost 15 years and has a background in entertainment journalism, having interviewed the likes of Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. She also spent three and a half years living in Los Angeles where she covered red carpets and discovered all the best spots serving bottomless mimosas. Find her on LinkedIn.
