9 Best places to stay in New Forest

The first of Robin Hutston’s ‘Pig’ mini-chain of hip, countryside hotels, this elegant ivy-clad house is almost more of a restaurant-with-rooms, such is the emphasis on highest quality, home-grown or locally-sourced food.

The restaurant is fed by the expansive kitchen garden, with menus that change daily, according to what’s fresh and ready to be picked, with nothing sourced from further than 25 miles away.

Rooms come in a variety of guises, from family suites with bunks, to separate lodges and hideaways in the old stables. All are sumptuously furnished, without a hint of chintz.

It’s close enough to the main draws of the forest, but The Pig is the perfect choice for foodies, and for weekending city folk, who really want to retreat to a relaxing rural escape with all mod cons.

A Tudor-Gothic mansion surrounded by ornamental ponds and elegantly manicured gardens, the Rhinefield is the perfect choice for those seeking a classic country house experience.

Bedrooms can feel a touch corporate, but are super-comfy, with Hypnos mattresses and air-conditioning (rare in such a period property).

This is the kind of hotel where you can leave the car for your whole stay; there are miles of walks from the hotel door, an indoor pool and two upscale restaurants.

Don’t miss the chance to peek into the Alhambra room – an extraordinary, jewelled re-creation of the Alhambra palace – originally designed by the owner as a smoking room for her husband, now a private dining room.

Lime Wood re-set the bar for New Forest hotels when it opened in 2011, bringing a new level of luxury and pared-down style.

There’s a clever mix of period architecture and sleek, muted furnishings across the elegant country house; rooms have a clean, almost New England-style décor, and many open out straight onto the Forest, making it a great choice for walkers – particularly those who like a bit of pampering at the end of the day.

The Herb House Spa is pretty much a destination in its own right; spread over three levels with a huge spa and indoor hydro pool that has wonderful forest views.

Throw in an Angela Hartnett restaurant, rooftop yoga and walks from the door and it’s a pretty unbeatable package.

Staying at the Master Builder’s is like checking in to a slice of Britain’s industrial history. Buckler’s Hard was a major shipbuilding centre in the 18th century, and the main house dates back to 1729, when it was home to those who designed ships for Nelson’s navy.

A hotel since the 1920s, it’s a classy establishment run with real warmth, offering fine dining in the restaurant and cosy rooms that retain the heritage feel.

The surrounding area offers some of the best New Forest scenery. The hotel can organise kayaks and canoes to hire for a trip along the picturesque Beaulieu River, and there are 30-minute river cruises available to book.

The New Forest without Chewton Glen would be like London without the Savoy. Luxury and good old-fashioned glamour go hand-in-hand with sumptuously cosy lounges, a gorgeous mock-Roman spa and 130 acres of lush English countryside to explore.

A hotel since the 1960s (and a private house for 200 years before that) there’s an easy charm to proceedings; kids gambol across the lawns, gin and tonics are sipped in lounges and staff are wonderfully welcoming.

Rooms are spacious, and have a luxy, country-house feel without a hint of chintz, but it’s the stunning tree-house suites that are the real draw; suspended 35 feet above the ground, with views over the tree canopy. If the budget can stretch (and it’s quite a stretch) they’re a unique experience.

In spite of its status as one of the UK’s most luxurious hotels, the Glen is hugely welcoming to families, with a free kids club, mini-treatments in the spa and family swim times. Children under 5 also stay (and eat) free.

You’re not officially in the Forest here – New Milton is a pleasant town outside the park boundaries, but it’s close enough for forays, and also few minutes from the beach.

A quirky, arts and craft house inspired by the designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Daisybank is home to eight sleek bedrooms, in a palette of warm creams and greys.

The style throughout is very much to boutique hotel standards – handmade chocolates on the tea tray, a Nespresso machine and Roberts Radio alongside fluffy robes and luxy toiletries.

There’s no restaurant, but breakfast – sourced from local New Forest ingredients – is a belter, with excellent vegan and GF options. The pretty village of Brockenhurst is an easy ten-minute walk away.

Blessed with golden beaches, leafy parks and with easy access from London, Bournemouth has – like so many British seaside resorts – always been let down by mediocre, old-fashioned hotels.  All that changed earlier this year, however, with the opening of the Nici; an art-filled, super-chic hotel that feels as though it’s been airlifted straight off Miami beach.

The flagship property and first of a new chain of hotels from renowned hotelier Nicolas Roach, the Nici drew rave reviews when it opened in late Spring.

The hotel is a clever restoration and renovation of a beautiful grande dame of a building, oozing character and charm. Out back, there are spacious grounds leading to cliffs, and below them, some of Bournemouth’s best (and quietest) sandy beaches. Internally, it has a contemporary light and breezy ‘Miami South Beach’ vibe that makes you really feel like you’re on holiday.

Food is inventive and delicious, and can be served out on the terrace with wonderful sea views. At the time of writing, a world-class spa is being built in the grounds.

The town centre is a 5-minute taxi ride, but this is very much a destination hotel you’re unlikely to want to leave. It’s already a local institution and recognised as the place to be seen by Bournemouth’s young, hip crowd.

High-concept design hotels are all very well, but sometimes a roaring log fire, pristine floral drapes and G&Ts in a flower-clad garden are what’s really required.

That’s not to say the Montague is all chintz ‘n’ pearls; the Michelin-starred Terrace restaurant serves up elegant cuisine, the chic, cream Library bar is a great spot for a light lunch, and rooms come with yummy White Company toiletries, fluffy robes and wonderfully comfortable beds.

Spa lovers can book treatments at Carey’s Manor, the Montague’s sister hotel, a short drive away.

The Huntsman is a fantastic example of how to regenerate an old-fashioned pub; the revamped bar oozes an almost urban style, with metalwork booths and reclaimed parquet flooring.

The thirteen rooms – all different – keep to the contemporary vibe with statement mirrors, bold wallpapers and small hits of green – on the furnishings, in paintings, as plants – to maintain a subtle forest theme.

Loved by both locals and tourists, in summer, the garden is warmed by fire-pits in the evening, while diners tuck into pizzas, steaks and good veggie options.

The Huntsman is ideally situated on the outskirts of Brockenhurst, right in the heart of the Forest. The village is the forest’s central hub – the perfect base to visit nearby attractions, or for exploring by bike, on horseback and on foot.

For those looking for a cosy, homely stay in the Forest, there’s no better option.