Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa

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.