So you’re thinking of booking some New Forest accommodation for taking a well-earned break in this beautiful part of Britain? Fabulous. It really is – I moved to the edge of the New Forest over two decades ago, and have never looked back.
The options include New Forest hotels, lodges, holiday cottages, campsites and caravan parks. With so many places to stay in the New Forest, you really are spoiled for choice in this part of the world. You can take a pocket-friendly break at a New Forest holiday park, for example, or stay at a five star hotel that’s among the best in Britain.
Want to cut to the chase? My favourite place to stay in the New Forest is the Balmer Lawn Hotel.
I love the Balmer Lawn. It’s smart, yet completely unstuffy. Dogs and kids are made more than welcome by the wonderful staff, yet it’s romantic and spacious enough for a secluded getaway. With a four star rating, this is the finest in its price range – and is located close to Brockenhurst village and train station.
Apart from choosing between New Forest cottages, hotels and caravan sites, you need to decide which area to stay in. The New Forest is around 220 square miles in size, and there are attractive towns and villages to be found throughout. Living locally means I know these areas well, so this article will begin with a brief introduction to each, plus the main pros and cons. Some are even located by the sea, as well as the woodland and heath.
Where to stay will depend on whether or not you’re taking a car. Some areas are remote and thus more difficult to reach without one, so booking somewhere more central will be well worth it. Brockenhurst in particular is recommended, as it’s on the main line between London and the south west.
Read on to find out all about New Forest lodges, hotels, cottages and more – and where to find the best ones!
New Forest Accommodation Contents
New Forest Accommodation Comparison Chart
| Name | Type | Area | Amenities | Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balmer Lawn | 4 star hotel | Brockenhurst | Restaurant, bar, pool, gym & spa | Warm welcome, laid-back, perfect position | Check here |
| Carey’s Manor | 4 star hotel | Brockenhurst | 3 restaurants, bar, pool, gym & spa | In village centre, Thai & French dining | Check here |
| Rhinefield House | 4 star hotel | Brockenhurst | Restaurants, bar, 2 pools, gym & spa | Beautiful setting, packed with character | Check here |
| The Pig in the Forest | 4 star hotel | Brockenhurst | Restaurant, bar & spa treatments | Country house, local food, near village | Check here |
| New Park Manor | 3 star hotel | Brockenhurst | Restaurant, bar, 2 pools & spa | Family-friendly, good restaurant, great rates | Check here |
| The Huntsman | Pub with rooms | Brockenhurst | Pub with bar & restaurant | Boutique rooms, beer garden, central | Check here |
| Montagu Arms | 4 star hotel | Beaulieu | 2 restaurants & bar | Near Motor Museum, in village, full of charm | Check here |
| The Master Builder’s | 3 star hotel | Beaulieu | Restaurant & bar | Riverside position, boutique feel | Check here |
| Burley Manor | 4 star hotel | Burley | Restaurant, bar, pool & spa | See deer & ponies, lovely spa, near village | Check here |
| The White Buck | 4 star hotel | Burley | Restaurant & bar | Surrounded by forest, cosy & laid-back feel | Check here |
| The Mayflower | Pub with rooms | Lymington | Restaurant & bar | Smart inn close to town, nautical theme | Check here |
| The Old Mill | Pub with rooms & Mill House | Lymington | Restaurant & bar | Tranquil riverside location, historic | Check here |
| Monkey Brewhouse | Pub with rooms | Lymington | Restaurant & bar | Convenient, clean & comfortable, friendly feel | Check here |
| Crown Manor House | 4 star hotel | Lyndhurst | Restaurant & bar | In town centre, classic yet modern | Check here |
| Lime Wood | 5 star hotel | Lyndhurst | Restaurant, cafe, bar, pool, gym, spa & bikes | 5 star style, dining & service, superb spa | Check here |
| The Bell Inn | Pub with rooms | Lyndhurst | Restaurant, bar & gym | Quiet yet convenient, traditional feel | Check here |
| Spot in the Woods | B&B or shepherd’s huts | Lyndhurst | Restaurant & bar | All dog-friendly, rooms or cabins | Check here |
| Chewton Glen | 5 star hotel | Barton-on-sea | 2 restaurants, bar, pools, gym, spa & bikes | Top hotel, outstanding service & amenities | Check here |
| Hoburne Bashley | Holiday Park | Barton-on-sea | Restaurant, bar, pools & gym | Ideal for families with pools & play areas | Check here |
| Sandy Balls | Holiday Park | Fordingbridge | Restaurants, bar, pools, gym & spa | Caravans, pods & lodges, some with hot tub | Check here |
20 Best Places to Stay in the New Forest
Brockenhurst
If you’re not bringing a car to the New Forest, then I cannot recommend staying in Brockenhurst enough! It has a mainline train station in the centre of the village, and there are regular connections to London as well as lots of other destinations.
Brockenhurst is also just the right size. The village offers enough to keep you busy for a good few days, with plenty of pubs, cosy tea rooms, good restaurants and cute cafes to keep you very well fed indeed. You can hire bikes, shop for groceries or even buy your next car locally.
Another highlight of staying in Brockenhurst is your proximity to the beautiful, unspoiled countryside around and about. I once cycled along the road between here and Beaulieu while staying at the Balmer Lawn. Rhinefield Ornamental Drive is conveniently close by, and as you can imagine this is one of the prettiest parts of the forest.
The cherry on top is the choice of top quality accommodation in Brockenhurst. There are three excellent hotels I can personally recommend, and that’s before you even begin to consider New Forest holiday cottages or other places to stay.
High points:
- Mainline train station in the centre
- Close to some of the forest’s most stunning scenery
- Lovely village with shops, pubs, hotels and places to eat
Low points:
- Busier than Beaulieu or Burley
Where to Stay in Brockenhurst
The Balmer Lawn
As mentioned in the intro, the Balmer Lawn is my favourite place of all to stay at in Brockenhurst. It has a laid-back ambience, and friendly, attentive staff. The manager Michael is incredibly dedicated, and works on behalf of the family who own it. It’s a lovely place for dinner, afternoon tea or a spa day, and is right by both Brockenhurst village and the road leading to Beaulieu.
Click here to book the Balmer Lawn
Carey’s Manor
Carey’s Manor is even nearer to the village centre and train station than the Balmer Lawn, being just across the bridge spanning the Lymington River. It has a Thai-style spa and restaurant, glorious grounds, a French eatery and comfortable rooms.
Click here to book Carey’s Manor
Rhinefield House
This magnificent hotel certainly has the wow factor. Ask to see the Alhambra room while you’re here – it’s a replica of its namesake in Granada, Spain. The best afternoon tea in the forest is also served here, according to my bestie, anyway.
Click here to book Rhinefield House
The Pig
The Pig in the Forest is the original Pig hotel. It’s just up the road from the Balmer Lawn, between Brockenhurst and Beaulieu. The restaurant here offers a 25-mile menu, and there’s a kitchen garden on site. Though it’s close to central Brockenhurst, this hotel has a remote and relaxed country house feel. Just like the Pig at Combe, where my brother-in-law tied the knot.
Click here to book The Pig in the Forest
New Park Manor
The New Park Manor hotel’s name belies its history – this place was once the hunting lodge of King Charles II! It’s a good family-friendly hotel with a hot tub, two pools, tennis courts and spacious grounds with a croquet lawn. The Stag restaurant here is also an award winning eatery. If you want New Forest hotels with pools, this one’s a good bet.
Click here to book New Park Manor
The Huntsman
With just 13 boutique-style guest rooms, you’d better book up quick if you want to stay at The Huntsman at a weekend or in summer. It’s a lovely pub with a large beer garden, and a great menu offering plenty of choice. Even for picky diners.
Click here to book The Huntsman of Brockenhurst
Beaulieu
Beaulieu is top of the list of New Forest places to stay for many. It’s home to the National Motor Museum, and a lovely pub you can dine, or stay, at called the Montagu Arms. Montagu is the name to know around here, as Palace House is the family seat of Lord Montagu and his kinsfolk. You can see Palace House as part of your ticket when visiting the car museum.
Speaking of names – it’s pronounced ‘Bew-ley’. If you want to live like a local while you’re here, then it’s essential to get that right! Beaulieu is a quintessential chocolate box village – and in fact there’s even a confectioner’s studio specialising in cocoa products based here.
High points:
- Picture perfect New Forest village
- Walk to Motor Museum and Palace House
- Fine dining, pub and rooms at the Montagu Arms
Low points:
- No train station
Where to Stay in Beaulieu
The Montagu Arms
Stay at the Montagu Arms and you can walk to the Motor Museum and Palace House via the path connecting the two. You’re also in the heart of Beaulieu village, and would be hard-pushed to find a prettier place. The Montagu Arms is also a delightful place for a divine afternoon tea, or a delicious dinner.
Click here to book the Montagu Arms
The Master Builder’s
The Master Builder’s is actually in Buckler’s Hard, by the Beaulieu River, just down the road from the village. If you like to be by the water, this one is a sound alternative to coastal locations like Lymington or Barton-on-Sea. It’s a beautiful property, and has a restaurant offering diners river views.
Click here to book the Master Builder’s
Burley
So here’s a little story about Burley. Not long after I first moved here, my dad came down to visit. Due to heavy traffic, he took an alternative route through Burley. Upon driving through the village, he was surprised to see ponies wandering around all over the place. He briefly considered calling the police, but fortunately had the sense to ask a local instead. Who told him these are free roaming New Forest ponies, and that this was business as usual in Burley.
I promise that’s true. And there are indeed ponies wandering around the village at will. And a lovely little village it is too. Slightly odd, as well – apart from ponies, there are nods to witchcraft all over the place. Plus tea rooms, pubs, shops and a bike hire place right in the middle of the village.
Burley also has some nice places to stay, ranging from traditional pubs to smart hotels like Burley Manor. In addition to options like New Forest cottages to rent in the area. The village is also surrounded by countryside.
High points:
- Characterful and charming village
- Pubs, shops, cafes and bike hire available
- Walks, cycling and glorious countryside all around
Low points:
- Public transport options are limited
Where to Stay in Burley
Burley Manor
I was invited to a showcase event at Burley Manor – which was fabulous. While we were dining, snow fell and we thought we might have to stay the night. Alas, our taxi did turn up. I was with my bestie, who was once the General Manager here. Anyway, it’s a gorgeous property, and secluded yet on the edge of Burley village. There’s an outdoor pool, and you’re likely to spot deer during your stay. As well as New Forest ponies, of course.
Click here to book Burley Manor
The White Buck
The White Buck is a few minutes from Burley by car, but is surrounded by walking and cycling trails and forest. It’s got a cosy, welcoming atmosphere, with roaring fires in winter and a spacious beer garden for summer. You can get great food and drinks here too.
Click here to book the White Buck
Lymington
Lymington has a lot going for it. It’s my favourite place to shop locally, for starters – who can resist a town with branches of Joules, Fat Face, White Stuff, Seasalt and more? Plus an M&S in the high street and a Waitrose.
Then there’s the harbour, with a charming, twisting cobbled street leading down to it. You can smell the salty tang in the air, and snap a selfie by Sir Ben Ainslie’s gold post box. It’s a small world – he’s now wed to Georgie Thompson, who used to go out with Dec (of Ant and). And my cousin was at school with Ant. A tenuous tie, but still…
Anyway, Lymington is a gorgeous town, and the best place to shop for clothing or gifts in the New Forest. It’s also home to one of the few seawater swimming baths in the UK. Plus plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants – including one of the best Wetherspoons pubs in the country. And I’ve visited a few .
High points:
- Fabulous shopping
- Small town with lots of amenities
- Coastal location, harbour and saltwater baths
Low points:
- Not in the centre of the New Forest
Where to Stay in Lymington
The Mayflower
The Mayflower is in central Lymington, about midway between Bournemouth and Southampton (there’s a theatre of the same name at the latter). It’s a smart inn with a nautical theme, a beer garden and stylish accommodation. You can walk to town from here, yet the location is peaceful.
Click here to book The Mayflower
The Old Mill
Like The Master Builder’s in Buckler’s Hard near Beaulieu, The Old Mill is a little out of town – and located by the river. The sylvan location is idyllic, yet you’re well placed for exploring the New Forest. A family suite and four bedroom Mill House are among the accommodation options, so it’s good for those seeking New Forest luxury cottages for a bigger family or group.
Click here to book The Old Mill
Monkey Brewhouse
Monkey Brewhouse is a highly rated place to stay in Lymington with a personal feel. It’s located a little way from the town centre, but close enough for a walk into town. As it’s on the road leading to Brockenhurst, there’s good access to the New Forest too. Clean, comfortable and serving good food and beer, this place ticks a lot of boxes.
Click here to book the Monkey Brewhouse
Lyndhurst
If you drive from the north to reach the New Forest, as most do, then via Lyndhurst is the main route. It’s a smart town with lovely shops and places to eat, and offers some good accommodation too. Some of this is out-of-town.
When heading south from Lyndhurst you’ll reach Brockenhurst and then Lymington. Or go south east for Beaulieu, or south west for Burley. It’s easy to reach any New Forest location from here, in fact. So this pleasant town makes the ideal base. If the kids want to visit Peppa Pig World at Paulton’s Park, for example, it’s easy to get to from Lyndhurst.
The town isn’t large, with just one main street and smaller streets branching off that. But it has everything you need, and is quicker to reach from places like London than other parts of the New Forest National Park area. It’s the regional capital, but the downside can be the constant traffic during summer and at weekends.
High points:
- Quickest to reach from London
- Small town with good facilities
- Central position
Low points:
- The traffic crawls through here at peak times
Where to stay in Lyndhurst
Crown Manor House
You won’t find more centrally located New Forest bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation than this. It’s right on the main street running through Lyndhurst, so you have all the shops, pubs and eateries just outside the front door. Rooms are far more modern than the traditional exterior suggests.
Click here to book Crown Manor House
Lime Wood
Lime Wood is one of the top hotels in the New Forest, so it isn’t cheap to stay here. But you do get a lot of bang for your buck. It’s a grand country house, but has a relaxed air. Guests are pampered, yet it’s definitely more friendly than formal. People come here for the swish spa in particular, plus the restaurant bearing celebrity chef Angela Hartnett’s name.
The Bell Inn
I didn’t know about the Bell Inn’s existence until I was invited there for a Christmas afternoon tea with Bournemouth Bloggers. Well, what a find. It’s a cosy little inn, with ponies wandering freely around the outside. The inn is also convenient for the forest, Lyndhurst and the M27.
Click here to book The Bell Inn
Spot in the Woods
Spot in the Woods is perfect for those seeking a secluded getaway. Or dog and family friendly accommodation in the New Forest. It’s a boutique B&B in Netley March, just up the road from Lyndhurst, and offers shepherd’s huts as New Forest holiday lets in addition to rooms. Unusually for a B&B, it also has a restaurant serving three meals per day.
Click here to book Spot in the Woods
Barton-on-Sea
There are other parts of Hampshire to stay in with easy access to the New Forest. A seaside alternative to Lymington is Barton-on-Sea, right by the border with Dorset on the south coast. One of the finest hotels in the land can be found here – the illustrious Chewton Glen. Barton-on-Sea is small, but offers magnificent clifftop walks and some good places to eat.
Not far from Barton-on-Sea is Hoburne Bashley holiday park. It’s just outside New Milton, on Sway Road leading towards Brockenhurst. This is one of three Hoburne caravan parks in the area, the others being the original Hoburne Park in Highcliffe, just over the Dorset border, and Hoburne Naish on the clifftop at Barton-on-Sea. For exploring the National Park, Bashley is the pick of the New Forest caravan parks, and it also offers New Forest lodges with a hot tub.
Barton-on-Sea is also home to the Cliff House, one of my favourite local restaurants. It also has rooms with garden and sea views. There are several other places to eat in the Barton area, including the very good Housemartin pub on the main road, near the Chewton Glen. Stay in Barton and you can also use New Milton train station, which is about a mile away.
High points:
- More choice of caravan parks and 5 star hotels
- Barton-on-Sea is by the clifftop & beach
- New Milton train station nearby
Low points:
- Not as close to some of the forest
Where to stay in Barton-on-Sea
Chewton Glen
If it’s the best hotels in the New Forest you’re looking for, the Chewton Glen in Barton-on-Sea beats the lot. It’s one of the most revered properties in the UK, and offers superlative accommodation and facilities. The grounds are vast, and glorious. There’s a James Martin cookery school there and superb restaurants. This is the top pick among luxury family hotels in the New Forest and the treehouses are spectacular.
Click here to book the Chewton Glen
Hoburne Bashley
Bashley caravan park is one of three Hoburne parks in the area. We have a local membership, and of the three Bashley has the best pools for kids. It’s clean and well-kept. If you stay at Bashley holiday park and want to self-cater, head right out of the park and go straight over the roundabout down the road to reach Ferndene Farm Shop for superb sausages, seasonal fruit and veg and more local produce.
Click here to book Hoburne Bashley
Fordingbridge
Further New Forest cabins and cabins can be found inland at Sandy Balls. Who could forget this one among New Forest caravan sites: that name does tend to stick in your mind! It’s a great site with camping pods as well as lodges. Fordingbridge itself is also a nice town with good amenities.
Where to stay in Fordingbridge
Sandy Balls holiday park
Sandy Balls holiday village has a memorable name, to say the least. It’s maybe the best known New Forest holiday park, and positioned near Fordingbridge. Sandy Balls caravan park has offered caravan holidays in the New Forest for decades, and is a very well set-up site with plenty of accommodation options.
Click here to book Sandy Balls
Where will you stay in the New Forest?
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to family and dog friendly hotels in the New Forest. Plus for those seeking a New Forest cabin with a hot tub made for just the two of you. Or a luxurious five star bolthole.
There is plenty of self catering accommodation in the New Forest – plus lots to offer when you want to dine on site or in the local town or village. From New Forest cabin holidays or the best caravan sites in the New Forest to New Forest boutique hotels and some of the UK’s finest five star properties, this area really does have so much to recommend it. Stay nearby and long walks, afternoon teas, charming villages, spa days and farm shops are all on your doorstep. Enjoy!
Looking for more options? Take a look at the best glamping sites in the New Forest, the top 20 New Forest holiday cottages, recommended family hotels in the New Forest, top New Forest lodges with hot tubs, where to go camping in the New Forest, New Forest hotels with pools or the finest New Forest gastropubs with rooms.
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