Where to Stay and Eat in the New Forest

Journey to the New Forest, Hampshire’s 145 square-mile ancient heath and woodland hunting ground where ponies, donkeys, pigs, cattle and deer still freely roam, and you will have everything you need for a perfect weekend away from the Big Smoke, says Fiona Duncan

10 Luxury Eco Staycations

Less than two hours from London, the New Forest offers both countryside and coast: you can nip across to charming Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight on the ferry from Lymington, or stroll on the beach at Milford-on-Sea, while the walk from Keyhaven to Lymington (or vice versa) across the marshes is a birdwatchers paradise, including spoonbills and avocets aplenty. As for the Forest itself, just yards from the car parks and you will find peace, not to mention deer, mushrooms, fine trees and pretty streams. Here are three of my favourite places in to stay and to eat in the Where to Stay and Eat in the New Forest.

Where to Stay and Eat in the New Forest

The Pig, Brockenhurst

The original Pig: fabulous kitchen garden, shepherds’ hut for treatments, conservatory restaurant, rustic-chic bedrooms, and pigs – of course. From £165, thepighotel.com

Lime Wood, Nr Lyndhurst

An irresistible pleasure palace and New Forest delight, now with new suites by Susie Atkinson, plus Angela Hartnett with Luke Holder in the restaurant, and Sheila Hulme’s wonderful Raw & Cured health food in the Herb House Spa. From £395, limewoodhotel.co.uk

East End Arms, East End

Charming New Forest pub with sophisticated rooms, excellent food, a thriving locals’ bar and black and white photos of rock stars in the restaurant, courtesy of owner John Ilsley, bass guitarist of Dire Straights. From £125, eastendarms.co.uk

READ MORE:

48 Hours in North Devon / The Weekender: Perugia / The Foodie Guide to Hampshire