15 luxury hotels in the New Forest for a seriously stylish country escape
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15 luxury hotels in the New Forest for a seriously stylish country escape
The best luxury hotels in the New Forest will ensure a stay in this magical area is nothing but incredible from start to finish. With its idyllic glades, open moors, ancient woodland, breathtaking walking trails and beautiful free-roaming ponies, a stylish hotel is the indulgent cherry on top of this captivating staycation hotspot.
While the buildings and villages may be picture-perfect and historic, these stylish escapes boast cosy interiors and contemporary amenities for a stay that marries tradition with trends. If you've been searching for the best hotels in Hampshire for your next mini-break, the New Forest will hit the spot.
From ultra-luxe country house spa hotels like Chewton Glen to chic adults-only retreats like Burley Manor, there's a wealth of luxury hotels in the New Forest for every taste. Anybody looking for laidback, dog-friendly luxury will love The White Buck in pretty Burley, while Stanwell House is situated in the heart of Lymington – the sleek townhouse is ideal for anyone that likes being in the centre of the (relaxing and slow-paced) action.
And anyone who's experiencing the New Forest for the first time will be spellbound by ponies parading through the gardens at the Forest Park Hotel.
Discover our round-up of the best luxury hotels in the New Forest below – wild horses couldn't drag us away from these design-driven destinations...
Adam Lynk - 2/15
1) Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton
A super-luxe blend of country house hotel and contemporary comforts, Chewton Glen is the ultimate upscale retreat and arguably the best luxury hotel in the New Forest.
The escape offers something to suit all tastes, with the main house oozing old-school charm, while the 14 treehouses dotted around the grounds boast ultra-modern elegance. The forest is right on your doorstep, but the coast is just a few minute's drive away, so beach-seekers will also be satisfied.
Take part in an array of on-site activities (think country pursuits like archery, croquet, clay shooting, golf, air rifles and even axe throwing) before spoiling yourself in the refined spa and large swimming pool.
And, if you can drag yourself away from sipping champagne in your contemporary cottagecore room, there's also a cookery school where James Martin curates a rolling roster of courses and demonstrations designed to inspire and delight.
Chewton Glen - 3/15
2) Rhinefield House, Brockenhurst
Nestled deep within the New Forest National Park near the charming town of Brockenhurst, Rhinefield House is a hotel for grand detail-lovers. The ornate building is approached by an epic driveway almost as impressive as the striking architecture, which combines Tudor and Gothic styling.
Be sure to visit The Alhambra Room – featuring wall-to-wall jewels – an exact copy of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, recreated by Mabel Walker-Munro as a Christmas present for her husband.
The hotel has 50 bedrooms, including three feature suites, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool, located just steps from an ornamental pond. Its 40-acre setting in the heart of the forest has attracted several film crews to Rhinefield and the hotel has hosted many a period drama.
Enjoy its nature trails on bicycle or horseback, take afternoon tea (one of the best in the New Forest) in the orangery, play games on the lawn, or cosy up next to one of the many impressive fireplaces.
Mark Ashbee - 4/15
3) Burley Manor, Burley
Burley Manor is situated in the historic and charming village of Burley, surrounded by verdant green forests, acres of rolling heathland and a neighbouring deer sanctuary.
The manor’s 19th century baronial-style architecture oozes grandeur and elegance, while its interior and warming atmosphere exudes relaxation and luxurious comfort.
Located deep within the New Forest, Burley Manor is rich in the finest locally-sourced slow foods, with the main restaurant serving up Mediterranean-inspired sharing dishes cooked in the wood-fired oven.
Its serene wellbeing sanctuary and seasonal outdoor pool make it the perfect rejuvenating escape to a luxury hotel in the New Forest.
A gorgeous spot for a grown-up romantic break for couples or relaxing staycation for singles.
Burley Manor - 5/15
4) New Park Manor Hotel & Spa, Brockenhurst
Part of a 17th century hunting lodge reputed to be King Charles II’s favourite, New Park Manor Hotel & Spa is a beautiful family-friendly 25-bedroom hotel in the heart of the New Forest.
It boasts an outstanding spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fine dining restaurant and wonderful views out over the surrounding wildlife and forest landscape – all less than 90 minutes from central London.
With 90 minutes of complimentary childcare per night stayed, it's a dreamy escape for all members of the family – including the dog.
While little ones spend time at the Den children's club, petting resident giant bunny rabbits Bertha and Florence and enjoying the games and cinema rooms, parents can revel in the chance to enjoy a spa treatment and a glass of bubbly – or two – in the hot tub.
New Park Manor Hotel and Spa - 6/15
5) The White Buck, Burley
If you like your luxury to come with a side of laidback charm, this pretty country house hotel in the New Forest is for you.
It might be described as an 'inn', but The White Buck has all the glamour and style of a luxury hotel in the New Forest and, being smack-bang in the middle of beautiful countryside, it's an outdoor-lover's paradise.
Its grand Edwardian facade gives way to high ceilings, roaring fires, and bay windows. Food runs the gamut of refined to traditional pub grub - all done well.
There's 20 boutique rooms, many of which boast contemporary amenities like indulgent freestanding baths, and all of which come with a quarter bottle of red. The hotel is child and dog-friendly, making it ideal for families and singles, as well as making a lovely spot for a romantic break.
The White Buck - 7/15
6) Forest Park Hotel, Brockenhurst
If you're a first-time visitor to the New Forest, you'll really appreciate the magic of Forest Park Hotel, where free-roaming ponies, deer and donkeys regularly wander past the windows.
Once a retreat for royalty and statesmen (yes, even Theodore Roosevelt visited back in 1910), the modern-day version attracts discerning travellers with a mix of fine fare and traditional architecture with modern finishes.
The addition of a contemporary glass-walled garden room adds another layer of design-driven luxury, beautifully bringing the outside in. Pull up a pew and enjoy an Insta-worthy forest-themed afternoon tea. Divine.
Forest Park Hotel - 8/15
7) The Montagu Arms, Beaulieu
The Montagu Arms is tucked away in a quiet corner of the New Forest, in the enchanting village of Beaulieu.
It offers a stylish and indulgent escape, combining comfort and sophistication, with 37 bedrooms and suites decorated in a chic and charming country house style.
In 2021, the hotel added an extra layer of luxury with its most high-end accommodation - five new Courtyard Deluxe Rooms and Studio Suites, each with their own private terrace, housed in the original 1920s chauffeur garages.
Restaurant The Terrace at The Montagu Arms, led by Head Chef Nathan Eades, offers seasonal menus with elegant dishes, influenced by produce gathered from the surrounding coast and countryside, and plucked by their very own kitchen gardener.
Car enthusiasts will love the Motor Museum in Beaulieu, while the hotel even offers a luxury classic car package so you can take in the local sights in true style.
Jason Ludlow - 9/15
8) Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa, Brockenhurst
Located in picturesque Brockenhurst, an escape to Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa allows wellness-seekers to embrace the calm and beauty of the New Forest, while also resetting mind, body and soul.
The stunning wood-panelled manor house exudes 18th century grandeur, from the large warming fireplaces to the lofty ceilings and large windows.
The highlight is undoubtedly the SenSpa, a state-of-the-art Thai spa with extensive hydrotherapy facilities, a 14-metre indoor swimming pool and Thai-inspired spa treatments that blend ancient traditions with modern technologies and promise to relax and rejuvenate.
With three restaurants, foodies are spoilt for choice – from stylish brasserie dining at Cambium; to refined French cuisine at Le Blaireau; and authentic Thai fare at Zen Garden.
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa - 10/15
9) Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa, Brockenhurst
Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa has recently upped the luxury stakes with a multi-million pound refurbishment and the addition of the pampering Saltus Spa.
There are six treatment rooms for one or two people, making it ideal for singles or couples, while families also love the indoor and outdoor pools.
Dog owners will love romping around the 500 acres of grounds, while foodies will be impressed with the two AA rosette restaurant.
There's something for everyone at Balmer Lawn... And dinner alfresco on the terrace in the summer with views over the garden is a must.
Adam Lynk - 11/15
10) Daisybank Cottage, Brockenhurst
As picturesque as its name suggests, Daisybank Cottage is a charming B&B in the heart of the New Forest, near Brockenhurst.
The traditional decor is elevated with marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton bedding and huge, comfortable beds.
You’ll be within walking distance of the village’s cute shops and tearooms, so prepare for some of the best scones you’ve ever tasted.
Other attractions of note nearby include Beaulieu’s motor museum and the Buckler’s Hard maritime museum, and day trips to the Isle of White are an option, too.
Courtesy of the hotel - 12/15
11) The Crown Manor House Hotel, Lyndhurst
This historic Hampshire hotel is on the high street of the village of Lyndhurst.
As the forest’s unofficial capital, it has lots of shops, restaurants and bars to explore.
Back at The Crown Manor House Hotel, there’s a walled garden, a library with board games and a lounge to relax in, along with an excellent grill restaurant for the evenings – and two-for-one cocktails are on offer every afternoon between 3pm and 6pm.
The 15th-century building has architectural details that include Tudor gables and Victorian bay windows, with a sweeping staircase, parquet flooring and an antique lift inside.
Booking.com - 13/15
12) The Bell Inn, Lyndhurst
For anyone with family needs to appease (children who want to go to Peppa Pig World, husbands hoping to play golf), The Bell Inn is the New Forest hotel for you.
The 18th-century coaching inn has two 18-hole courses close by and it’s near Paulton’s Park (Peppa’s spiritual home), too.
The inn, which has historic details such as flagstone floors and inglenook fireplaces, has been in the same family for generations.
The garden room leads out to a lawn and you’ll be able to watch the grazing cattle and the forest’s famous ponies from your window.
Booking.com - 14/15
13) The Huntsman of Brockenhurst, Brockenhurst
Rejuvenating a dated public house, The Huntsman of Brockenshurst is now one of the region’s most stylish places to stay – especially if you book one of the guestrooms in the converted stables.
In the summer, there are fire pits and pergolas weatherproofing drinks in the spacious garden.
Along with a wood-fired oven seeing to the pizzas, the kitchens have a Josper charcoal grill, ensuring excellent steaks.
The Brockenhurst setting makes it an excellent choice for anyone arriving from London, since the rail station is on the line from Waterloo.
Booking.com - 15/15
