The New Forest is a very special place. The wild heathland that dominates the National Park is as beautiful as it is rare - vast expanses of open land that transform into a stunning sea of purple as the heather blooms in August.
An absolute paradise for active travellers, the New Forest offers miles of scenic trails that are just waiting to be explored - our guide to the best walks in the New Forest will see you lacing up your boots in no time!
Whether you're trail running through the ancient beech and oak woodlands, exploring the traffic-free trails that wind through the heathland on two wheels, wild pony spotting, or paddling along the tranquil waters of the Beaulieu River, there’s an accessible adventure in the New Forest to suit all kinds of outdoorsy folks.
Once you've nailed down your activity itinerary, the next step is finding a basecamp for the adventure. Where you stay can make all the difference to your experience and with so many accommodation options in the New Forest, it can be tricky to know where to start!
If you're looking for a proper back to basics adventure, then hop on over to our guide to the top ten best campsites in the New Forest.
This guide is all about having a solid roof over your head and features six of our favourite hotels - each offering the ideal mix of comfort and character - to help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re after luxury, a family-friendly base, a dog-friendly retreat, or an affordable stay, these awesome hotels provide the perfect launchpad for exploring one of England’s most stunning national parks.
If you’re looking for more adventure beyond the New Forest, check out our guide to the best hotels for active travellers in the Peak District - another awesome UK National Park where epic trails, rolling hills, and world-class climbing await.
Best Luxury Stay: Lime Wood Hotel, Lyndhurst
For those who prefer their outdoor adventures underpinned by a solid splash of indulgence (erm, who doesn’t?!), the Lime Wood Hotel is our top recommendation for a luxury stay in the New Forest. Nestled in the heart of the National Park, just outside Lyndhurst, this five-star retreat offers sumptuous rooms, a gorgeous spa, and an award-winning restaurant specialising in locally sourced, seasonal dishes.
Stroll from the hotel to Bolton’s Bench – Lyndhurst’s famous viewpoint, hop on your bike (or jump on one of the hotel’s trusty two-wheeled steeds) and ride the mostly traffic-free Brockenhurst Trail, or jump in the car and head to the Beaulieu River for a spot of kayaking or paddleboarding (20 mins drive). And when you’re done exploring, retreat back to the beautiful Lime Wood Hotel, stretch out those tired limbs at a yoga class, or pop to the Herb House spa for a proper pampering sesh.
Best for: Hikers, cyclists, and those who enjoy outdoor pursuits with a luxury twist
Best Family Stay: New Park Manor, Brockenhurst
If you’re looking for somewhere truly special to stay in the New Forest, New Park Manor is guaranteed to impress. Once the favourite hunting lodge of King Charles II, these days the red deer are residents who can be found strolling around the ground with local ponies.
For families, it’s the perfect choice. Pitching itself as ‘not just family-friendly, but family-focused’, the award-winning New Park offers a huge range of family-specific products including baby & toddler breaks, pre-school breaks, school holiday activity schedules, and an Ofsted-registered kids club. Take the kids for a walk or a bike ride from the hotel or pop ‘em in the swimming pool, cinema and/or games room while you relax in the spa. Attractions like Peppa Pig World, Long Down Activity Farm, New Forest Wildlife Park and New Forest Water Park are all within easy reach too….
Best for: Families looking to get back to nature
Best Dog-Friendly Stay: Forest Park Hotel, Brockenhurst
Bringing your four-legged friend along for the adventure? The Forest Park is the perfect destination for a dog friendly break in the New Forest. With dog-friendly rooms, dog-friendly dining (supplied hilariously by Sir Woofchester) and pup-specific packages, furry pals and their muddy paws are always welcome – but humans must be supervised at all times!
With heaps of the New Forest’s best walks right on the doorstep, you and your pooch can explore this beautiful corner of the world together. NB There are heaps of deer here though so it’s worth keeping your dog on a lead if they’re partial to the occasional hunt! At the end of long day on the trail, pups can rehydrate back at the hotel with a Bark Brew Dog Beer or Paw Star Martini!
Best for: Man’s best friend and his well-behaved owner
Best Glamping Stay: Chewton Glen, New Milton
Talk about luxury with a treetop twist! Chewton Glen's incredible treehouses come with all the luxuries you’d associate with a 5-star hotel in an earthy, super cool package! Located within a verdant tree canopy, there’s four incredible treehouses to choose from – all with forest fancies such as outdoor hot tubs, marble bathrooms with forest views, king-size beds and mood lighting.
There’s a massive range of activites to get stuck into on site, including Bear Grylls Survival Academy, axe throwing, tennis and pickleball, clay shooting, golf and archery. All sound a bit too hectic? Join a guided walk, mountain bike ride, or foraging experience and relax into your surroundings. Don't forget to pack your waterproof jacket and some decent walking boots!
Best for: Couples, families or groups looking for a real stylish treetop adventure
Best Budget-Friendly Stay: YHA New Forest, Burley
Keen to experience the New Forest without breaking the bank? The YHA New Forest offers great value accommodation in a prime location. With private rooms, shared dorms, and even camping pods and snazzy bell tents to choose from, the hostel caters to a range of motivations and budgets. Fave otion? It has to be the iconic Airstream which sleeps 2 people and comes with USB charging points and a firepit.
With easy access to walking and cycling trails, horse riding and pony trekking - and regular bus services to explore other parts of the National Park – the YHA New Forest is a great option for solo adventurers, groups, or families looking for an affordable yet comfortable base to explore the New Forest.
Best for: Budget-conscious adventurers
Best Boutique Stay: The Pig, Brockenhurst
If you’re looking to step away from the madness of modern life for a while, then The 'Original' Pig Hotel is the perfect place to unwind. A boutique country house hotel known for its cosy, rustic charm and exceptional farm-to-table dining, the menu changes daily depending on what the forager finds. With all produce coming from suppliers within a 25 mile radius, you can be sure that everything you’re sampling is properly local.
Situated in the heart of the New Forest means there's plenty of the ancient woodland to explore on foot or bike, and loads to explore right on the doorstep, including a wild flower meadow orchard and paddock with pigs! There’s a wide choice of accommodation on offer at The Pig from huts, wagons and cabins to rooms with a serious ‘wow-factor’ The hotel is near some of the New Forest’s best walking trails, and guests can also borrow bikes to explore at their own pace.
Best for: Couples looking to combine outdoor adventure with properly memorable dining
