If you haven’t booked a sneaky sunny weekend away or a summer holiday with friends and family this year, now is the time to do it. But where along England’s coastline is the best place to stay?
Take a look at the Dorset/Hampshire coast, which borders the New Forest National Park. Here you’ll find enchanting towns and sweet little villages packed with coastal holiday homes from New Forest Cottages. Here, we unveil the hidden gems that make these destinations a wonderful treat.
Lymington
Situated on the southwestern edge of the New Forest, you’ll love a holiday cottage in Lymington because it’s an incredibly picturesque town with a street market, lots of boutique shops, foodie pubs and a good selection of fine-dining restaurants. Stroll through the narrow streets jam-packed with Georgian architecture and historic charm. Take a swim at the largest seawater open-air swimming pool in the country, or just sit and chill watching sailors tinker on their boats in one of the vibrant marinas. Read more about Lymington here.
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Milford on Sea
If peace and tranquility are what you seek, Milford on Sea has it in bucket loads! This peaceful coastal village delivers natural beauty and serenity without a hint of neon lights in sight. Clifftop walks offer scenic views across the bay to the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Or take a towel and head to the beach for a swim in the clear waters, nibble on a picnic and grab some restful rays in the afternoon sun. Milford on Sea is loaded with great cafes, pubs and eateries, many with pretty gardens for al-fresco dining as the sun goes down – it’s a wonderful place to stay for a summer escape!
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Highcliffe
For those seeking sandy shores and unspoilt surroundings, Highcliffe offers something for everyone. Boasting a glorious beach of soft golden sand, grassy dunes and pebbles at the far end, it’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking and building sandcastles. Explore the Quay at Mudeford, kayak and paddle around Christchurch Harbour and go crabbing with the little ones. Fish and chips as the sun goes down are a must, and there are endless dining options in the historic town of Christchurch, a quick 5-minute drive west.
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Barton-on-Sea
Perched on the cliff top, this lovely little village offers panoramic views of the Isle of Wight and across the bay to Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve. Enjoy leisurely walks along the cliff paths, and don’t forget to bring your binoculars for birdwatching and spotting seals and dolphins playing in the waves below. The sand and pebble beach at Barton on Sea provides endless hours of sea-salty fun swimming and building sandcastles, and when you’ve built up an appetite, you’ll find a good selection of popular pubs and restaurants on hand.
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Keyhaven
Keyhaven is a gateway to endless aquatic adventures! This dinky hamlet offers a calm setting for kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing. Explore Keyhaven Nature Reserve and spot an endless array of birds and wildlife. Take a wander past the colourful fishing boats bobbing in the water, where the only sound you’ll hear are the squawks of seagulls and yachts melodically clinking their sails and masts. There’s a great pub serving food in Keyhaven, but it’s only a mile up the lane to Milford on Sea if you want more options.
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Book your holiday now, while there are still cottages available. A coastal cottage near the New Forest is all about disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnecting with nature and returning home feeling relaxed, stress-free and rejuvenated.
If you’re bringing your furry friend find out more about year-round dog-friendly beaches and take your pick from our long list of dog-friendly New Forest cottages.