Glen Cottage, sleeps 4, is a lovely little cottage, only a mile from the thriving, pretty market town of Ringwood in the north of the forest. It’s tucked away on a private lane, surrounded by countryside and a sprinkling of other homes. It’s a quick 5-minute scamper to the nearest shop and friendly, local, riverside pub, The Fish, which serves wonderful food and a delicious selection of beer, wine and ales.
The house itself has a contemporary vibe, infused with a clever colour pallet of neutrals and white walls against calming pale greys and steel blues. The furniture includes a well-chosen mix of chunky wood, cream leather seating and deep, plush sofas adorned with squidgy cushions and snuggly throws – setting the scene for blissful days relaxing in comfort.
The main living area downstairs is a large lounge-diner. To the far end, sofas and chairs cluster around a redbrick open fire and large picture window, where light streams in. To the other end of the room is the dining area, leading to a pretty, cream, country-style kitchen. The kitchen is well equipped with mod-cons, and features a stable-style door to throw open and let the outside in.
Upstairs, the master double bedroom boasts another huge window, making the room bright, airy and dappled in sunlight from the surrounding trees and woodland. The second bedroom is home to two super comfy single beds, sharing the same magical green views as the master. Between the two bedrooms is a roomy family bathroom. Outside, there’s plenty of patio space for al fresco dining and a soft, grassy lawn to catch a few rays of sun with a glass of your favourite tipple in hand.
Talking of tipples… a tour of Ringwood Brewery, close to the town centre, wins rave reviews. A good spot any time of day for food and refreshments is the very funky, shabby chic Framptons, who often stage low key, live music. India Cottage serve the most delicious curries in an equally amazing olde worlde cottage, with sloping floors, creaky beams and low ceilings. For those with a penchant for fresh fish and seafood, pay a visit to The Noisy Lobster Ringwood. It’s a tad pricey, but really good.
For fantastic, fun days out, you’re within a few minutes’ drive to the amazingly brilliant New Forest Water Park. Have a go at cable wake boarding, go kayaking and have a super amusing time on the UK’s first WIBIT outdoor, inflatable sports aqua park (similar to the one you see on the hit TV show, WIPEOUT). You can hire wetsuits and helmets when you’re there. Snowtrax, an outdoor dry ski slope and activity centre, is also close by. Children (and adults) LOVE the Ringos, Ski Bobs and Alpine Adventure Park! If you’re more in the mood for a subdued, relaxing day, head up the road to Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve to see wetland and woodland birds and dragonflies – it’s free to get in.
Find a list of even more things to do and places to eat near Ringwood here.
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