The most romantic day of the year is around the corner, and maybe you’re thinking of whisking your loved one away for a well deserved romantic break. The New Forest is such a fabulous location for a short break, and perfect for a few days away together somewhere special.
Take long walks through the woods and along the seashore to create some wonderful memories. Stop for long lazy lunches in picture-perfect thatched pubs and historic old inns with wonky walls and roaring logs fires. For dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a vast range of restaurants and fine dining options, or with the space and freedom of your very own romantic bolt-hole – order in a sumptuous takeaway and chill out knowing there are no last orders.
Here are just a few of our most romantic cottages in the New Forest…
Marshlands Cottage, Breamore
This dreamy one-bedroom redbrick cottage overlooks forest and countryside on the outskirts of the picturesque Tudor village of Breamore. Inside is wonderfully bright with high beamed ceilings and French doors. Sprawl out on comfy sofas adorned with fluffy throws and snuggle down in front of the fire with a bottle of wine or watch a favourite film on the TV. Day trips include the cathedral city of Salisbury, where you can see the best surviving original copy of the Magna Carta, Stonehenge, Southampton, Bournemouth and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
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The Old Barn, Exbury
Heathlands and woods surround this gorgeous little barn, which is also just a mile from the coast. It’s a super cosy place to stay for a romantic break. The lounge features two sofas and a log burner to relax with a glass of your favourite tipple after a day exploring. Enjoy long walks through the forest dotted with the famous free-roaming ponies and wild deer tiptoeing through the woods. Visit Exbury Gardens and travel around the landscaped gardens on the narrow gauge steam train. Then, hop in the car and explore the National Park’s pretty chocolate-box villages and tuck into a delicious cream tea with home-made cake in one of the many cosy tearooms!
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Sandpipers Lymington
You’ll fall in love with this swish boutique holiday home, filled with style, in the New Forest’s Georgian marine town of Lymington. The pretty high street is just a few minutes walk and offers lots of independent shops and plenty of dining options, from cheap eats and quirky cafes to gastro-pubs and fine dining restaurants. Head over to Milford on Sea (the next village) and walk the pebble spit leading to Hurst Castle. Originally built as King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, it’s a fascinating find having been adapted over the centuries as a prison, keep and most recently as a lookout and ammunitions store in WWII.
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The Cabin, Hordle
A bright and modern cabin, carefully designed with a creative twist of rustic glamour, resulting in a chic little bolthole that’s super comfortable and very romantic. Head to Beaulieu National Motor Museum and Palace House for a great day out to see the UK’s biggest collection of vehicles, including exhibitions from Top Gear and cars from film and TV. You don’t have to be a petrol head to enjoy it!
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Heywood Cottage, Boldre
Check out this former Tithe barn that’s been beautifully converted into a super little cottage for up to 3 guests. Inside is packed with personality and opulence by the bucket load, with a cosy wood burner and two big sofas for snuggling. Take a romantic walk along sandy Lepe Beach where you can see the busy shipping lanes of the Solent and remnants and commemorative information plaques detailing how the area was used as a debarkation point for the D-Day landings in WWII. The views are spectacular taking in the Isle of Wight and Old Harrys Rocks to Christchurch Harbour and Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve.
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See more romantic cottages in the New Forest