Make Friends with the Wildlife at The Coach House

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The Coach House (sleeps 8) just outside Beaulieu is a large elegant house, beautifully furnished, with classic styling and generous living rooms. It doesn’t try to be pretentious and glitzy, but hones a luxurious homely vibe with soft colour palettes and is very pretty – it wins rave reviews with guests. There are four large bedrooms sleeping 8, one of which being particularly impressive and a huge emperor size (7′) bed, two more doubles and a fourth bedroom with twin single beds.

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All mod cons for music and entertainment are provided, and if you fancy staying at home for dinner, a talented local caterer can drop off prepared meals to pop in the oven or cook for you. The property fronts directly on to open forest, and as you would imagine, views are simply gorgeous with a focus on the abundant and spectacular wildlife the New Forest is famous for.

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Walks and cycle rides are directly from your front door and evenings can be spent star gazing at the inky black skies, free from the electric glaze of streetlights. The Coach House is just over a mile from Lord Montagu’s stately Beaulieu palace, gardens and famous Beaulieu Motor Museum – definitely worth a visit!

Find out what dates are available at The Coach House

What to see and do

The stunningly beautiful Beaulieu River is privately owned and as such, never busy. New Forest Activities have permits to take you on an exploration of this tidal river, with a choice of Kayaks or sturdy 2-3 seat Canadian canoes suitable for families with toddlers from 2 years old. For the more independent adventurer, watercraft are also available for hire. Expert led tours last from 90 minutes up to 3 hours, their guides will point out wildlife on the river banks such as deer, forest creatures and birds. For beginners, you’ll learn the basics, get comfortable around water, have a paddle and play some games. For the more confident paddlers out there, this is an opportunity to hone your skills, travel much further and get some speed up. Above all, you’ll feel in safe hands, exhilarated and come back with a great big smile. From £25 per person, Family ticket £80

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Beaulieu River meanders round to the historic 18th century boat builder’s village Bucklers Hard. The well-preserved ship building yard built the warships for Lord Nelsons Royal Navy. Timber from the New Forest was used to build the formidable warships which fought in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Buckler's-Hard

Also close by are days out on the beach. Walk along the shingle spit from Milford on Sea to King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress Hurst Castle. You can either walk back or take the ferry boat through Keyhaven nature reserve – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), also a great spot for pootling about in your dingy.

Nearby Paultons Park in the north-eastern corner of the New Forest is home to Peppa Pig World, making it a must visit for families with children. Boasting over 60 rides and regularly voted the UK’s number 1 theme park on Trip Advisor.

Hire a bike and discover over 100 miles of designated cycle paths, many of which can encompass a stop at one of the many New Forest pubs for a hearty lunch and tipple of local brew!