The New Forest is full of wildlife, beautiful landscapes, pretty scenes and enchanting villages. If you can’t decide which part of the 220 square miles you should start looking for a cottage to rent, here are our top 3 most popular places to stay in the New Forest.
Brockenhurst
A thriving and pretty village in the heart of the New Forest with a railway station connecting to London in just 90 minutes. Brockenhurst is loaded with character, with twirly lanes frequented by the forest’s free-roaming ponies, cattle, and donkeys. A picturesque picnic spot is never far away, and the little river beach at Balmer Lawn is a fun place for a paddle. Explore the woods and heathland on foot, by bike and in the saddle from Brockenhurst Riding Stables and Cyclexperience, both in the village. The locals ensure a year-round calendar of events, and you’ll find a vast menu of eating and drinking options, from country pubs and casual eateries to elegant restaurants and fine dining.
Take a look at:
Highway Cottage | Sleeps 4
This topsy-turvy dog-friendly cottage is designed to take advantage of the glorious views over the forest. Grab a mug of tea, take a pew and spend time watching the woodland wildlife outside your window. The main living space upstairs is on one level, with an internal garage and a courtyard garden downstairs.
Find out more about Highway Cottage
Chamberlains Cottage | Sleeps 6
Visitors love this classic redbrick cottage, which boasts a bloom-filled garden for al fresco dining and relaxing in the sun. The substantial design-led interior showcases period features, exposed beams, super comfy furniture, quality furnishings and a lovely log burner for out-of-season breaks.
Find out more about Chamberlains Cottage
Take a look at all the New Forest Cottages in Brockenhurst
Lymington
Choose Lymington to blend a holiday of coastal charm with the beauty of the New Forest. This graceful Georgian town hosts an ancient street market along its high street, which is lined with independent shops and boutiques. Lymington’s cobbled streets, winding lanes and historic architecture are full of great cafes, restaurants, pubs, and taverns serving delectable fish dishes from the area’s local catch. Adventure awaits with sailing and fishing trips, and there are plenty of providers to hire boats and boards with oars or paddles down by the Quay. But if you prefer to stay on land, don a pair of comfy shoes for a coastal walk around the surrounding nature reserve.
Our holiday cottages in Lymington include:
Littlemoor Cottage | Sleeps 5
This cute but very spacious cottage is well located on a quiet road but within an easy stroll to the high street, seawater swimming baths, Town Quay, shops and eateries. It’s beautifully furnished with lots of thoughtful touches from the owners, including a cosy log burner for chilly nights. The sunny garden is perfect for pets to play and their owners to relax with a glass of wine.
Find out more about Littlemoor Cottage
Sandpipers Cottage | Sleeps 2
Couples adore this one-bedroom boutique holiday home close to the centre of town. Inside is elegant, open-plan living furnished with contemporary pieces in a soothing palette of natural colours and textures. For winter breaks, snuggle up on the sofa in front of the wood burner and during the warmer months, there’s a courtyard garden for dining and drinks. It’s dog-friendly, too!
Find out more about Sandpipers Cottage
See all the New Forest holiday cottages in Lymington
Burley
This popular forest village is full of charm and personality. Ponies, donkeys, and cattle are usually seen roaming around the teeny high street, pausing outside the plentiful supply of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Explore the woods and trails on foot or two wheels from Forest Leisure Cycling or jump aboard a horse-driven wildlife wagon ride. A deer park behind the village’s main car park is often home to seasonal events. Take a picnic and chairs to spend an afternoon watching cricket at the cricket pitch adjacent to the village school, or tee off at Burley Golf Club, which is well known for its wonderful views. Book a holiday cottage in Burley for a slice of traditional country life with pops of fun and activities in beautiful surroundings.
Where to stay:
Piglets | Sleeps 4
Experience the ultimate holiday comfort in this quaint, dog-friendly retreat in the heart of the village. This cottage is lovely for winter breaks as the lounge is home to a feature open fire, backed up with underfloor heating in the kitchen. Meanwhile, the warmer months beckon guests to head into the terraced garden filled with flowers for BBQs in the sun.
Holmsley Gate House | Sleeps 6
This unique, architect-designed holiday home is in the forest about a mile from Burley village. No other houses are in sight, so wildlife is a big part of staying here. You’ll see all the forest’s woodland creatures just outside your window – as well as the forest ponies, cattle, donkeys, and pigs (during autumn pannage). The house welcomes furry friends and has an enclosed garden with decking and furniture to sit and gaze at the stars.
Find out more about Holmsley Gate House
See all New Forest Cottages in Burley