Next time you feel the itch to escape the crowds, traffic jams and fast pace of London for the weekend, think about the New Forest. It’s just 90 minutes down the M3 and the same time if stay on the train from Waterloo after work on a Friday night.
There’s so much to see and do in this National Park as well as plenty of attractions, festivals and events all year round. Yet for many, a break here is time to kick back and relax. Days throughout the seasons are spent exploring the landscapes and coastline dotted with beautiful thatched pubs and award-winning restaurants. Come here to immerse yourself in nature and the famous vibrant wildlife which includes 9000 free-roaming ponies, donkeys and cattle keeping the forest’s five species of deer company.
Below are some great cottages which are perfect for an easy weekend escape from London, and take a look at our blog page for more information about what to see and do.
Best for Private Pool Lovers
Thatchby Oak (sleeps 12) is surely one of the biggest and best thatched cottages in the New Forest, and this one comes with a private fenced off outdoor heated swimming pool and a lush garden in the village of Burley. Stroll to the village centre for a selection of cute pubs, ponies wandering the street and wagon rides to the deer park.
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Best for School Age Families
Number Four (sleeps 5). Let the kids run wild in this family home’s massive garden with its own sports pitch. Then, as you uncork your wine, smile contentedly as they jump to exhaustion on the trampoline and explore the secret den, adventure playground, slide and navigate a route on the Go-kart. Entertained kids mean happy, relaxed parents.
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Best for Wannabe Sailors
Brackens Cottage (sleeps 4) is in the swanky marine town of Lymington. The childhood home of Olympic hero Sir Ben Ainslie, this Georgian little town is full of interesting independent shops and a popular street market. There are plenty of boat and yacht trips, lessons and fun to be had in and around the town’s marinas.
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Best for Dreamy Cottage Lovers
Remnants (sleeps 8) is a super cute 17th Century thatched cottage. It is a really enchanting cottage and the perfect weekend bolthole. Tucked away in the village of Redlynch in the north of the forest, it’s within staggering distance to a lovely little pub for great food.
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Best for a Rural Retreat
Forest Cottage (sleeps 5) is a dog friendly cottage set deep in the forest in the village of Pilley. The 300 year old cob cottage is full of character with everything you could possibly need and comes with a gorgeous garden, with walks and wildlife on your doorstep.
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Best for Deer Spotting
Little Cottage (sleeps 2) is hidden on a forest track in the sweet and peaceful village of Tiptoe. This teensy-weensy den for two, with its curved walls and exposed beams, is irresistible. Wonderful walks are to be had from the front door, but you won’t need to leave the cottage to see the wildlife as deer, foxes and badgers are just outside the window.
See prices and availability for Little Cottage
New Forest Cottages have over 150 cottages in the New Forest, take a look for your perfect weekend bolthole by clicking here.