Luxury self-catering accommodation in New Forest
Connected by a web of cycling and hiking trails, the New Forest is a lush landscape of woodlands and marshes, moors and heath. Dotted with quaint villages and designated a national park in 2005, the forest's combined charms make it a joy to explore.
One of southern England's favourite rural playgrounds, the New Forest covers 220 square miles of outdoor joy. This ancient native English woodland is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna and makes for a peaceful retreat far from the madding crowds of the big city. Hike, bike and kayak your way between giant trees, across sparse moorland and over boggy mashes before retreating to one of the many thatched gastro pubs which hide in the genteel villages for a pint of local ale.
For those in need of rural adventures, explore the extensive network of dog-friendly walking trails which criss-cross the national park. Use your self-catering cottage as a base as you wander through open heathland and with views of the Solent in the distance or even arrange a hack on horseback by the sea. Say hello to native ponies as they graze in villages or visit the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary, where little ones will delight at the sight of fallow deer.
The Sorting Office
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
A gingerbread house with thatched roof set on the fringes of the New Forest which, from the outside, could very easily have been plucked from the pages of Hansel and Gretel.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
From: £1,550 per week, £1,195 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
The Cinders
Lyndhurst, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
Offering a peaceful escape in the wilds of the New Forest, spend days wandering beneath the trees, spotting wildlife and fully relaxing into the sound of nature.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,195 per week, £1,695 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 & Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Forestkeepers
Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, UK
A bespoke treehouse, zip wire and outdoor swimming pool await discovery within the grounds, while a garden gate leads straight into the New Forest, tempting picnics in woodland glades, wild swimming and Gruffalo hunting.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests (8 adults and 4 children)
From: £3,850 per week, £2,895 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Features: Heated outdoor swimming pool (available from the end of March to mid-October), treehouse, zipwire, trampoline, football goals, netball hoop, games room with air hockey and arcade machine, cinema room
