The New Forest is one of the most beautiful National Parks South of London. Dotted with cute little towns and villages, these Hampshire hills attract thousands of tourists every single year. To help you plan your amazing New Forest Visit, I have made an overview of the most beautiful villages in the New Forest, where to eat and where to stay.
Table of Contents
Beaulieu
Beaulieu is probably the best known villages in The New Forest. With its big lake, beautiful castle and historical village centre, Beaulieu is a textbook fairytale village.
What to do in Beaulieu
Beaulieu, an old medieval village, hosts one of New Forest’s most famous attractions, the National Motor Museum. People flock to see the collection of iconic cars and motorbikes of the day and the motorcar’s evolution throughout the ages.
Guests can also visit a Victorian age home and explore what it meant to live in such opulence and grandeur.
Next, the 800-year-old Abbey, founded by King Henry VIII in 1538. The ruins are a welcoming and peaceful retreat, showcasing the craftsmanship of medieval builders.
On the Beaulieu River banks sits Bucklers Hard Village, an 18th-century shipbuilding village that is now a major attraction.
Within 8 miles of Beaulieu, you will find the New Forest Wildlife Park and the New Forest National Park, with a unique landscape of ancient woodland and host to European bison, lynx, wolves otters, amongst others.
It’s excellent for reconnecting with nature.
Where to eat in Beaulieu
Beaulieu is nothing short of steeped in historical settings, local produce, and friendly people, which create a wonderful blend to offer you special gastronomical treats.
The local hotels open their restaurants and bars to outsiders, so that is always a safe choice where you will get a pleasant welcome and comforting food.
The Drift Inn is your go-to for homemade burgers and modern British cuisine, also home to children’s play areas. For a delicious tea break and bakes, Steff’s Kitchen, the Captain’s Cabin Tea Room, and The Royal Hilltop.
You’ll be travelling back to the 18th century at many of these places, Monty’s Inn, for example, serves up an excellent collection of Ales to be savoured with your meals.
For when you want to enjoy the outdoors, ask for takeaways or picnic baskets!
Where to stay in Beaulieu - Hotels
Want to stay in or near Beaulieu? No problem! We researched three top-rated hotels near Burley so you can easily book your stay!
The Montagu Arms Hotel
The Montagu Arms Hotel is a 4-star hotel in the middle of Beaulieu. The hotel offers 22 clean, luxurious rooms and a large indoor pool guests can use. This Beaulieu hotel has 2 restaurants and offers its guests free bike hire.
Leygreen Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
Leygreen Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast is located just outside of Beaulieu. This family run bed and breakfast houses 7 clean and comfortable rooms in a historical property. This bed and breakfast is great for families or couples looking for a romantic gettaway!
Master Builders House Hotel
The Master Builders House Hotel is part of the Bucklers Head shipmakers yard and one of the main tourist attractions in Beaulieu. This hotel houses 26 rooms and has a marina, a garden, and guests will get free breakfast.
Hotel Name | Rating | Price | |
The Montagu Arms Hotel | 8.6/10 | $244 | |
Leygreen Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast | 8.4/10 | $166 | |
Master Builders House Hotel | 8.3/10 | $139 |
Where to stay in Beaulieu - Airbnb
Beaulieu is filled with cute historical houses and cottages which are sometimes rented out on websites such as Airbnb. I have researched some cure Airbnbs for you to rent on your trip down to The New Forest.
Chestnut Cottage
Chestnut Cottage has been named as one of the most beautiful cottages in the UK. This gorgeous cottage sleeps 10 and is teeming with history and personality. This grade II listed cottage from 1590 has 5 double bedrooms and is located within the Montagu estate.
Entire 4 Bed 17th Century House
Hire a beautiful 17th century house in the heart of beaulieu. This historical house sleeps 8 and lies on a quiet road. There are shops and pubs nearby and you can easily walk into the forest from the property.
Historic Cottage in Beaulieu
This great historical cottage can be found in the centre of Beaulieu. Dogs are more then welcome when asked (extra fee payable) and there is a beautriful patio and garden you have access to.
Airbnb Name | Rating | Sleeps | Price | |
Chestnut Cottage | 4.85/5 | 10 | $556 | |
Entire 4 Bed 17th Century House | 5/5 | 8 | $230 | |
Historic Cottage in Beaulieu Village | 4.95/5 | 6 | $191 |
Burley
Burley is a little honey pot village tucked away in the hills of the New Forest. With a couple of amazing pubs and loads of great walking trails ending and beginning in the village, there is always something to do in Burley.
What to do in Burley
Burley was made famous by its history of witchcraft; now it’s dotted with little boutiques and shops to reminiscing this for people to explore. Burley is also home to a disused railway, which paired with the incredible views and magnificent trees around, makes for some scenic off-road cycling and hiking. Fortunately, there is a place where you can find a variety of bikes to choose from. Your time in Burley will be made up of mostly connecting to nature, through leisurely forest rides and olden day wagon rides. You can also find the New Forest Deer Safari, which will be both educational and enjoyable for the whole family. The Burley Golf Club is also not to be missed; a nine-hole course full of history. Being relatively close from the Dorset border means you will also get the chance to explore Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, New Forest Wildlife Park or drive to the Jurassic Coast.
Where to eat in Burley
You will find classical British dishes as well as award winning Mediterranean food all made from fresh local produce at the Burley Manor. While The Burley Inn is a place offers a range of traditional pub food to be paired with a fine selection of wine and great local ales. The White Buck Inn also offers a range of English cuisine, and guests will also be able to enjoy their two acres of grounds. This little village also offers an authentic taste and feel of how natural cider tastes and looks. Roam through the true Cider orchards where the apples are picked and move on to taste the unpasteurised, real cider straight from the barrels, New Forest Cider is an experience. Since they offer everything from breakfast to luscious teas, you can hang around the whole day. You should also try The Cider Pantry and the converted station offering delicious meals and scrumptious teas.
Where to stay in Burly- Hotels
One of the reasons why it is great to stay in Burley is because there are quite a few nice restaurants, a couple of nice and cosy pubs, and ample oportunity to set off on walks in arguably one of the nicest parts of The New Forest. There are currently three hotels available in Burley.
Burley Manor
Burley Manor is one of the most luxurious and best known hotels in The New Forest. This large manor house looks out over fields full of deer and is located in the centre of Burley. It is known for its beautiful decor and great food.
The White Buck
The White Buck is located just outside of the village centre of Burley, with direct access to the New Forest. This gorgeous manor house is known in the area for its great food, cosy interior and luxurious rooms.
The Burley Inn
The Burley Inn is a large period house spot on in the centre of the village. The Burley in serves great full English Breakfasts and has clean, cosy rooms. All pubs and restaurants in Burley are in walking distance from the Burley inn, as well as Shappen stores, a little convenience store selling local products.
Hotel Name | Rating | Price | |
Burley Manor | 8.8/10 | $190 | |
The White Buck | 8.8/10 | $140 | |
The Burley Inn | 9.0/10 | $108 |
Where to stay in Burly- Airbnb
Looking for a great cottage to rent in Burley, The New Forest? Look no further! I have chosen 3 beautiful Airbnbs for you to discover and book for your next New Forest Trip.
Luxury cosy cottage
This beautiful luxury cottage in Burley is located close to the open forest, making this a great place to stay for people who love to walk and hike. The cottage also comes with a nice wood burner which means you can spend some cosy quality time together in winter!
Tranquil Barn in the New Forest
This beautifully converted barn in Burley is a perfect base for those who wish to spend some relaxed and tranquil days in The New Forest. The barn has beautiful views over unbridled forest while inside you can expect a cosy living area, perfect for a lovely couple’s weekend!
Forest Cottage, Burley
The Forest Cottage in Burley is a dog friendly Airbnb with its own little private garden. Your cottage will boast a fully equipped kitchen and has nice views over the area.
Airbnb Name | Rating | Sleeps | Price | |
Luxury cosy cottage | 5.0/5 | 4 | $224 | |
Tranquil Barn in the New Forest | 4.94/5 | 2 | $118 | |
Forest Cottage, Burley | 4.94/5 | 2 | $117 |
Brockenhurst
Brockenhurst lies in the heart of The New Forest and is the only village in The New Forest with a train station. Many tourists and visitors prefer to stay in Brockenhurst as it has lots of great places to eat and drink and even has a wine bar!
What to do in Brockenhurst
Brockenhurst is the ideal place for leaving your phone behind, connecting to with nature, and leaving all your troubles behind. The first step would be to, if possible, arrive by train. New Forest offers some great cycling paths, amongst trees and surrounded by serene vistas, and Brockenhurst is a great start. The town is so prepared for this that they have an app ready to guide you, and even specialised routes which incorporate thrilling gastronomical stops for foodies to stop at on the way. There is also a famous route which passes along the famous Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. You can also enjoy the local flora and fauna by embarking on their famous walking trails, hidden to outside visitors. Horse riding is also a speciality here, with more than just a couple of stables to reach out to. Being one of the largest villages in New Forest means it will be steeped in history to be explored, all the way back to the Bronze Age, a good 4,000 years back.
Where to eat in Brockenhurst
Brockenhurst is dotted with lovely cafes, easy bars, and restaurants to suit every mood. You will have well over 25 eateries within the village! For Italian, you can try Albero or Enzee, while to explore Asian flavours, you can head to Dynasty Indian Restaurant, or Britannia Thai. They all serve freshly cooked meals with fresh ingredients and will not disappoint in presentation and flavour. For a home cooked meal, head over to the The Foresters Arms or when you are craving a good old Fish and Chips, walk to the Rainbow Fish Bar, which has the best fish and chips I have ever had! The Balmer Lawn Hotel and Forest Park Country Hotel & Inn always strive to serve locally sourced food, inspired by British cuisine but given it its own twist. For more novel takes in the kitchen, try the The Huntsman, The Pig or the The Snakecatcher, each with their almost threatening names, but also strangely complimenting each other, they all have a different take to great food done right. Rhinefield house is a good bet if you would like to dine in a historical setting.
Where to stay in Brockenhurst - hotels
As Brockenhurst is the beating heart of The New Forest, it is always a good idea to stay in the village. There are a few great hotels in Brockenhurst of which we have listed three.
Forest Park Hotel
The Forest Park Hotel is located on a quiet road opposite a beautiful stretch of The New Forest. The hotel is known for its beautiful lawn and great outdoor seating as well as the luxurious rooms and great breakfast.
Careys Manor & Senspa
Careys Manor and Sesnpa is located in a beautiful old manorhouse in the centre of Brockenhurst. Apart from the beautiful pool and the quiet location, you can relax in the gorgeous rooms or get a massage.
Rhinefield House Hotel
Rhinefield House Hotel is a beautiful stately home in Brockenhurst that has been featured in the series The Crown. This beautiful house is also a hotel where you will find gorgeous and luxurious rooms in a historical setting.
Hotel | Rating | Price | |
Forest Park Hotel | 9.4/10 | $136 | |
Careys Manor & Senspa | 8.4/10 | $228 | |
Rhinefield House Hotel | 8.8/10 | $318 |
Where to stay in Brockenhurst - Airbnb
If you would rather not stay in a hotel, you can choose to rent a cottage in The New Forest via Airbnb.
Beautiful cottage in the heart of Brockenhurst
This gorgeous, light and airy cottage is located in the centre of Brockenhurst. Shops, restaurants and pubs are only a couple of minutes away by foot while the open forest looms just behind the high street!
The Cottage
Although this New Forest cottage is located a fair way outside of Brockenhurst, it is a good fit for people and families wanting to step away from the crowds. This cottage is beautifully decorated and can sleep up to 6
Pond Cottage
Pond Cottage is an ideally located historic cottage in Brockenhurst that can sleep up to 7. These bright and airy rooms are perfect for a family holiday or just a trip with friends to walk and discover The New Forest.
Airbnb Name | Rating | Sleeps | Price | |
Beautiful cottage in the heart of Brockenhurst | 4.41/5 | 6 | $167 | |
The Cottage | 4.92/5 | 6 | $167 | |
Pond Cottage | 4.86/5 | 7 | $318 |
Top 10 Best Campsites In The New Forest National Park
Lymington
Lymington is a large village on the edge of the water, nestled between the banks of the Lymington River and the Solent. This ancient village is much loved with people who love to sail and those who like to have The New Forest closeby without giving up on pubs, restaurants and branded supermarkets. Lymington also is the village closest by The New Forest with a train station which makes it a great place to visit from London!
What to do in Lymington
Being on the edge of 219 square miles of unenclosed forest, pasture and heathland will really give people something to talk about. You can also take a short walk along the coast to Milford-on-Sea, along Solent Way Walk. It is a walk that will allow for a Ferry adventure on one side and all the way to Beaulieu through the New Forest on the other. There is also the Hurst Castle, which is said to have had state of the art technologies when it was built in 1540. It has since then, been layered by history of various occupants, including inmates. For your dose of culture, explore the Georgian and Victorian town centre and walk through cobblestone alleys and reach St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery which holds exhibits showcasing the heritage of the New Forest coast and progress of the town over the centuries. The oldest Lido in the country is also here, established in 1833.
Where to eat in Lymington
Lymington has a great selection of eateries. From classic British meals to more novel cafes and gastronomical cultural trips. A typical stop is the Ship Inn, peacefully resting on the waterside of the village, it serves high quality pub food to be paired with a selection of wines and delightful ales. For dishes like Smoked Haddock, Salmon and Prawn Pie or a great Sunday roast, you would head to South Lawn Hotel, which also offers a comfortable delivery service. You can taste the fresh goodness of local produce at The Mill at Gordleton, where they also aim to be organic, or Walhampton Arms, offering a selection of classic British dishes like cod and chips, sausage and mash and juicy burgers. The more contemporary dines are Coffee & Drift or Greedo Dining, serving simple but weekly menus, focused on supporting the local farmers. The Haven Bar & Restaurant offer up heavenly views and for your foreign fixes Koh Thai Tapas, a European and Thai fusion, and Ciao Belli, bringing you authentic Italian.
Where to stay in Lymington - Hotels
Lymington is an ancient village meaning you will find lots of great period properties to spend the night in.
The Gordleton Mill
The Gordleton Mill is an old refurbished and restored mill just outside of Lymington. The rooms are tastefully decorated and the Gordleton Mill restaurant is known as one of the best restaurants in and around Lymington.
The Walhampton Arms
The Walhampton Arms is a fabulous hotel close to the Lymington Town train station. The rooms are comfortable and guests comment on the amazing service offered at the hotel.
Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel
Looking for a hotel with a pool in Lymington? Then you need to book Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel. This hotel boasts an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. The rooms are confortable with lots of natural light. The main part of the hotel is situated in a beautiful manor house.
Hotel Name | Rating | Price | |
The Gordleton Mill | 8.8/10 | $132 | |
The Walhampton Arms | 9.0/10 | $200 | |
Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel | 7.4/10 | $159 |
Where to stay in Lymington - Airbnb
Because there are such a large number of beautiful and cute cottages in Lymington, it is a great idea to rent an Airbnb!
The Bothy
The Bothy is a beautiful cottage sleeping 8 on the outskirts of Lymington. This gorgeous house is only a short walk to The New Forest while also being close to the centre of Lymington.
Skylarks Lymington
Heading over to The New Forest with your partner? Why not stay at Skylarks Lymington. This beautiful apartment is not only budget friendly, it is also centrally located in Lymington.
Private Lymington sea-view cottage
This gorgeous cottage just outside Lymington is a great place to unwind. Not only is this rustic cottage incredibly beautiful and quaint, it is also close to some of the best walking trails of The New Forest. The sea and beach are just a short walk away.
Airbnb Name | Rating | Sleeps | Price | |
The Bothy | 5/5 | 8 | $327 | |
Skylarks Lymington | 4.86/5 | 2 | $87 | |
Private Lymington sea-view cottage | 4.92/5 | 5 | $150 |
Best Dog Friendly Hotels And Cottages In The New Forest
Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst is often called ‘the gateway to The New Forest’ as this will be the very first village to pass for many drivers. Although the village can be quite busy when it comes to traffic – it is still a cute and quaint village to visit!
What to do in Lyndhurst
Lyndhurst bursts many recreational activities, also being the ‘capital’ of New Forest means it makes for a great start to exploring New Forest. The New Forest Heritage Centre will fill you in on all the information you could need about the history of the area and is also host to many exhibitions and events throughout the year. You can embark on some great cycling paths, all the way to Hatchet Pond or even all the way to Burley, for which you would be passing through the forest at Bolderwood. You can also venture off on foot and explore countryside lanes and off-road paths. To familiarize yourself with some native animals of New Forest, head over to the New Forest Reptile Centre. Furzey Gardens is a garden tucked away amidst the calmness of New Forest.
Where to eat in Lyndhurst
The Fox and Hounds pub, right at the heart of the village will serve you up delicious treats along with a nice cold brew, while the Tasty Pastries café may be the go to for all your tea, pastry, and general bake needs. Most places in Lyndhurst will give you the opportunity to experience the warmth of old pubs and the love of home cooked, hearty meals. New Forest Inn and Trusty Servant Inn are must visits. For a collection of supreme ales, ciders, amazing lagers and wines, The Waterloo Arms is where you have to head to, while the Bartley Lodge Hotel and The Lyndhurst Tea House serve for Sunday teas and are great for breakfast.
Where to stay in Lyndhurst - Hotels
Lyndhurst is considered to be ”the capital” of The New Forest. It is also the first village you will pass when driving from London to The New Forest. This and the many beautiful shops makes Lyndhurst a great place to stay in The New Forest.
The Trusty Servant
The Trusty Servant is historic hotel in Lyndhurst with 5 bedrooms. This gorgeous hotel is located in Minstead which makes this the perfect hotel for those wanting to head to The New Forest for a quick explore before heading off to their final destination.
Little Hayes Guest House
Located close to the centre of Lyndhurst, Little Hayes Guest House is a perfect little place to stay for those who want to explore the New Forest while still being close to shops and pubs.
White Rabbit Hotel
The White Rabbit hotel is a hotel by Greene King which means you can expect quality accomodation at a great price. This is a great hotel for both couples and families.
Hotel Name | Rating | Price | |
The Trusty Servant | 9.0/10 | $134 | |
Little Hayes Guest House | 9.4/10 | $107 | |
White Rabbit Hotel | 8.0/10 | $74 |
Where to stay in Lyndhurst - Airbnb
When heading to Lyndhurst you can also choose to stay in an Airbnb. There are numerous lovely cottages all around Lyndhurst that are yours to book and rent.
Caister Cottage Barn
Caister Cottage Barn is a beautifully converted barn that sleeps 2. The small barn looks out over a beautiful garden and you will have access to The New Forest in walking distance!
Idyllic New Forest Cottage
This gorgeous New Forest Cottage is located in Pikeshill, just outside of Lyndhurst. The cottage sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms and has a wood burner so you can have cosy evenings in the living room.
Luxury cottage in the heart of The New Forest
This amazing little luxury cottage can be found just outside of Lyndhurst. Although pub and restaurants will be a bit of a walk, you will have The Oak Inn closeby. The cottage can sleep 6 guests and has a gorgeous kitchen and cute garden.
Airbnb Name | Rating | Sleeps | Price | |
Caister Cottage Barn | 4.98/5 | 2 | $134 | |
Idyllic New Forest Cottage | 5/5 | 4 | $240 | |
Luxury cottage in the heart of The New Forest | 5/5 | 6 | $386 |
Lieze Neven is a globetrotting travel writer and expat currently based in Nepal. With a passion for exploration, she has lived in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium, alongside her international teacher husband. Her parents live in France and she tries to visit Paris at least once a year. Together, they travel the world looking for the best hotels, experiences and food locations have to offer!