A Locals Guide to the Perfect Spring Weekend

Finding local top spots and recommended places takes time; if only you could shortcut all that research and have a few ideas of exactly where to go when you arrive for your New Forest break to make it a perfect spring weekend…

Conveniently for you, we’ve compiled our own locals guide to the perfect spring weekend in the New Forest National Park.

The best thing about the much-loved local attractions in and around Beaulieu is that they are ever-updating and so locals love too, as gardens, exhibits, attractions, menus and places are always changing with the seasons.

Visiting beautiful houses and gardens, especially in the spring can inspire your own home and garden and it offers escape from the everyday. The National Trust site of Mottisfont, a 30-minute drive from our Hampshire hotel, is certainly a local favourite. Once the home of art patron and 1930s socialite, Maud Russell, Mottisfont’s beautiful riverside gardens, ancient trees and seasonal planting invites you to explore, wander and lose yourself in the beauty.

The house saw huge transformation in the 1930s, becoming the beacon of creativity that it still is today, with a permanent 20th-century art collection and exhibitions in the top-floor gallery.

Exbury Gardens is another of those local must-visit family-friendly attractions that welcomes locals and visitors year-round. Created in 1919 by Lionel de Rothschild, Exbury is a special place, just 7 minutes from our New Forest hotel. Spectacular all year but cherished for its vibrancy through the spring, take in the remarkable collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, explore landscaped woodland, and wander through herbaceous, contemporary and formal gardens, all in the New Forest National Park. Plus, it’s great for families, with perfect blend of nature and adventure with nature trails, the steam railway and adventure play areas.

Hoping for more recommended must-see places in Hampshire? View our related blog here 

Dog lovers and walkers understand the need for new walks but also the importance of having a few known dog-friendly walks under your belt, especially in a new area, because sometimes the length of walk or type depends on the time you have available, the distance, or weather conditions.

Getting a local perspective can be essential to know the best routes, whether you wish to pop out for half an hour or half a day. Local dog walker Lauren has a few recommendations, including the 5km Kings Hat walk for dogs that love a swim, with two bridges and a tranquil stream, but also lots to sniff in the woods. Or a couple of shorter walks, at Whitefield Moore, where you will find the yellow and red routes, boasting open green areas, forest and streams.

Speaking of water, many of our locals love a wild swim, because here in this part of the New Forest we have the best between coast and country, so if you’re a chilly dipper, be sure to visit some of our local beaches and New Forest swim spots. Milford on Sea is just 20-minutes away and has a sandy shore, a charming setting whether you’re keen to get in the lengths or simply hop in and out.

Lymington River in Brockenhurst is known locally as ‘Brock Beach’ is near the village of Brockenhurst, and is a popular dip spot with a wide shingle beach and shallow waters, making it suitable for paddling and a great place for a picnic. Or Ellingham Lake, near Ringwood, is a beautiful lake on the edge of the New Forest, around 30 minutes from our hotel. It’s run by Ellingham Water Ski & Wakeboard Club and offers dedicated swim sessions, is lifeguarded and has 400m, 750m and 1200m distance loops marked out. Check their sessions before you go.

When it comes to family-friendly weekends though, our locals love to visit our village of Beaulieu. Here, not only can you can find, the National Motor Museum, Beulieu, but you’ll discover the popular walk to and from Buckler’s Hard. At just under 6.5km it’s a great picturesque walk for the whole family, taking you through woodland and marsh, following the Beaulieu River to the old shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard.

The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu is more than a tourist attraction, over the years it’s become a local treasure with many locals and visitors alike holding annual membership. This means they can visit throughout the year for the changing displays and exhibits, beautiful Palace House gardens and family-friendly activities. Beaulieu has a deep connection with the history of motoring which captures the heart of many collectors, but it also holds special events throughout the year such as autojumbles and car rallies, as well as fun half-term events for kids. Whilst many visit to simply wander the Beaulieu Abbey and grounds for a tranquil leisurely walks and time to relax in nature.

When family-friendly truly means the whole family, locals know that everyone, from the little ones to their four-legged friends, always feel welcome at our New Forest hotel pub. From post-walk refuelling to hearty family lunches, they recommend booking a spot at Monty’s Inn.

For those celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic dinner for two or simply seeking a mid-week meal out with friends, locals love The Terrace Restaurant for its authentic British dining experiences that capture the moment, our wood-panelled dining room, just the setting for such occasions.

But locals also talk of a special quintessentially British meal that sometimes occurs between lunch and dinner… We’re no strangers to tradition which is why locals have been booking Afternoon Teas with us and gifting the experience to friends and loved ones for many years. Because spending a spring afternoon in our conservatory, watching the birds and butterflies, catching up, sipping tea and eating freshly baked scones smothered in clotted cream and homemade jam, plus all the other delights is wonderfully indulgent and necessary when you’re short break away.