Classic Motoring, Country Roads & the New Forest
Here in the New Forest, for some, the journey is the destination.
With the windows down, you can feel the warm of the summer breeze and hear the rustle of the leaves dancing across the road as you cruise along the winding forest lanes. Slow and unhurried, you drive through the dappled woodland light as it flickers through the trees – it feels as though time has slowed and you wish this journey will never end.
For many motoring enthusiasts, a New Forest hotel break is the pinnacle of their summer. Our National Park invites slow, intentional driving without the need for a destination but nevertheless, the New Forest delivers a host of wonderful places to discover here too.
We invite anyone who loves motoring to lose themselves in their passion, with miles of driving routes and scenic loops; local towns and villages to explore, perfect pub stops and nearby attractions to truly immerse them in their love of all things classic motoring.
A break at our Hampshire hotel is just the thing for those looking for a luxury countryside stay with heritage, heart and beautiful drives right on the doorstep. In fact, our hotel is the idea base for a Father’s Day surprise or a family lunch, so if you’re looking for ideas. We have a few!
A hotel break here invites you to spend days simply driving, exploring and aimlessly winding down beautiful roads…
Scenic drives
Quiet B-roads that meander in and out of vast open heathland and beautiful ancient woodland make for a perfect driving break.'Tall Trees Trail'.
Ornamental Drive
One of our guests’ favourite scenic drives near our New Forest hotel is Ornamental Drive. Often described as one of the most beautiful roads in the New Forest, this lovey route leads you through the village of Brockenhurst and onto Ornamental Drive itself.
Make it an out-and-back or loop back via Lyndhurst, this route is charming any time of year but during late spring and early summer you'll be treated to the large rhododendrons and azaleas in bloom, whilst majestic giant Redwoods and Douglas firs tower over you as you coast along this peaceful road.
Stop here too for a walk and stroll along the gravel tracks under the canopy of the giant trees to immerse yourself in the true beauty of this place. There are lots of walks from Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, the most popular being the aptly named 'Tall Trees Trail'.
Beaulieu to Burley
This beautiful drive is ever-changing, from patches of open heathland where you’ll spot New Forest Ponies roaming, to areas of magical woodland and through the picturesque villages of Brockenhurst and Burley. An ideal slow-motoring journey, driving around the New Forest isn’t about the distance but rather the views and the countryside stops on the way.
Beaulieu to Lyndhurst to Bolderwood
Another classic, this drive is rich in changing scenery; guiding you through open heath, deep beautiful forest and quaint villages with traditional pubs luring you in for lunch on route.
You have all the time in the world, so why not get out and enjoy a wander. Park up and go explore, with lots of short, beautiful walks around the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary. Peruse the independent shops in Lyndhurst, enjoy a drink in the sun and when you’re ready to sit down and relax, wind your way back to our New Forest hotel.
Create your own dream New Forest drive by connecting your favourite routes.
‘The’ local attraction
You needn’t leave the village to get your fix of motoring history because our village is home to the remarkable National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
A place that doesn’t need much explanation, if you’re passionate about classic cars and motoring, you’ll know it well.
With more than 280 cars on display, this wonderful museum celebrates Britain’s motoring history through the ages as well as hosting key events throughout the year. From Simply Porsche in association with The Independent Porsche Enthusiasts’ Club and the Custom and American Show, to Simply French and the Beaulieu Supercar Weekend.
Tickets include admission to all Beaulieu attractions, including Palace House and Gardens and the medieval Beaulieu Abbey, but as visitors always find out, you needn’t be a motoring enthusiast to enjoy your time at Beaulieu. So, for partners and children who are coming along for the ride, rest assured you’ll love your day out too.
Father’s Day
This Father’s Day don’t just tell him you love him, show him. Book your motor-loving dad tickets to visit the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, where he can spend the day in his element, immersed in all thing’s cars, history and iconic motoring. Share the experience and the nostalgia, spend the day surrounded in everything he loves and then perhaps sit down to dinner at our New Forest hotel? Keep things casual at Monty’s Inn or opt for a traditional country house dining experience at our hotel restaurant, The Terrace.
Looking for something a little different?
Spend the morning catching up on a New Forest walk followed by an extra special Father’s Day Afternoon Tea. A beautifully presented spread of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and indulgent sweet treats, perfectly paired with tea or coffee. And as an extra special treat, a complimentary gift for every father figure on the day.
Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway is another wonderful local attraction that he’ll love visiting, with heritage at its heart, Exbury showcases seasonal colour and makes for an ideal relaxing afternoon excursion. We’ve mentioned the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary before but it really is a perfect drive away and it invites you to picnic in the heart of our ancient woodland and watch elegant deer roam.
Whilst many motoring-enthusiasts visit the New Forest National Park for their love of our beautiful country roads, others find themselves equally captivated by the places they discover on route; the charming villages, the ancient landscape and the warm hospitality of our country house hotel.
Scenic drives are rarely about the destination but what if you could prolong the joy of the drive? Make it a weekend escape so after a day spent driving the winding woodland roads, you return to a home from home and reminisce over drinks in the garden or share a memorable dinner together at The Terrace.