Twelve Moments That Make the New Forest Special

The birdsong on a spring morning, the distant sound of a pony’s whinny; the quiet realisation of an unplanned day ahead, sitting down to a cold drink after a day of exploration… These are just a few of the moments that will be captured in your memory during your time in the New Forest. And this is because the New Forest National Park is a place of moments not simply a destination to see and do.

It’s immersive and evocative; a place steeped in history, inspiration for stories and tales, a base for special trips and holidays, and it will always your home from home any time you need to getaway.

The moments that you experience whilst you’re here are personal, and yours to keep and they are only captured when you’re ready for them.

Here are just 12 special moments you could look forward to on your next break at our New Forest hotel…

1. The peacefulness of an early morning

There’s nothing more delightful than being first up; the quiet that comes with an early morning is a gift, enhanced only by the morning spring birdsong and the distant neigh of a waking New Forest Pony.

 

2. Watching ponies roam

Where else can you wander through an ancient woodland and spot these gentle ponies graze. Native to the area, there are around 5,000 New Forest Ponies roaming the National Park and they are a sight to behold. Especially at golden hour, the first or last hour of sun of the day, which casts a beautiful golden glow over the forest and the ponies’ chestnut coats.

 

3. The twists and turns of a cycle through the forest

When a ride just flows and you feel totally present in that moment; you feel one with the bike as you follow the twists and turns of the country roads.

 

4. The wildflowers dancing in the breeze

Ever-changing with the seasons, the flora and fauna of the New Forest National Park is truly special. Bursting with colour during the spring and summer, the wildflowers dance in the sunshine, offering moments of calm as you watch nature at play. The bees and butterflies flitting from flower to flower, supporting the abundant wildlife and biodiversity of our National Park.

 

5. The shimmer of water in a babbling brook

When you stop for a picnic and sit beside the tranquil stream or brook, watch as the sun glimmers against the vibrant moss-covered rocks. The sound of the water lulling you into an afternoon daze, which is fine because you have nothing on your schedule except to wander back to the hotel, put your feet up and rest before dinner this evening.

 

6. An afternoon in our country garden

An afternoon spent in our English country garden is one to remember. Follow the winding pathways and take a moment to pause beneath the wisteria. Cross the lush green lawn, explore the greenhouses, and roam around our kitchen garden. A sanctuary for the senses, inhale the sweet scent of mahonia and rose, lily and honeysuckle – giving your holiday memories a beautiful scent to attach themselves to.

 

7. The gentle chatter of the dining room during a romantic dinner

The air is lightly scented with the perfume and cologne of other guests as make your way to our wood-panelled dining room. As you arrive at your table in The Terrace, the ambiance is relaxed but romantic and there’s the gentle chatter of other couples, and the clink of glasses as wine flows and menus are perused. This is just the beginning of an unforgettable evening…

 

8. The magic of the forest after rain

It can’t always be sunny in our beautiful New Forest; it is only as green and lush as it is because of the rain. When it passes and you go out to explore, take in the beautiful stillness that settles over the woodland after a heavy rain. Stop and listen to the patter of raindrops as they fall from the leaves and let the earthy rich scents ground you. Layers of damp moss and fallen leaves, awakened by the recent shower and released with every step.

 

9. The crackle of the fire

The first thing to greet you on a cold day, the welcome of an open fire lures you to warm your hands after chilly forest walks or to sit and simply be.
Whether you pull up a chair in our hotel lounge or take a seat in Monty’s Inn, sitting in front of the fire, watching hypnotically as the flames dance, invites you to relax and unwind. Spend an afternoon reminiscing over an Afternoon tea, enjoy a drink before dinner or your favourite tipple after.

 

10. Reading the paper and sipping coffee in bed

What could be better than having freshly brewed coffee delivered to your door in the morning. Whist you’re on your New Forest break we encourage you to wake up slowly; sit and sip a coffee and read the paper or listen to the birds before even thinking about getting up for breakfast.

 

11. The crunch of leaves beneath your feet

Sometimes you just want to be immersed in nature, wholly and completely. There’s nothing like getting away from the city on a New Forest break, putting the phone on silent and wandering into the woods to be present. To be more mindful and aware of the crunch of the leaves under foot, the breeze through the trees and the smell of the pine as you slowly decompress and settle into a few days away.

 

12. An afternoon with no plan

These moments are few and far between. Waking to the thought that you have nothing planned but only time ahead to go where the day takes you, whether that’s to a nearby attraction or beauty spot, or to our country garden with a book. The day is all yours…

 

These are but a few of the many moments you can capture on your next visit to our New Forest hotel. Always unqiue and paired perfectly with the season, it’s about time you come and discover them for yourself.