The big bonus if you’re coming to the New Forest on holiday is that you can spend your mornings among the famous free-roaming ponies and woodland wildlife on a scenic walk. Maybe, stop for lunch at a wonderful gastro pub and relax on a beautiful beach in the afternoon, taking in the far-reaching views across to the Isle of Wight.

Choosing where to stay
For a homely vibe with plenty of space to stretch out, relax and live like a local, look at the area’s biggest accommodation provider - New Forest Cottages. They have over 180 cute cottages, large family homes, dog-friendly pads, cool apartments and converted barns, some with pools and hot tubs, sleeping between 2 – 12 guests, all in and around the National Park.

But if you fancy a holiday home closer to the beach than the woods, New Forest Cottages have plenty of holiday rentals in the seaside villages of Milford on Sea, Highcliffe and Barton on Sea.

Take a peek below for inspiration and see some holiday cottages recently added to their portfolio, - which means they have good availability. But you’ll need to be quick to nab the best cottages for the dates you want.

New Forest Cottages in Milford on Sea

Gorsehill Cottage sleeps 4
This fab dog-friendly cottage radiates laid-back luxe with design-led furnishings. There’s a fire to cosy up if it turns chilly before the summer kicks in, and when it does, there’s a lovely garden filled with blooming planters, BBQ, patio and decking for those long warm evenings. The village centre for endless places to eat, and a pathway through a nature reserve leading to the beach is just a wander away.

Find out more about Gorsehill Cottage.

The Little House sleeps 4

Great for families, this not-so-pint-sized holiday home features two light-filled bright bedrooms – a twin and king-size double, with the latter having an ensuite. The living area generously flows and is almost open-plan and home to a thoughtfully equipped kitchen and lounge area with a big corner sofa. A wall of bi-fold doors leads onto the enclosed garden with a solid wood dining set to enjoy al fresco meals and hang out under the stars on a summer’s night. Shops, restaurants, and pubs are only a short stroll from the front door, and the beach is even closer.  

Find out more about The Little House

Driftwood sleeps 6

This spacious single-story abode is beautifully decorated with a trendy maritime nod to its location close to the sea. Accommodation is flexible, having two main bedrooms (a king and a twin) with the option of a third. Add cushy sofas, a fire for off-season breaks and patio doors to the pretty south-facing garden. It’s a leisurely walk to the village centre and Milford on Sea’s beach, which leads to a one-and-a-half pebble spit out to the coastal fortress, Hurst Castle.

Find out more about Driftwood

Barton On Sea

Ashtree House sleeps 6

Step inside Ashtree House to find a contemporary super stylish family home with space for pooches and guests to unwind and enjoy time away. After a day gadding about on the beach and forest, come ‘home’ to flop into the sumptuous leather sofa in the sunroom or grab a pew out in the south-facing garden to enjoy the last of the sun’s rays. It’s easy to whip up a quick and easy meal in the well-equipped kitchen/diner or stroll to one of Barton on Sea’s outstanding restaurants. The beach is just a five-minute walk.

Find out more about Ashtree House

Highcliffe

Little Meggs sleeps 2, and Old School Cottage sleeps 4, which can be booked separately or together.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic bolthole for two, a home for a family break or a holiday cottage to commandeer friends to get together, these two dreamy Victorian cottages sitting side by side are a good solution. Overflowing with quaintness, character and charm, each cottage is furnished with comfort in mind. Each garden has a large grassy lawn, gorgeously pretty bloom-planted borders, shrubs and lofty trees. What’s more, both properties are dog-friendly too, and Highcliffe’s year-round dog-friendly sandy beach is just a twenty-minute walk.

Find out more about Little Meggs

Find out more about Old School Cottage

Take a look at New Forest Cottages