Reviewed by Ruby the Spaniel
My name’s Ruby and I’m a regular at South Lawn in Milford on Sea. My mum and dad take me to the New Forest whenever they get the chance, and we always stay at South Lawn — there’s nowhere quite like it.
From the moment I bounce through the door, I’m treated like one of the family. I know the whole team now and they always make a big fuss of me. I even get a goody bag on arrival (with biscuits, of course) and a personalised welcome letter that tells me all the best ways to enjoy my stay.
What I love most is that there’s a special section of the restaurant for us. It’s called doggy dining and I get to join my mum and dad for dinner and breakfast. If I’m lucky (and I usually am), I get a sausage in the morning — but only if mum and dad say yes… which they always do.
We’ve stayed in a few different rooms, but my favourites are the Garden Rooms. They’ve got doors that open straight onto the garden and into the doggy paddock — a secure area where I can have a good run around, meet other dogs, and sniff everything in sight. I often see old friends from past visits; it’s quite normal here to bump into regulars like us. And not just the dogs — mum and dad always seem to make friends too.
Autumn is my favourite time to visit. The forest is full of colour, and a walk on the beach or along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle is the perfect way to clear the cobwebs (and get a good shake in). We even spent Christmas at South Lawn last year — it was cosy, festive and full of belly rubs. All the dogs got a pressie from Santa too.
Every now and then, Tim and Nikki, the lovely owners send emails to their friends and regulars and as soon as one lands, dads straight on it — Fall into Winter, “26 for 26”, March into Spring then Spring into Summer. They really do look after us, all year round, I can’t wait to go back.
Whether you’re a fellow four-legged traveller or a human who just loves a warm welcome, I hope you get the chance to enjoy a stay at South Lawn. And if you do — I might just see you there.
Wags and kisses,
Ruby xxx
South Lawn is a privately owned 57 bedroom hotel with the adjoining Cedar Tree Restaurant. Located in Milford on Sea and enjoying close proximity to the New Forest National Park and gorgeous Hampshire coast.
The Cedar Tree Restaurant and South Lawn are both well reviewed and South Lawn boasts a Trip advisor Best of the Best Award in 2024 and 2025 and is ranked as the no.4 pet friendly hotel in the world.
Find out more and book your dog friendly break at South Lawn Hotel.