The New Forest isn’t just somewhere you visit - it’s somewhere you wake up to birdsong, fall asleep after fireside dinners and step straight into nature from your front door. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure or a restorative break, places to stay in the New Forest are as varied as the destination itself. From grand country house hotels and welcoming pubs with rooms, to cosy cottages, holiday parks and woodland campsites, here’s where to stay - and why each one makes your New Forest experience truly special.
Image - Stanwell House Hotel
Hotels in the New Forest
Staying in a hotel in the New Forest is about switching off and settling into comfort. Many offer spa facilities, excellent dining and beautiful grounds, making them ideal for romantic breaks, celebrations and relaxed weekends. With forest walks, wildlife and villages close by, hotels are perfect for guests who want indulgence alongside easy access to the outdoors.
Balmer Lawn Hotel – Brockenhurst
Perfectly placed between forest and village, Balmer Lawn is a classic New Forest stay. Expect relaxed luxury, a luxurious spa and seasonal dining at Beresfords.
The Manor at Sway - Sway
Refined, contemporary and quietly luxurious, The Manor at Sway is perfect for guests seeking calm sophistication. With beautifully designed rooms and dining, it’s an ideal base for slower New Forest days.
Image - The Manor at Sway
South Lawn Hotel – Milford on Sea
Set in a peaceful location close to the coast, South Lawn Hotel offers relaxed comfort with a strong sense of place. Its location makes it ideal for combining forest walks with coastal strolls, while the welcoming atmosphere suits couples, families and those with dogs.
Careys Manor Hotel – Brockenhurst
A long-established New Forest favourite, Careys Manor blends heritage with indulgence. Its renowned SenSpa offers deep relaxation, while Cambium restaurant champions local, seasonal flavours.
Image - Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa
Montagu Arms Hotel – Beaulieu
Tucked within Beaulieu village, this elegant country house feels steeped in story. Individually styled rooms, roaring fires and refined dining make it ideal for slower stays, gentle walks and exploring Beaulieu village on foot.
Rhinefield House Hotel – Brockenhurst
Often described as the ‘jewel of the New Forest’, Rhinefield House is surrounded by ancient woodland. Think grand architecture, tranquil gardens and fine dining - a memorable choice for special occasions.
Image - Rhinefield House Hotel
Stanwell House Hotel – Lymington
A stylish Georgian hotel right on Lymington High Street. Stanwell House offers coastal elegance with easy access to shops, markets and sailing.
New Forest Hotels also includes four distinctive stays across the New Forest: Bartley Lodge in Cadnam, Beaulieu Hotel near Lyndhurst, Burley Manor in Burley village, and Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst. Each offers a different way to experience the New Forest, from historic country houses and open heathland to village-based stays with easy access to walking trails
Holiday parks in the New Forest
Holiday parks are a great choice for families and groups looking for space, flexibility and on-site facilities. With self-contained accommodation and plenty to do nearby, they offer an easy, relaxed way to enjoy the New Forest. Ideal for longer stays, school holidays and multi-generation breaks where everyone can find their own pace.
Green Hill Farm Holiday Village – Landford
Peaceful and well-placed on the edge of the New Forest, Green Hill Farm offers lodges, glamping and touring pitches. With fishing lakes, café and direct access to walking routes, it’s a calm base for families and couples alike.
Image - Green Hill Holiday Village
Sandy Balls Holiday Village – Fordingbridge
Set within 120 acres of woodland, Sandy Balls is packed with activities and energy. Lodges, cabins and glamping options make it easy for families to mix adventure with downtime.
Shorefield Country Park – Milford on Sea
Where forest meets coast. Shorefield offers luxury lodges and even treehouses, alongside pools, entertainment and easy access to beaches - ideal for multi-generation stays.
Image - Shorefield Country Park
Hoburne Bashley – New Milton
Set on the edge of the New Forest near the coast, Hoburne Bashley is a brilliant choice for families looking for a holiday park with plenty to do on site. With indoor and outdoor pools, entertainment, play areas and spacious lodges and caravans.
Rivendell Park – Near Ringwood
A tranquil park near Ringwood offering contemporary lodges in a landscaped countryside setting. Rivendell Park suits guests looking for space, privacy and easy access to the New Forest.
Image - Rivendell Park
Self catering cottages in the New Forest
Self catering stays suit guests who enjoy independence and flexibility. From cosy cottages to spacious lodges, they allow you to explore the New Forest at your own pace - cooking when you like, coming and going freely, and settling into local life. A brilliant option for families, longer stays and slower, more immersive breaks.
New Forest Cottages – Various Locations
From thatched cottages to contemporary lodges, this collection offers characterful stays across the New Forest, allowing you to choose village life, riverside calm or woodland seclusion.
Image - New Forest Cottages
Upper Kingston Farm Cottages – Ringwood
A collection of characterful farm cottages. These stays are ideal for families and groups looking for space, rural calm and easy access to explore the New Forest
New Forest Escapes – Various locations
Specialists in beautifully curated stays, New Forest Escapes offers high-quality cottages and lodges across the area. Expect thoughtful interiors, peaceful settings and properties chosen for their connection to the landscape.
Image - New Forest Escapes
Undercastle Cottage – Fordingbridge
A rare riverside retreat beside the Avon. Thatched, peaceful and wonderfully atmospheric, Undercastle Cottage is ideal for anglers, walkers and anyone craving stillness.
Cadnam Lodge Estate – Cadnam
Set within private woodland on the edge of the New Forest, Cadnam Lodge Estate offers elegant self-catering lodges with space, privacy and easy access to forest trails. Ideal for guests who want seclusion without feeling remote.
Image - Cadnam Lodge
Little Hill Farm Villa – St. Leonards, Ringwood
Spacious and family-friendly, this countryside villa offers room to spread out, with an enclosed field and easy access to forest trails and nearby attractions.
Hedgerows House – Ringwood
A calm, luxury self catering estate near Ringwood. Offering stylish homes, classic country charm and rooms and easy access to forest walks, historic towns and the coast.
Camping and glamping in the New Forest
Camping and glamping offer a close-to-nature way to experience the New Forest. From peaceful woodland pitches to more comfortable glamping options, these stays are ideal for walkers, cyclists and outdoor lovers. Expect fresh air, wildlife nearby and a real sense of escape - without overcomplicating things.
Setthorns Campsite – Brockenhurst
A quieter, back-to-nature campsite tucked beneath ancient trees. Setthorns is perfect for campers who want simplicity, woodland immersion and direct access to peaceful walking routes.
Image - Camping New Forest
Holmsley Campsite – Burley
Spacious and open, Holmsley Campsite sits between forest and heathland, offering a classic New Forest camping experience. With room to roam and excellent access to cycling trails, it’s ideal for families and outdoor explorers.
Back of Beyond Touring Park – St. Leonards
A tranquil adults-focused site offering shepherd’s huts, yurts and safari tents - perfect for peaceful, slower stays.
Image - Back of Beyond Touring Park
Bed & breakfasts in the New Forest
B&Bs are perfect for shorter stays and guests who enjoy personal service and local knowledge. Often located close to villages and walking routes, they offer comfortable rooms, hearty breakfasts and a friendly atmosphere - ideal for walkers, couples and relaxed weekend breaks.
Daisybank Cottage – New Forest
An award-winning, thoughtfully restored B&B offering calm, comfort and exceptional breakfasts cooked on an Aga. Daisybank Cottage is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful, high-quality New Forest stay.
Image - Daisybank Cottage
The Shimmerings, Rowans Bed & Breakfast and Lyndhurst House offer characterful places to stay across the New Forest. From lakeside calm and elegant townhouses, these stays suit guests who value local knowledge, good food and easy access to forest walks, cycling routes and the coast.
Plan your New Forest stay
Wherever you choose to stay in the New Forest, you’re never far from ancient woodland, free-roaming animals, welcoming villages and the simple pleasure of being outside.
Your stay starts here.
