Sometimes all you need is an escape to nature, swapping the wonderful bustle of city life with the rustle of leaves through the trees of an ancient woodland.
A family break in the New Forest National Park gives every family member essential time to slow the pace a little; recharge, forget timetables and work schedules and reconnect. An escape from the city also helps to renew your love, not just of being in nature but of home – distance really does make the heart grow fonder.
At the Montagu Arms hotel you can expect nothing short of the comforts of home, as well as great food and space to play, relax, let go a little, and spend time together. The Montagu Arms Hotel is the ideal base for a family holiday, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and nature, with plenty of activity options should you need them; to explore or discover local attractions, head out on rambles and walks, or take on the miles of New Forest cycling routes.
This really is the place for families looking for a nature-based stay with something for everyone, and at The Montagu Arms hotel, you can take advantage of the Kids Stay Free break for families with children under 16.
The Kids Stay Free break includes luxury overnight accommodation in a Family Suite or Courtyard Room, continental breakfast with options that everyone will be happy with, complimentary morning tea and coffee served to your room and a welcome hamper for kids, with fun activities and a tasty surprise.
Families also receive exclusive access discounts for local activity bookings and attraction tickets, whether that’s paddling down Beaulieu River with New Forest Activities or visiting the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
Nature is on the hotel’s doorstep for parents hoping to leave the car parked for the weekend. Family holidays in the New Forest are about mini adventures.
Explore on foot, walk around the charming village of Beaulieu, or into the forest, spot the New Forest ponies and donkeys, sit beside the river and enjoy a picnic or plan a walk to Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum with an abundance of flora and fauna to look out for on the way.
Just a 3-minute drive or 20-minute walk away is the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Perfect for a day out with the family, it is a true escape from the city, with something for everyone; history, entertainment, outdoor fun and hands-on exploration. Gardens, interactive exhibits, picnic places and a wonderful playground where little ones can freely run around and burn off any excess energy.
There’s nothing quite like the weariness that comes after a day out in nature – unlike any other, it promises calmer evenings, great sleep and (hopefully) a lie-in.
It may be time to experiment with a tech-free family break; where every member enjoys a digital detox, putting the tech away in a draw, choosing instead time together talking, playing board games and planning the day’s adventures.
Pick up a flora and fauna handbook like this one from Chris Packham, so you can have fun identifying plants and animals you spot on your New Forest walks.
Try something completely new as a family – how about a horse-riding experience? There’s nothing like exploring the beautiful landscapes of the New Forest on horseback. Now you can, the New Forest hotel has partnered with Coombe Stables, to deliver unforgettable experiences, no matter whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner. You can all enjoy a glorious guided ride through scenic woodland and open countryside, and it’s just a short drive from your luxury family accommodation.
What about mealtimes? The Montagu Arms Hotel understands how difficult it can be to find menus to accommodate every appetite, so that’s why when it comes to dining at their country hotel, there’s plenty of choice.
Relax together, play games and reminisce over the day’s fun at Monty’s Inn – the hotels very own country pub, welcoming wellies and muddy paws. The kids’ menu is complete with smoothies, starters, mains and puddings so even the fussiest of eaters will find something they love.
If it’s a special family meal and memorable dining experience during your luxury family holiday you’re hoping for during your stay, children over the age of 8 years are welcome in the hotel’s Terrace Restaurant. In this traditional wood-panelled dining room the hotel’s chefs deliver thoughtfully crafted dishes showcasing the finest flavours of the forest, using seasonal produce and local ingredients, homegrown in the hotel kitchen garden or sourced nearby from handpicked providers.
Escaping the city is about embracing all that nature can provide. Having space to roam and play, tired legs and weariness after hours of exploring, learning experiences, opportunities to expand the imagination and just have fun; Try new things together, bringing you all a little closer, without the usual distractions.
Make this summer one to remember with mini family adventures, tech-free family holidays and time well spent in nature – resting, relaxing and reconnecting.