2020 has certainly been a very strange year so far and one that has taken a toll on all of us. A great way to combat all the stresses and strains of recent times is a change of scene and reconnecting to nature… cue the New Forest.

With the busier times of the school summer holidays behind you, a late summer break can be the perfect way to relax as a couple. Enjoy whiling away your time together on a gentle stroll through the forest, soaking up all the senses as the leaves are beginning to turn to the reds, golds and oranges of autumn. Or perhaps, you fancy getting close to nature by kayakinghorse riding or hiring a bike (you could even brave a tandem one for the ultimate romantic experience?!)… there are so many options to explore.

Rest up in some fine surroundings

Couples who love to indulge in the finer things in life will revel in the fine surroundings of hotels such as The Pig (great for all the foodies out there) or the five-star luxurious Chewton Glen Hotel, where you can also stay in your own treehouse should the mood take you! Be right at the heart of all the Forest’s action by spending time at Burley Manor where you can often spot the deer roaming from the hotel’s guest rooms.

For the ultimate in relaxation, check in to some of our spa hotels. Careys Manor makes an excellent choice with its award-winning SenSpa as does Lime Wood with its three-story destination spa, The Herb House.

If you are looking to stay somewhere less formal than a hotel but that still oozes romance then take a look at some of our holiday cottages where you can combine beautiful surroundings with all the perks and comforts of home. Undercastle Cottage comes complete with thatched roof and open fires set in a riverside location beside the River Avon. Another spot with a fantastic location is Alderholt Mill, a picturesque working water mill where you’ll be offered a cream tea upon arrival.

Another great option is to book into one of our glamping sites. Back of Beyond Touring Park offers many options including glamping pods, two shepherd’s huts, a luxury yurt and two lodges if you fancy a spot of camping in style. Plus, don’t forget all the amazing Bed and Breakfastsholiday parks and campsites that we have too!

Food, glorious food!

Enjoy some of our local produce at some of our pubs and restaurants. A great way to finish a long day’s walking is with a pint of Ringwood Brewery’s ale or even a glass of New Forest wine. Oh and let’s not forget local delicacies such as pannage pork (produced from the pigs that roam the Forest floor during the autumn months) and the ever-tasty New Forest ice cream as the ultimate way to finish off a three-course meal!

You’ll find many of our pubs and restaurants have some pretty amazing locations too and lots have their own pub gardens so you can soak up the late summer sun. Bring on the Indian summer!

A New Forest afternoon tea is a must too! You can find tea rooms and cafes dotted around some of our towns and villages or offered at many of our New Forest hotels so it’s easy to combine a walk/cycle with this traditional English experience afterwards. Oh yes!

Romantic things to do this summer

Depending on your interests, there’s a lot to whet your appetite here in the New Forest. We have over forty different walking routes available for those of you that love to get out and about on foot including walks along our ‘hidden coastline’ and scenic walks such as the Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard walk, which skirts along the Beaulieu River.

If gardens are your thing, then you’ll love a trip to Exbury Gardens to see the changing colours of their spectacular display of plants. Plus, the miniature railway is a highlight to many! The gardens and grounds of Beaulieu are equally delightful, as is a trip to the small, but intimate Furzey Gardens

Soak up our history by popping along to Hurst Castle (where you’ll also be able to take in some spectacular views over the Solent) or to the 18th century village at Buckler’s Hard.

What’s stopping you from booking your New Forest break today?

We hope we’ve given you lots of ideas for what you can do, where you can stay and a sample of all that you can see here in the New Forest. It’s also well worth taking a look at our romantic breaks special offers for last-minute availability, discounts on short breaks and some added extras. Wishing you an amazing stay here very soon!