With government lockdown restrictions set to lift from 12 April* as part of the roadmap to recovery, we are delighted to hear that self-catering accommodation will be allowed to be opened once again. If you’ve been dreaming of an escape to the New Forest then now’s the time to book. It won’t be long now before you can return to exploring our beautiful National Park and the surrounding area.

The majority of our self-catering properties are open to book from 12 April including holiday cottagescampsites and self-serviced holiday parks. In this blog, we take a look at some of the top self-catering breaks you can enjoy over the coming months…

Holiday cottages and self-catering properties

If you love a home-from-home when on holiday then it’s well worth looking into a self-catering break. Many of our self-catering properties are found in or within short reach of the New Forest National Park, ideal for walkingcycling and other outdoor adventures.

Some properties which currently have availability from mid-April** include Upper Kingston Farm Cottages with their restored Victorian barn cottages near Ringwood, Hucklesbrook Farm New Forest Holiday Cottages with their tranquil hamlet setting. Self-catering groups New Forest Cottages and Arniss Holidays both have a selection of properties to suit across the local area.

If you fancy some fantastic views over the Solent, then be sure to check out late availability at Sea Road, with views to die for from this modern holiday home in Milford-on-Sea.

Close by to Moors Valley Country Park, so ideal for those travelling with children, are the pretty Forester's and Keeper's Cottages. Or, if you fancy staying just a short distance from Lymington Marina and some of the New Forest beaches then No.3 Buckland Cottages should be top of your agenda!

Of course, you may not wish to be visiting as soon as restrictions lift so you might like to take a look at some of the other self-catering properties that offer availability for later in the year. Browse our accommodation listings for more information and keep an eye on our last-minute offers and accommodation deals. You will find self-catering properties dotted around the New Forest so you may wish to choose one based on its proximity to some of our big-name attractions such as Beaulieu or Paulton’s Park, or perhaps somewhere secluded for the ultimate in romantic getaways for the two of you.

Holiday Parks

All of our New Forest holiday parks will be re-opening to the general public from 12 April however, some park facilities will remain closed until 17 May.

Shorefield Country Park offers modern caravan accommodation just a stone’s throw away from the beach and is showing availability from 12 April. Likewise, Hoburne Bashley has caravan availability from mid-April too. Their park offers a safe environment for children to run, cycle or be happy hide-and-seekers without straying too far. The four-legged members of the family are also very welcome!

Other holiday parks with availability from 12 April include:

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, set at Godshill offers a wide-range of accommodation to suit all budgets including; luxury themed accommodation with hot tubs, caravans and woodland lodges.
Green Hill Farm, a peaceful hide-away site on the edge of the New Forest. Set within the National Park, it has its own direct access to the forest from the site.
Shamba Holiday Park, at St Leonards, near Ringwood, will be re-opening for motorhome/caravan guests that have their own kitchen and bathroom/WC.
Downton Holiday Park, near New Milton, is a family-run holiday park just a few minutes’ drive from the beach at Milford-on-Sea.

Camping and caravanning

Staying on one of our campsites can be a great way of getting close to the wonderful New Forest nature. Many of our campsites will be re-opening from 12 April for guests that have their own facilities such as toilets e.g. motorhomes and caravans, please check with the campsite at time of booking.

Take your pick from our Camping in the Forest locations (there are 10 sites across the New Forest to choose from) or Lytton Lawn Touring Park, with its 8 acres of peaceful parkland.

Within walking distance of Brockenhurst, Long Meadow Campsite offers 100 spacious pitches with a choice of electric hook up, grass and hard standing.

Family-friendly Red Shoot Camping Park starts its 2021 season on 12 April with their full facilities open from 17 May. And with an emphasis on wildlife, the Back of Beyond Touring Park, near Ringwood, offers touring pitches and glamping opportunities such as pods, shepherd’s huts and yurts.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to the beautiful New Forest and show you just what the area has to offer for the perfect UK staycation!

*please note, this date was correct at time of writing but is subject to change depending on government advice.

**availability as at 8 March. Please check availability at time of booking as it will be subject to change.