August’s over, the kids are back at school (or will be very soon!) – but the sun is due to come out and the days are still warm...hello Indian Summer!

The best way to make the most of this special time before autumn and winter really get to work is to get outside and enjoy it - and that’s where the New Forest comes in.

We have some of the UK’s best hotels and many other wonderful places to stay waiting to welcome you on a romantic late summer break. Once you’re here you can catch up on life together; from trying out an exciting new activity, to indulging in a cheeky Afternoon Tea – or maybe both!

Make the most of the warm and dry days by spending a day or two exploring on foot or by bike. Walking or cycling, we have more than 140 miles of off-road tracks, plus quiet byways where the greatest hazard is a wandering pony. You don’t even have to own or bring a bike, either, the following locations will make sure you can hire the bike that’s right for you and some will even rent you adaptive bikes for those with disabilities, or a little trailer for your dog! Book direct or contact any of the following for more information, Cyclexperience Bike Hire at Brockenhurst, Forest Leisure Cycling at Burley, The Woods Cyclery at Lyndhurst, New Forest Bikes at Lymington or Jaunt-e Bikes at Milford on Sea.

We have more than 40 miles of coastline to wander besides and, for those who are competent swimmers, the water should still be warm enough for a dip, although you should always check local conditions before entering the sea.

Book yourself in for a leisurely canoe, paddle or SUP experience with Calshot Activities, New Forest Activities or The New Forest Paddle Sport Company, or why not guide yourself into our Ancient Woodlands and try out the Japanese practise of Forest Bathing? Or how about a guided wildlife walk with the brilliant Wild New Forest?

Indian Summers are the perfect time for long drinks on the terraces and in the gardens of our award-winning hotels and restaurants. Sip champagne in the terraced gardens at The Montagu Arms Hotel or go for the ultimate experience and take Afternoon tea at the 5* Chewton Glen.

Book an Enchanted Afternoon Tea at Forest Park Hotel, or enjoy a real taste of the New Forest at one of our country pubs, where they use lots of local produce in their dishes and local options behind their bar.

Relax a deux by taking a wander round some of our formal gardens. Peaceful Exbury Gardens with its ponds and colour is the perfect place to reconnect, or try Furzey Gardens near Minstead, where they also have a tea room.

When it comes to staying you’ll be spoiled for choice. If you want to spa whilst away, make sure you check out the offers at the world-class SenSpa at Careys Manor in Brockenhurst, where the blissful treatments are all Thai inspired, or Lime Wood in the same area, where the Herb House Spa offers Tailored Spa Days.

Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel near Lymington and Balmer Lawn’s Saltus spa near Brockenhurst always score highly with couples and seasoned spa-goers will naturally want to check out Chewton Glen’s new Signature Spa Day.

For country comfort, The Pig at Brockenhurst can’t be beaten – there are plenty of rooms, choice and romantic little corners to sit and sip in. Spot in the Woods near Ashurst is surrounded by trees and make for a truly rural retreat.

Don’t forget, too, that our campsites make for a great place to enjoy the last days of summer and, for a little more comfort, we have some of the most beautiful B&Bs, and self-catering cottages and incredible holiday parks too.

Wherever you choose to go and however you want to celebrate, the time to book your Indian Summer is most definitely now!

*More information at thenewforest.co.uk