Forest Park Hotel, Brockenhurst, New Forest

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is a 15-minute drive away, as is the Georgian sailing town of Lymington. We love the parade of forest animals that ventures past the hotel windows; free-roaming ponies, deer and donkeys.

A short walk from the centre of Brockenhurst village and within the National Park.
By car: London is around 2 hours 30 minutes away and Southampton around 30 minutes. Free parking at the hotel for guests.
By train: The closest train station is Brockenhurst. The journey from London Waterloo takes 1 hour 40 minutes and just over 2 hours from Oxford. The station is a five-minute taxi ride from the hotel. thetrainline.com

First-timers to the New Forest wanting to get a taste of the magic will like it here. We love the newly built garden room that brings the outside in, with its glass wall framing the views of the garden.

We love the sign at the entrance telling you that the only rule is that there are no rules. A quarter of the rooms are dog-friendly and these are on the ground floor with laminate wood floors (some have direct access to the garden). Dog beds, welcome treats and towel are provided.

• Free Wi-Fi
• Free parking
• Restaurant
• Family rooms
• Free breakfast
• Room service
• Large hotel garden

Shutters at the sash windows frame the verdant views and give the rooms a period feel. The Presidential Suite feels decadent, boasting a balcony overlooking the garden, a full-size sofa and supersize bathroom.

Cosy Double, Superking Double, Deluxe Superking/ Twin, Superior Super King/ Twin, Deluxe Superking Triple, Superking Suite, Presidental Suite
Facilities include: desk, ensuite bathroom, tea/coffee facility, hairdryer, LED TV, eco toiletries and telephone

Breakfasts are superb, with gluten-free and vegan options, New Forest honey and preserves, and fresh juices. We love the Insta-friendly tiered Enchanted Forest afternoon tea, which is beautifully presented with floral themed pastries emerging from cocoa-crumble soil.

The Acorn Room: formal fine dining, locally sourced. Open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. Mains start at £13.90
The Inn at Forest Park: refined pub-style dining, relaxed atmosphere. Open daily for breakfast lunch and dinner. Mains start at £13.90
The Bar at Forest Park: Well-stocked with a wide variety of beers, wines and spirits including its own exclusively distilled Forest Park BROCK Gin. Open 9am til late.