48 Hours Away: The Ultimate Itinerary for Your New Forest Break
So, you have 48 hours in the New Forest?
We suggest that you have a few things planned for your New Forest escape before you go, so all you have to do is peruse a menu and decide which book to read, first.
Is there a local event that you’re excited about? Are you looking to switch off and spend time in in the spa, SenSpa? Or are you dreaming of escaping the city and absorbing some of our wonderful fresh forest air with time in nature on your New Forest break?
This is just one suggested itinerary that will make for the perfect getaway.
Day 1 – Arrival and what to do on your New Forest escape?
Morning
Leave early and maximise your time in the New Forest National Park. If you’re in London, drive the 85 miles and arrive in 2 – 3 hours, or hop on a train direct to Brockenhurst station and you could be sitting in our French bistro, Le Blaireau sipping an espresso in under 2 hours.
You have lots of time before check-in and there’s a whole forest to explore, or perhaps it’s time for lunch? Jump straight into the swing of your relaxing short break and grab a table at one of three hotel restaurants; Zen Garden, Le Blaireau and Cambium, or sit and enjoy a lighter bite in our hotel lounge.
DISCOVER OUR NEW FOREST RESTAURANTS
Scenic drives near Careys Manor and a New Forest spa
Afternoon
It’s time to explore! You’re away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Lean into the feeling of escape and slow things down.
Go for a scenic New Forest drive to nearby villages of Lyndhurst and Beaulieu, or along Rhinefield Ornamental Drive, or set out from our Hampshire hotel in the heart of the National Park for a walk around the village or into the forest. You’ll meet our locals, the New Forest ponies, hear the birds singing, and see the trees dancing in the breeze. This is your time to let it all go, breathe and relax.
When it’s time to check-in, head to your room and make yourself at home in a space designed with contemporary details and country home comforts; it’s all yours for the next couple of days. A base for adventures or relaxation. Book a table for dinner whilst you’re at reception – perhaps modern British plates at Cambium tonight and the taste of Thailand tomorrow?
You have a few hours before dinner, how about our poolside jacuzzi and sauna before freshening up for an aperitif in the lounge. You are always invited to wander down to the leisure facilities and spa in your robe, where you will find towels and a SenSpa treatment list (just in case).
Day 2 – What local attractions are there to explore during a New Forest break?
Morning
After a most wonderful night’s sleep, you may be excited by our hotel gym and swimming pool or by the idea of an uninterrupted lie-in. However you choose to spend your morning, don’t miss breakfast; served in Cambium, fuel mind and body for the day ahead with a cooked or continental, with a pot of tea or freshly brewed coffee – it’s breakfast – your way.
After breakfast the day is yours. Plan a visit to a local attraction or attend a local event.
– To Exbury Gardens to take in the budding bluebells, primroses, and wildflowers burst back into life, Exbury is a proud partner of the Royal Horticultural Society RHS and members can enjoy the gardens for free throughout the months of March, June and September.
-Or to The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, which has a bustling year-round calendar of events, from seasonal autojumbles and sculpture exhibitions to the Gardener’s World spring fair.
– At our New Forest hotel, we also have a host of events, from soothing Sen Sound Sessions that change with each new moon, to wedding venue open days and holiday-specific lunches and afternoon teas.
So, either plan your stay around an event that catches your eye or make your stay the event itself.
Lunch! Grab a bite while you’re out, pack a picnic or come back to the hotel. We haven’t even mentioned the afternoon tea yet… A wonderfully indulgent treat during your New Forest break, after a long morning of discovery, sit down to a delicious quintessentially British pastime of tea, freshly baked scones, cakes and finger sandwiches.
Afternoon
Many couples during their New Forest break love to get out and spend time in nature; walking, cycling and immersing themselves in the landscape. Find local walks of differing lengths depending on how long you wish to wander, through ancient trees, past our grand old giants; over open heathland or along the coast.
Or perhaps you need to simply rest. In which case, spend the afternoon at our award-winning spa, SenSpa. If you’re not on a spa break weekend, no problem, guests are welcome to upgrade to access all of the SenSpa facilities during their stay, so you can melt into an afternoon of pure chill.
Peruse the treatment list and book treatments ahead of time. From the most soothing and stress relieving Ayurvedic Head Massage to active and restorative Traditional Thai Massage – there is something for every kind of spa-goer.
Tonight, you’re heading to Thailand, so swap your robe for date-night smart casual and make your way to the Zen Garden, another of our hotel restaurants, inviting to sit down to the warm, aromatic flavours of true Thai cooking in a tranquil New Forest setting.
Tired and content, you head to your room for another wonderful sleep. Tomorrow you travel home, but that can wait, you still have a whole morning…
Day 3 – Sunrise, check-out and more exploring on your New Forest escape!
Morning
Wake up for sunrise and a fresh New Forest morning walk. Jump in the car wind your way along peaceful roads to Picket Post Car Park and watch the forest awaken. Then, head back to the hotel for a freshly brewed coffee and a relaxing breakfast.
You may have checked out, but it doesn’t mean you have to leave. Stay and have another coffee or get out and do more exploring on your New Forest break!
