Top 10 Romantic New Forest Locations

Oxford Languages defines romance as ‘a quality or feeling of mystery, excitement, and remoteness from everyday life,’ whilst for some it is the very expression of love and affection.

If it is remoteness from the everyday that you seek, and beautiful places from where you can express your adoration or simply spend time together to reconnect with each other and nature, the New Forest is abundant. The true beauty of romantic moments lies in their uniqueness, so no matter what romantic means to you, there will be something to capture your heart here in our National Park. From weekend breaks filled with peaceful picnics and winding wanders through ancient woodland to relaxing spa days that nourish and calm busy minds and bodies.

1. Cycle amongst our giants

Save an afternoon on your weekend break to head for Ornamental Drive and the Blackwater Arboretum. Perfect for a beautiful bike ride through ancient trees, this celebrated place is home to some of the New Forest’s tallest trees and some of the country’s oldest Douglas Firs. The sun-dappled trails and moss-carpeted forest floor provides the perfect backdrop to a romantic picnic and afternoon away from it all.

2. Take time out just for you

What could be more romantic than recognising the need for nourishment, calm and relaxation. Whether it’s a surprise romantic night away or a planned break, spend time together and reconnect at SenSpa. Slow down, allow balance to be restored and experience the array of spa facilities that have been designed to release muscle tension and promote deeper, more restful sleep.

3. Enjoy a peaceful paddle

Not far from our New Forest Hotel is the tidal Beaulieu River for couples looking to resume a favourite pursuit away from home or for those looking to try something new together. New Forest Activities offer a range of trips and adventures in the beautiful Nature Reserve, from private kayaking and canoe tours to sunset paddles and a pub stop along the river.

4. Find romance in Lover

There is no shortage of quintessential country villages throughout the New Forest, packed with independent gift shops and cafes welcoming you in for cream teas and ice-cream stops, however, if there is one village renowned for romance, it’s Lover. The quaint village sits at the edge of the National Park and even has its own pop-up post-office that opens for Valentine’s where visitors can send extra special cards during February, whilst year-round they offer an online card service that will send cards from the ‘Lover Village Post’ with proceeds supporting The Lover Community Trust.

5. An escape for the garden lovers

Spend a day together at the 200-acre Exbury Gardens. Roam through their landscaped and wild gardens bursting with life and colour, from their bluebells and primroses to world-famous azaleas and rhododendrons. Explore Exbury House, hop on the miniature steam railway, peruse the art and sculpture exhibitions and stop in the café when it’s time to refuel.

6. Fall in love with the ‘Queen of the Forest’

An enduring love, the ancient Knightwood Oak is our most famous tree. Believed to have been planted in 1600, the National Park has been her home for more than 500 years and has been loved and protected by many. As one of the oldest trees in the National Park she is also one of the biggest, the circumference of her trunk measuring 7.4 metres.

You can find the great Knightwood Oak along Ornamental Drive, a short walk from the Knightwood car park.

7. Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary

Nature and wildlife have for centuries been given spiritual or symbolic meaning. There is something special about capturing wildlife roaming freely but despite there being an abundance of wildlife in the New Forest, you can’t guarantee it. The Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary is, however, one of the best places to watch and admire the elegant fallow deer, from a purpose-built platform overlooking a large meadow where they gather every day for food provided by a forest keeper.

8. Capture the sunset at Hatchet Pond

Considered by many to be the best place for a sunset in the New Forest, take time out of your weekend break to visit Hatchet Pond in Beaulieu – the largest body of fresh water in the New Forest.

A most peaceful place for beautiful reflections and evening walks. If romance for you is a sunset, wrap up together in a blanket and make it a perfect end to the day before heading back to the hotel to wine and dine.

9. Walk the coastline of Lepe Beach

A wild and beautiful favourite, the pine-fringed cliffs of Lepe Beach form part of Lepe Country Park, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s rich with wild-flowers and natural habitats and boasts exceptional views of the Isle of Wight and the Solent so a walk along its shoreline is destined to be a romantic one.

10. Run to Pipers Wait

Pipers Wait is the highest point in the New Forest, at 129 metres above sea level and offers a picturesque and peaceful backdrop for romantic forest jogs or workouts for those who want to get moving in nature. A hidden gem, this quieter part of the National Park offers beautiful gravel trails surrounded by heather and moorland, ancient woodland paths and of course, another chance to spend time with our most-popular New Forest residents, the ponies.

These are just a few of the romantic places you can discover in our beautiful New Forest, no matter whether you are searching for serenity, escape, or adventure. A couple’s night away or a spa break in the heart of our forest can be just the thing you need to restore balance and reconnection and our hotel will be your base and your sanctuary, whatever romantic means to you.