The New Forest in 24 hours: A Slower Kind of Escape

There’s something quietly luxurious about slowing down. For my birthday this year, we swapped far-flung flights and packed itineraries for something a little more grounded: a short stay in the New Forest — just two hours from London but a world away from its pace.

Accommodation

We checked into Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst, a relaxed yet refined retreat with three different restaurants (Thai, French, and modern British) and plenty of free parking. The hotel is just a five-minute stroll from the village centre — where wild ponies roam freely, stopping traffic as they please and adding a touch of countryside magic.

Brokenhurst

Dinner

Sadly, all of the hotel’s restaurants were fully booked when we arrived (top tip: always book in advance), so instead we headed to The Pig in Brockenhurst — one of the area’s most talked-about spots — and it did not disappoint.

The Pig is effortlessly chic, buzzing with an upmarket crowd and an atmosphere that feels special but never stuffy. Dinner was seasonal and locally sourced, with truffled cheese soufflés to start, followed by sea bream for the main course. For dessert, I had a rich chocolate torte that genuinely melted in the mouth — deep, dark, and indulgent in the best possible way. As it was my birthday, they surprised us with two homemade pieces of fudge topped with little chocolate pigs and a candle — a sweet, thoughtful touch that made the whole evening feel quietly celebratory.

The Next Day

The next morning, we took a scenic 15-minute drive to Beaulieu — a pretty, historic village known for its abbey and the Beaulieu Motor Museum. There, we stopped at The Beaulieu Bakehouse, a café that dates back to the 1700s. Think wooden beams, vintage charm, and the kind of buttery pastries that make it worth arriving early.

Before heading home, we fit in a gentle walk along the Tall Trees Trail, a peaceful 1.5-mile loop surrounded by towering redwoods and Douglas firs — ideal for stretching your legs and soaking in the scenery. The air felt fresh and grounding, and it was the perfect way to end the trip.

All in all, the New Forest is a restorative escape, whether you're after laid-back countryside or something with a little polish. With mid- to upmarket options depending on your budget, it’s ideal for a birthday getaway, romantic break, or a simple pause from city life.

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Have you been to the New Forest? I’d love to know your favourite places — comment below and share your recommendations!