The New Forest is a magical place for a holiday – bursting with wonderful attractions, beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife, not to mention a whole host of exciting activities. Ponies roam through ancient woodland, rivers and streams gurgle their way through fairy-tale glens, and historic houses sit within glorious gardens.
Discover the New Forest National Park by village hopping across the countryside and coast, choose from an abundance of restaurants, pubs and cafes for delicious meals and memorable coffee stops, and simply enjoy the good life in this unique corner of the UK.
Our New Forest cottages are as diverse as the experiences on offer. Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway for two walking the forest trails or packing your family holiday itinerary with adventures aplenty, your dream retreat is waiting within our collection. Here are our top 10 most-booked properties in the New Forest of 2022 to inspire your next break. Or view our full collection of New Forest cottages by clicking the button below.
Our New Forest cottage collection
1. Dukes Bath House, Beaulieu
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
As cute as a button, this quirky thatched cottage sits right beside the Beaulieu River, with scenic New Forest walks right from the front door. Dukes Bath House is equipped with everything you’ll need for a romantic break for two, from a rustic tree trunk veranda outside to a cosy lounge with a wood burner effect electric fire inside.
Surrounded by miles of open woodland and boasting glorious views of the river, it’s no wonder this was our most-booked New Forest cottage in 2022.
Why our guests love it:
“We had a lovely stay at Dukes Bath House. The location is amazing with beautiful views on the doorstep – and it was great to be able to walk to Beaulieu and pop along to the pub in the evening. The property has a lovely garden and a big table so you can eat outside (weather permitting!). Inside, it is very well appointed and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.” – Lynne, 2022
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2. Rooksbridge Barn, Burridge
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
The wood-fired hot tub isn’t the only luxurious feature in this five-star retreat. The bright, open-plan living space of Rooksbridge Barn offers plenty of room for socialising, while the two bedrooms are sumptuous sanctuaries for early nights and lazy mornings.
The large, enclosed garden is a wonderful space to make the most of sunny days, with BBQs, games on the lawn, and relaxing in the hot tub. And if it’s not outdoor weather, there’s a heated gazebo outside or a toasty wood burner inside.
Why our guests love it:
“The barn is situated in Idyllic, peaceful surroundings. We enjoyed sitting in the garden and watching the chickens.” – Linda, 2022
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3. Crow's Nest Cabin, Beaulieu
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
If you’re looking for holiday rentals in the New Forest for a romantic break, Crow’s Nest Cabin is the perfect place to hide away and enjoy each other’s company. A stilted cottage alongside the River Beaulieu, it enjoys a leafy setting and has been beautifully decorated to create a cosy woodland retreat for two.
Settle down in front of the roaring wood burner for evenings of rest and relaxation – a must when you’ve spent your days enjoying visits to the many local attractions or walking through the enchanting New Forest National Park.
Why our guests love it:
“We had such a lovely week at Crow's Nest Cabin. It was so relaxing, peaceful, and just perfect. The cabin was beautiful. It had everything we needed, the bed was SO comfortable and the view from the bedroom looked like a painting! There is a lovely walk to both Buckler’s Hard and Beaulieu, which was so perfect for walking the dog as there are a lot of shaded areas. Basil (the dog) loved it too – he tried so hard to get the bone out of the water bowl (provided) with no luck, haha! I would recommend this cottage.” – Wendy 2022
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4. Old Telephone Exchange, Beaulieu
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
A gorgeous little cottage perfect for a romantic getaway, Old Telephone Exchange nestles within the peaceful Beaulieu Estate, where ponies graze beyond the picket fence, and the lake provides an idyllic backdrop for drinks at sundown.
The former telephone exchange has been impeccably converted into an airy, studio-style cottage which is all on one level. Let nature’s harmony be the soundtrack to your evenings as you sit and enjoy the calmness of this lovely spot.
Why our guests love it:
“Fabulous week at this studio cabin. The whole place had everything we needed and was very comfortable. A place where you could really relax away from it all. We saw so much wildlife just outside the front door, including roe deer and birds of prey. Well situated to explore the area and there are lots of lovely walks. A week of sunshine too, even though it was October. A really lovely stay.” – Lisa, 2022
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5. Little Bourne, Brockenhurst
Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
If you’re looking for holiday cottages in the New Forest that are a little bit special, look no further than this exemplary annexe. Stylishly converted with every little detail considered, Little Bourne exudes a seamless blend of traditional character and boutique design.
Picture yourself sipping your evening tipple in the sunny lawned garden with far-reaching countryside views, before retiring inside to make the most of the luxurious accommodation. Unfurl beside the wood burner-effect gas fire on one of the sumptuous sofas or unwind in one of the two chic bedrooms – one of which is accessed via a quirky ladder!
Why our guests love it:
“An absolute gem of a place. Top quality fittings and a fabulously comfortable bed with super-soft bed linen. The view was that of a David Attenborough documentary, ever-changing wildlife. Highly recommend this place and one we will definitely revisit.” – Sandra, 2022
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6. Forest Escape, Lymington
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Why we love it:
This gorgeous little hideaway is tucked away in a scenic spot near Lymington, regarded by many as one of the best places to stay in the New Forest. A single-storey cottage for two, Forest Escape is spacious and comfortable with vast bi-fold doors on two sides opening onto the decking outside – filling the space with natural light.
Enjoy some much-deserved pampering, with a range of holistic therapies available by arrangement with the owner. Then sink into the warm, soothing bubbles of the private hot tub outside, perfectly positioned to make the most of the sunshine by day, and stars by night.
Why our guests love it:
“Such a lovely relaxing holiday in a wonderful holiday home. Very clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. The owners are very friendly, and kindly left us some nice food essentials such as bread, milk, eggs and juice. The garden is wonderful, especially on a warm, sunny day. We loved the hot tub – a perfect way to relax after a day of walking and exploring. I would definitely recommend Forest Escape to friends and family. A lovely stay, thank you.” – Emma, 2022
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7. The Retreat, Avon
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
Set beneath the gently swaying boughs of its woodland surrounds, this quirky wooden cabin stands on stilts and offers guests the chance to escape from it all. There are abundant forest walks and cycling routes right from the doorstep of The Retreat.
Spend summer evenings watching the birds from the wraparound, decked balcony, and winter nights snuggled up in the comfortable lounge. The private, sunken hot tub is the cherry on the cake – wonderfully sheltered, it can be enjoyed in all weathers.
Why our guests love it:
“We stayed in The Retreat last week and it was amazing. Everything about it is so well thought out and to a high standard. It’s very unique and is in a perfect location. It’s very clean and well-maintained. I’ll miss my morning cup of tea on the veranda, listening to the birds. We’ll definitely return as soon as we can!!!” – Sue, 2022
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8. Riverside Retreat, Beaulieu
Sleeps 4
Why we love it:
Experience the ultimate getaway amongst the treetops in this enchanting woodland cabin. Lying on the peaceful shore of the Beaulieu River, Riverside Retreat is a haven for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The reverse-level layout makes the most of the incredible views, through the leaves and across the water.
A crackling wood burner keeps you warm and toasty in the chillier months, while the elevated, decked veranda is the perfect spot to dine alfresco on a sunny day – in the company of birds, squirrels, deer and fascinating woodland creatures.
Why our guests love it:
“What a fabulous property in an amazing location. Contemporary, restful, comfortable beds, and high-quality linens and equipment. The ‘treetop’ deck was idyllic! Lovely walks from the doorstep and there is so much to see and do in this area. The wine and chocolates were a nice touch! We had a great week... not long enough... Would highly recommend, particularly for a couple.” – Sue, 2022
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9. Sailor's Retreat, Lymington
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
Set in the picturesque port town of Lymington, just a stone’s throw from the quay, this former fisherman’s cottage makes the perfect holiday home for a family looking to enjoy all the activities on offer along the coastline of the New Forest.
A beautifully appointed lounge with a glowing wood burner is the perfect place to spend time together, whether you have little ones making the most of the space for playing with toys, or older children running in and out of the pretty garden.
Why our guests love it:
“This was our third visit to Sailor’s Retreat because it is just such a lovely place to stay. The house is warm and welcoming and has everything you need for a great stay. The garden is also lovely with a table and chairs to sit out and enjoy the sunshine. It is very well placed for walking into Lymington and is a good spot to travel to different places within the New Forest or surrounding areas. Such a lovely time had by all, and so glad to come back after 2 years.” – Nicola, 2022
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10. Abbots Well Annexe
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Why we love it:
A home from home in the heart of the New Forest National Park, this comfortable annexe has been a huge hit with our guests in 2022. Inside, the spacious open-plan living area offers plenty of room to put your feet up and unwind after strolling back from the local pub, which serves a mouthwatering selection of hearty, home-cooked fare.
Outside, the large, enclosed garden is a lovely space to enjoy a BBQ and soak up the sunshine – many of our guests have reported seeing friendly New Forest ponies and donkeys wandering by!
Why our guests love it:
“Leave your car in the driveway. You can walk from the doorstep across miles of quiet, rural scenery or sit peacefully in the garden in the knowledge that there is a pub and cafe locally, so no need to cook. A very relaxing break.” – Maureen, 2022
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Stay with us in the New Forest
Still searching for that perfect holiday cottage in the New Forest? We have a fantastic collection of self-catering accommodation, ranging from large celebration houses right down to charming two-person retreats – with a variety of properties including townhouses, thatched cottages, and stylish apartments for you to browse through.
If you are still planning your trip to this beautiful part of the country, discover more from our full collection of wonderful holiday homes in the New Forest by clicking the button below.
Our New Forest collection