Celebrate spring by exploring what the New Forest has to offer
GIVE your senses a spring treat and enjoy the season unfolding all around you in Hampshire’s New Forest, home to some of western Europe’s most ancient trees and wonderful wildlife.
Give your senses a spring treat and experience Hampshire’s New For
The 17th century Cottage Lodge Hotel at its heart in the village of Brockenhurst is offering special breaks until April 30.
Much of its décor, including four-poster beds, is sourced from fallen forest timber, eco themes figure large throughout and breakfast promises to set guests up for the day with a handsome array of local produce from bacon to field mushrooms.
Afterwards you can wander woodlands carpeted in bluebells, explore the 1000-year-old Saxon church, then down a glass of fine ale at the Snake Catcher pub and glimpse a pony or donkey ambling by.
Saint Saviour church in Brockenhurst
Just a short hop on a local train will take you to the Keyhaven marshes nature reserve.
This is a top spot for watching comorants, little terns and oyster-catchers, and depending on the time of year the shingle banks are dotted with yellow-horned poppy, sea campion and sea aster.
Cottage Lodge is offering two-night breaks from £99 pp (two sharing).
People horse riding through a stream in Hampshire’s New Forest
Be inspired by Hampshire
For families until April 30 up to two children can share a room with their parents for free (minimum two-night stay at weekends, and a four-night one over Easter) and dogs are welcome too.
For more details, contact 01590 622 296/cottagelodge.co.uk.