Sarah
09 December 2019
The New Forest is a favourite UK holiday destination for couples, families and dog owners alike! The unspoilt area of forest and heathland is perfect for visitors who want to enjoy the great outdoors, spot wildlife, embark on an adventure or delve into the history and culture of charming towns and villages. There’s a little bit of everything! So why not add it to your hit list in 2020? Whether it’s a week-long family holiday or a short break, we have some incredible New Forest cottages that you will love.
We’ve searched through our self-catering New Forest cottages to find those that were the most popular in 2019. From exclusive wooden cabins on the banks of the River Beaulieu to spacious family homes in the heart of the New Forest’s most sought-after town locations; let our top New Forest cottages inspire you.
- Best for: Couples
- Sleeps: 2
- Dog-friendly: 1 pup welcome
Why we love it:
Probably our most popular New Forest cottage, this charming escape is hidden deep in the New Forest on the Beaulieu Estate – the perfect romantic hideaway for couples. With just the ponies, birds and deer for neighbours, you can enjoy long wildlife walks, as well as complimentary passes to Buckler’s Hard. You will also be close to the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Terrace, completing your cosy romantic holiday.
Why guests love it:
“If you love nature then this is the place for you. A perfect place that offers peace and tranquillity in a stunning setting. It does have the best of both worlds, with the interesting Maritime Museum at Buckler's Hard close by. Good walks, all from your door. The property is well looked after. We found it clean, warm and comfortable, making our stay very enjoyable.” – Carol
- Best for: Active groups, energetic families and dog lovers
- Sleeps: 8
- Dog-friendly: 4 pups welcome
Why we love it:
Set in the heart of the village of Sway, this former bakehouse enjoys unrivalled access to both the coast and the New Forest National Park. With a wide network of walks, cycle routes and outdoor pursuits nearby, it’s ideal for those looking for an adventure. Return to the cottage to relax in the hot tub or fire up the BBQ, while the dogs and children play in the huge garden! Love the idea of having a hot tub? See our favourite New Forest cottages with hot tubs.
Why guests love it:
"If you are looking for the storybook new forest location then you cannot choose better than Sway, and the property itself is truly top-end - everything you ever dreamed of having, and just right for chilling after a long day walking around the forest - recommended." - Benedict
- Best for: Families
- Sleeps: 8
- Dog-friendly: 2 pups welcome
Why we love it:
This charming Georgian house enjoys a unique location within the Buckler’s Hard Maritime Museum on the banks of the River Beaulieu. It sets you at the heart of the New Forest, with history and heritage on your doorstep, and with miles of walking routes to explore. Inside, the property is full of charm and original features, while outside you can dine alfresco in the enclosed garden and enjoy the views over the river.
Why guests love it:
"Booked the cottage as a special treat for my 50th birthday & it was perfect in every way. Great location & found some lovely walks to take the two dogs. Enjoyed lots of time playing games in front of the log burner & had a couple of lovely meals in the Master Builders. Definitely would recommend to friends & family & would love to go back to stay." - Alan
- Best for: Couples
- Sleeps: 2
- Dog-friendly: 1 pup welcome
Why we love it:
Set in an enviable location with easy access to some of the best attractions in the New Forest and Hampshire, this cosy apartment overlooks the marina and cobbled quay in Lymington. Enjoy the charm of the market town, take a day trip on the ferry to the Isle of Wight, go cycling in the New Forest or explore the mudflats and salt marshes of Keyhaven Nature Reserve. It’s an ideal base for a couple and their canine!
Why guests love it:
"A very well equipped large one bedroom flat in an ideal location. From the front windows there are views of the harbour and the flat is just a couple minutes’ walk to the town centre. Lymington itself has a great variety of restaurants and shops, and easy access to the beautiful New Forest." – Mark
- Best for: A small family or a group of friends
- Sleeps: 5
Why we love it:
Among a selection of discreet homes on the renowned Beaulieu Estate called Baileys Hard, this charming escape enjoys a secret location among the trees and wildlife in the New Forest. The contemporary open-plan living gives a holiday here a luxurious feel so that when you return from a day of adventures, you can relax in complete comfort. In the summer, you will love spending balmy evenings listening to the birds and wildlife from the veranda.
Why guests love it:
"Really lovely property in a really peaceful, relaxing spot. We loved having river walks right from our front door and the location is perfect for so many days out. We stayed with our 2-year-old and it was very child friendly - the owners were incredibly helpful before we arrived and gave loads of really helpful local knowledge (including where to find the nearest playground - pretty important for us!). Thanks for a great holiday, we'd love to stay again." – Claire
- Best for: Families with children and dog owners
- Sleeps: 6
- Dog-friendly: 1 pup welcome
Why we love it:
Prepare to fall in love with this luxurious 17th-century cottage, conveniently located on the pretty high street in Beaulieu. With endless forest walks, cycling routes, and an array of attractions on the doorstep, you’ll never run out of things to do here. After a day of exploring, the charming cottage provides a flawless setting for evenings by the wood burner, games around the dining room table or al fresco dining on sunny summer evenings. A great choice for dog owners and families with children, the property also has a large enclosed garden.
Why guests love it:
"Couldn’t fault this fabulous cottage - beautifully presented, amazing location just set back from the high street of a stunning little village. So much to see within just a 30-minute drive and lots to do right from the doorstep. If you appreciate a little slice of luxury and enjoy walking, eating out, gardens, beaches, quaint shops, exploring and want a base to explore the New Forest, Dorset coastline and the Isle of Wight then this is the place for you!" - Kate
- Best for: Small families and their dogs
- Sleeps: 4
- Dog-friendly: 3 pups welcome
Why we love it:
The details in this stylish cottage have been carefully considered to make a stay here extra special. The beautiful enclosed garden is sure to be the hub of your holiday; complete with a hot tub, BBQ, comfortable seating, climbing frame and even an outdoor shower for cleaning off those muddy canine companions. Located in the village of Sway, you’ll easily be able to explore deep into the forest, the market town of Lymington or soak up some coastal air at Milford-on-Sea or Highcliffe. See our full collection of dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest.
Why guests love it:
"A wonderful cosy cottage that truly is a home-from-home. The owners go to great lengths to ensure that everything you need is provided. Thoughtful touches such as fresh flowers, doggy biscuits and high-quality bedding make your stay extra special. Can't wait to return." - Toni
- Best for: Nature lovers and bird watchers
- Sleeps: 4
Why we love it:
This stylish cabin set in tranquil woodlands on the banks of the Beaulieu River will whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers, you can take long riverside walks right from the doorstep or enjoy a 20-minute stroll through fields into the pretty village of Beaulieu.
Why guests love it:
"The cabin is in a fabulous location for local walks, water sports and bird watching. Both Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard are within easy walking distance and it is really central for days out. The owner is very friendly and the cabin is very well equipped. I would thoroughly recommend the Riverside Retreat as a great place to stay." - Elizabeth
- Best for: Romantic retreats
- Sleeps: 2
Why we love it:
Nestled amidst the beauty of the New Forest, this enchanting riverside property is a truly romantic escape. Once a former yachtsman’s cabin, it’s brimming with character but also sleek contemporary style. If you can tear yourself away, why not hire kayaks and paddle down the river, stroll the Solent Way or head off on bike through the forest?
Why guests love it:
"Beaulieu River View is idyllically situated on the tidal River Beaulieu. It is ideal for watching wildlife on the river and in the surrounding countryside. We spotted egrets and other wading birds, a kingfisher - and deer on our walks to the local pubs. The cottage is extremely well equipped and is decorated and furnished in a bright, clean, modern style. I suggest that "wellies" are an essential, certainly in autumn or winter, to make the most of the location." - John
- Best for: Groups of friends and a seaside vibe
- Sleeps: 8
- Dog-friendly: 1 pup welcome
Why we love it:
Like something straight out of Grand Designs, Rockhaven is a luxurious and contemporary property located in the heart of the coastal village of Mudeford. Its modern design offers open-plan sociable living space, a bright and airy feel and many striking features that are sure to catch your eye. In the enclosed garden you will find a hot tub and BBQ perfect for lazy afternoons and balmy summer evenings. If nothing but the very best will do, check out our full collection of luxury New Forest cottages.
Why guests love it:
"Beautifully designed luxury house with every attention to detail. We loved the hot tub, the pool table, home gym and everything that the house offered. Walking distance to a dog-friendly beach with super cafe, The Noisy Lobster, that becomes a great quality restaurant at night. Great holiday!" - Alison
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.