Best family-friendly hotels in the New Forest

From ancient woodlands to wide-open heathlands, the New Forest National Park in Hampshire is a stunning location to enjoy fresh air and get closer to nature with your kids.

Whether you’re following one of the many marked walking trails to spot wild ponies, or hiring bikes to explore one of the traffic-free cycling routes, you’re going to need somewhere comfortable to rest your head (and legs). Luckily we've got Mumsnetters on hand to recommend the best family-friendly hotels in the New Forest.

After a budget-friendly hotel? A family-friendly hotel with large rooms? A hotel with a spa? Here’s our roundup of the best family-friendly hotels in the New Forest, as recommended by real parents in the Mumsnet community.

For an alternative countryside escape, consider our guides to the best family hotels in the Lake District, the best family hotels in the Peak District and the best family hotels in the Cotswolds, all featuring top recommendations from Mumsnetters.

What are the best family hotels in the New Forest?

• Best overall: Balmer Lawn Hotel

• Best for family amenities: New Park Manor

• Best with a pool: Macdonald Elmer’s Court Hotel

• Best luxury hotel: Chewton Glen

• Best for food: The Pig

1. Best overall: Balmer Lawn Hotel, Brockenhurst

Balmer Lawn Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Balmer Lawn and Careys Manor have spas so you could go for a swim/sauna once DS is in bed. There are loads of places to eat there too." WhatATimeToBeAlive

Our verdict

On the outskirts of Brockenhurst, the Balmer Lawn Hotel is within walking distance of Beaulieu Harbour and the New Forest National Park. There are plenty of gardens and grounds to explore, including safe and secure access to the forest and the surrounding countryside. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel, so you can bring your pooch along.

With a range of family and interconnecting rooms, Balmer Lawn Hotel can easily accommodate larger families, and there are bunk beds and extra beds available. Or you can book the self-catering cottage which sleeps up to six - ideal for weekend breaks or longer stays.

Active kids will love the two on-site swimming pools, the dedicated indoor playroom and the outdoor play area with a zip wire - an ideal way to burn off excess energy before bedtime. If they’re early risers, you’ll be thankful for the in-room DVD player, with a selection of films available from reception.

The restaurant offers child-friendly options for even the pickiest of eaters. After a day exploring or following the local Deer Watch Trail around the New Forest, there are some real ‘apres ski’ vibes at The Lodge Kitchen Bar, where you can snuggle up with outdoor heaters and fluffy blankets.

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (0.9 miles)

2. Best for family-friendly amenities: New Park Manor Hotel, Brockenhurst

Reviewed by Mumsnet Editor, Poppy O'Neill: Read our full review of New Park Manor

What Mumsnet users say

"We stayed in New Park Manor last year, which is part of the same group as the Ickworth. It was lovely and had an indoor pool and spa. The food was very good and there was plenty to do for small children. It's near the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu which he might enjoy." sarahb083

Our verdict

In the heart of the New Forest, New Park Manor Hotel offers a luxury getaway with thoughtful touches throughout.

Split across a 15th-century hunting lodge and modern extension, there are rooms and suites to sleep couples or families of up to 7, and a newly refurbished spa with a fantastic range of treatments. Little ones from age 3 months to 8 years get 2 hours of childcare in the on-site OFSTED-registered Four Bears Den, leaving parents free to enjoy the spa or a stroll in the forest.

Four-legged family members are welcome too, and we loved the comfy beds, food bowls and goodie bags that were waiting in our room for our two small terriers.

Luxury hotels, fab spas and family-friendly amenities don't always go hand in hand but New Park Manor Hotel manages to strike just the right balance - I'd highly recommend it for a family break in the New Forest.

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (1.1 miles)

3. Best for a boutique break: Crown Manor House Hotel, Lyndhurst

Crown Manor House Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

Described as ‘quintessentially English with a contemporary twist’, this grade I listed hotel may have been around since the 15th century, but it offers all the modern facilities you’d expect from a rural countryside hotel.

Conveniently located in the centre of Lyndhurst Village (known as the capital of the New Forest), this hotel is a short walk from a small selection of family-friendly restaurants, cafes and independent shops.

With spacious family rooms or suites, you can expect to find large king-sized beds as well as pull-out beds or sofa beds for the kids. All rooms include a TV and solid WiFi connection, helpful for those chilled-out moments before bed.

Parking is free and a hearty breakfast is included in the price. You can tuck into locally sourced bacon and sausages, as well as a range of freshly baked pastries and breads - the perfect energy source for an action-packed day in the great outdoors.

Nearest train station: Ashurst (3.5 miles)

Related: The best travel cots, as recommended by Mumsnetters

4. Best for food: The Pig Hotel, Brockenhurst

The Pig Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"The Pig, in the New Forest, Brockenhurst is wonderful." MamaNell

Our verdict

You couldn’t get much more ‘woodland retreat’ than the Pig at Brockenhurst, which is within easy reach of beautiful wild horses and the many picturesque walks and cycle routes of the New Forest. With extensive gardens including a flower meadow, a kitchen garden and paddocks with chickens and pigs; there’s plenty for families to explore on the grounds of the hotel itself.

Family rooms are located in the Stable yard and include a large double bedroom with a walk-in dressing room and a separate room with bunk beds - suitable for children up to 12 years old.

Alternatively, families can stay in The Pig Hut - self-contained accommodation with a kitchenette and dining area, a log burner and separate bunk room for the ‘piglets’.

At The Pig Hotel, there’s a real focus on sustainability, with the restaurant serving food sourced within 25 miles of the hotel. Families can devour freshly prepared wood-fired pizza served on the terrace in the warmer months

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (1 mile)

5. Best country house hotel: Montagu Arms, Brockenhurst

Montagu Arms | Check availability

Our verdict

This small and elegant country house hotel is ideally placed for exploring the nearby walking or cycling trails. With just 33 rooms, the larger of which are suitable for families and well-behaved pets, it provides an intimate and tranquil experience for families looking to escape from everyday life.

Families will love exploring the beautiful grounds with narrow paths and plentiful flower beds meandering around a large lake. It’s a great place to relax and breathe in fresh country air.

While the fine dining at the award-winning Terrace Restaurant is for adults only, families can enjoy meals at Monty’s Inn, where you can tuck into pub-style food and local ales. There’s an extensive children’s menu for younger diners.

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (6 miles)

6. Best for an outdoor pool: Macdonald Elmer’s Court Hotel, Lymington

Macdonald Elmer’s Court Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

On the Solent Coast, Macdonald Elmers Court is a 19th-century manor house with a 23-acre estate overlooking the Lymington River. It’s a 15-minute walk from Lymington, conveniently located for many of Hampshire’s family-friendly attractions and the port which offers regular ferry services to the nearby Isle of Wight.

Families of up to four can choose from spacious deluxe or super deluxe family rooms based in their own courtyard, while the on-site facilities cater well for families. With a heated indoor and seasonal outdoor pool, pitch and putting green, tennis courts, croquet, outdoor chess and children's play area, there’s plenty to entertain guests of all ages.

You can also enjoy walking around the stunning gardens and lawns, taking in the impressive views of the sailboats passing by.

For relaxed dining, families will love the Gio’s at The Solent, or if you prefer to eat in your Oodies, you can order a takeaway to eat in the comfort of your own room.

Nearest train station: Lymington Pier Station (0.1 miles)

7. Best luxury hotel: Chewton Glen, New Milton

Chewton Glen | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Chewton Glen is amazing." ModeWeasel

"Chewton Glen is the best spa I've been to." whoisbruno

Our verdict

If you’re happy to pay a premium for a luxury break with your family, then this 5-star 18th-century country house hotel is an excellent choice. Not only are the 130-acre grounds a real treat to discover, but the hotel is a 20-minute walk from the beach, offering ideal access to countryside and coast.

With a wide range of accommodation options for families including spacious suites and private treehouses with hot tubs, many of the rooms have private access to the grounds and a walled garden for kids to run around and explore.

With the on-site kids’ club, parents can spend the morning relaxing in the award-winning spa while the children head off to enjoy sheep walking or a cookery class. The hotel can arrange loads of other extra-curricular activities including croquet on the lawn, a 9-hole golf course or archery and axe throwing for an additional fee.

The restaurant and cookery school are run by celebrity chef, James Martin and offer relaxed dining in a contemporary setting. The extensive children's menu provides plenty of choice for children aged 5-12 years and you can even book a pre-made picnic to take with you on your adventures.

Nearest train station: New Milton train station (1.7 miles)

8. Best spa hotel: Lime Wood Hotel, Lyndhurst

Lime Wood Hotel | Check availability

What Mumsnet users say

"Another vote for Lime Wood near Lyndhurst - really lovely spa, good food & nice rooms." Shouldhavebutdidnt

Our verdict

Another luxury forest escape, a trip to Lime Wood Hotel certainly doesn’t come cheap, but it’s a great choice for special occasions. Set in beautiful grounds, surrounded by ancient forest, the family cabins and cottages provide the perfect hideaway in the countryside, ideal for weekends away or longer breaks.

The accommodation is contemporary, comfortable and stylish. Completely self-contained, you can expect king-sized beds, a free-standing bath, a kitchenette, a living area with log fires and bunk beds for the kids.

For dining, families can choose from relaxed Italian cuisine at Hartnett Holder & Co, wholesome dishes at Raw & Cured or sweet treats and savoury snacks from their Afternoon Tea menu.

The onsite spa is for adults only, however, there are some children’s swimming times suitable for families staying at the hotel.

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (5 miles)

9. Best for views: Forest Park Hotel, Brockenhurst

Forest Park Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

A short stroll from Brockenhurst in the heart of the New Forest, Forest Park Hotel is a 19th-century hotel that combines Tudor tradition with contemporary styling.

The modern and spacious deluxe double rooms are ideal for small and medium-sized families and the perfect place to rest after a busy day exploring the New Forest. They boast stunning views of either the forest or gardens and include a separate room for the kids, providing more flexibility for parents to continue their evening once the children are fast asleep.

The recently renovated on-site restaurant overlooking the lawned garden offers a wide range of modern British cuisine, with ingredients all sourced within 10 miles of the hotel. For younger guests, the Young Diners menu is aimed at children under 10 and includes wholesome family favourites such as chicken goujons and fish, chips and peas.

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (0.9 miles)

10. Best for walks and cycle rides: Forest Lodge Hotel, Lyndhurst

Forest Lodge Hotel | Check availability

Our verdict

This Georgian townhouse is a family- and dog-friendly hotel, conveniently located near the capital of the New Forest close to a range of walks, cycle tracks and boutique shops. With a choice of spacious deluxe rooms that can accommodate families of up to four, they include discreet foldaway bunks or sofa beds for the kids.

Kids will love playing lawn games like boules and croquet in the beautifully landscaped gardens, or taking a dip in the indoor heated pool.

The award-winning 1820 Grill and Brasserie not only serves up 28-day aged prime, hand-cut steaks but also offers brasserie classics and an extensive children’s menu for younger diners.

Nearest train station: Brockenhurst (4.4 miles)

Is the New Forest good for families?

Yes! From the beautiful scenery, wild ponies and a wide variety of walking and cycling trails through the forest to explore, the New Forest is a great destination for families wishing to get closer to nature and spend quality time together in the great outdoors. The New Forest boasts some top-rated family-friendly attractions that guarantee an action-packed and fun-filled day out with the kids.

What are the best family-friendly attractions in the New Forest?

If you’re heading to the New Forest with your family, here are just a few of the family-friendly attractions you can visit during your stay, as recommended by the Mumsnet community.

Marwell Zoo: A 140-acre park with a real focus on sustainability and conservation. With hundreds of animals to see including giraffes, tigers and leopards, children will love the interactive exhibits and animal walkthroughs. They can also burn off any excess energy in the wide open spaces and five adventure playgrounds on-site.

New Forest Water Park: From wakeboarding to kayaking and even the ‘total knockout- style inflatable aqua park, New Forest Water Park offers a range of family-friendly activities suitable for children aged 6 and above. Getting wet, they say, is compulsory.

Paultons Park/Peppa Pig World: The UK’s best-rated theme park on Google, Paultons Park has over 70 rides and attractions including rollercoasters and water rides suitable for the whole family. It’s also home to the world’s largest Peppa Pig World, with rides tailored to toddlers and preschoolers.

New Forest Wildlife Park: Kids will love seeing a wide variety of animals at this beautiful park, including wallaby woodland trails, wolves, polecats, owls and ferrets. With feeding sessions and keeper talks running all year round, you can even meet the endangered giant otter before enjoying some lunch and checking out the amazing adventure playgrounds.

What’s the best family-friendly hotel in the New Forest?

For its central location, complimentary childcare and fabulous child-friendly facilities, New Park Manor Hotel gets our vote as the best family-friendly hotel in the New Forest.

How we chose our recommendations

We spent several hours sifting through Mumsnet's forums for recommendations from users on the experiences of hotels in the New Forest, including the hotels they’ve visited personally and would rate most highly for a stay with their family.

We then consulted recommendations from travel experts and made sure we included attractions that regularly appeared in ‘best’ lists or were the most highly rated by guests on TripAdvisor and review sites, ensuring that previous visitors were satisfied with their stay.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.