Spring Cottage - Self catering holiday cottage in East Boldre, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, New Forest, England - Sleeps 4

Click any picture for photo gallery

Spring Cottage is a cosy, secluded holiday home which sleeps four guests in two bedrooms with accommodation all on one level. It can be found within the New Forest National Park in the village of East Boldre, near to Brockenhurst, the quaint villages of Beaulieu and Bucklers Hard, and a ten minute drive away from the picturesque Georgian market town of Lymington.

Set at the end of a short private gravel lane, Spring Cottage is in the south-east corner of the open forest. As you approach the cottage entrance gates, you often find yourself negotiating the village donkeys and ponies.

A short stroll from the cottage is the village shop at the top of the lane where you can stock up on essentials and the local Turf Cutters Pub is within walking distance. There are also several other New Forest pubs just a short drive away, including the Fleur de Lys, the Red Lion and Pilley at Boldre. Alternatively, if you would like to stay in and prepare a special supper, there is a first-class organic farm shop selling fresh food, on the road towards Beaulieu.

Within easy walking distance of the cottage is Hatchet Pond where you can walk or relax and enjoy the surroundings amongst the roaming forest ponies and donkeys (the sunsets should not be missed!). Close by, you will also find a network of cycling routes through the heath-land and open forest, and bikes can be hired locally in Beaulieu or in Brockenhurst village.

A five minute drive away will take you to the pretty quaint village of Beaulieu where the ponies and donkeys wander through the streets, which are lined with 17th -19th century properties and excellent Tea Shops, Gift Shops and a Garden Centre. There are plenty of river walks to be found in and around Beaulieu, which is also home to the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House. You can also walk along the river from Beaulieu (or drive) to the historic 18th century village of Bucklers Hard, where a leisurely boat cruise will take you down the Beaulieu River. Exbury Gardens is also nearby and worth a visit with its two hundred acres of gardens and grounds including the twenty miles of pathways or alternatively take a leisurely trip on the Exbury Steam Train.

Brockenhurst village, with its main line railway station into Waterloo, is five miles distant and offers several small shops including a butcher, baker, newsagent, gift shop and excellent tea room. Pony riding is also available from Brockenhurst with direct forest access.

In the opposite direction, approximately a ten minute drive away is Lymington with its cobbled walkways, marina, restaurants and little shops, as well as the High Street’s names and a Saturday market. From here you can take a ferry to the Isle of Wight where you can either travel as a passenger to Yarmouth for the day or take your own car to explore the wonders of the Island.