The New Forest National Park ticks every box when planning the perfect holiday. Easy to reach? Check! It’s under 100 miles from London with excellent links to the M25 and the M3 to make the journey simple. Even better, for those who don’t want to drive, the area has eight train stations and trains run directly from handy locations such as London Waterloo Station, Southampton and Weymouth. Beautiful views? Check that one off the list as well! The New Forest has ancient woodlands, charming countryside and beautiful beaches and coastline, making it an ideal year-round destination for all types of travellers. Accommodation for all sizes and budgets? Absolutely! Visitors have an enormous choice of cottages to rent, ranging from listed thatched cottages to comfortable bungalows and contemporary barn conversions.
Tucked away in amongst it all is the pretty village of Burley, where New Forest ponies roam happily and the 16th Century pub hides a less-than-savoury secret. Read on to find out why staying in Burley should be the top of your list when planning a holiday in the New Forest. Read more
Perfectly located, this stylish barn is a popular 'bolt-hole' for couples and enjoys a peaceful position just a short stroll from the very heart of Burley and its shops and pubs. Being based right in the heart of the New Forest National Park allows you to explore the many attractions of the area, get active in the great outdoors or simply relax and unwind. This delightful holiday cottage is perfect for a weekend away or longer holiday.
With a gorgeous garden for outside relaxing and socialising, a country-style kitchen and a cosy sitting room with log burner, Gardener's Retreat is an excellent choice for a holiday with family or friends. Sitting in an idyllic position just a short stroll from the Hampshire village of Burley in the New Forest National Park, this beautifully presented self-catering cottage is perfect whether you want to explore the areas many attractions or simply relax and unwind.
A stylish holiday retreat in a quiet spot, ideally located within three minutes walking distance of the centre of the popular New Forest village of Burley where ponies and cattle roam freely. Beautiful forest walks and bike rides on the doorstep as well as pubs and shops.
Helmsdale is everything you could wish for in a New Forest holiday cottage. Postcard pretty, this welcoming self catering retreat is perfectly placed just a short walk from the heart of the popular village of Burley, with shops and pubs for a meal out. With miles of forest tracks and trails to explore by bike, foot or horse back and the many attractions of the forest all around, Helmsdale is a popular choice for a family holiday or time away with friends.
"Oakview" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. Oakview is a charming single storey lodge perfect for a couple wanting to escape to the peaceful, rural countryside of the New Forest National Park.
"2 Bed Lodge in Ringwood" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 3 guests in Hampshire. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 2 bedrooms – 1 king size and 1 single - 1 shower room with shower and WC - Double electric oven electric hob, washing machine, dishwasher, fridge with freezer box - Smart TV in...
"West Sea View No 4" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 3 guests in Isle of Wight. The attractive seaside town of Yarmouth is the oldest town on the Isle of Wight, and its busy harbour is a haven for all kinds of watercraft, with the terminal used for regular mainland ferry crossings. Yarmouth's narrow streets are home to an...
"The Old Mill" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire. The Old Mill is a cute, stylish apartment, tucked away just behind Lymington Quay and river beyond, right in the heart of all that this bustling sailing town has to offer. Set over three floors, an airy mezzanine bedroom occupies the top floor,...
"The Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Situated conveniently close to the thriving High Street and the Harbour The Cottage, provides comfortable dog friendly accommodation for up to four people in a delightful holiday home. Light and airy this cottage, formerly a...
"Jessamy, Wimborne" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Sitting in a peaceful and elevated position in Colehill, on the fringe of popular Wimborne. Jessamy is a truly impressive and striking 'Passive House' thoughtfully designed to reduce its carbon footprint with high levels of insulation, PV solar...
"Mistletoe Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. This enchanting semi-detached Grade II listed cottage stands on the picturesque Waters Green
"Kittiwake, Highcliffe-on-Sea" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. This stylish property is in the heart of the coastal town of Highcliffe-on-Sea, within walking distance of Highcliffe and Avon beaches, Mudeford Quay, and the historic town of Christchurch. The New Forest National Park is also within easy reach...
"2 Bed Cottage in Brockenhurst" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 super-king-size (zip-and-link beds that can be made up into twin beds), 1 single with a small child's bed - 1...
"Laridae's Hideaway" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. New for 2024 Laridae’s Hideaway is a welcoming ground floor apartment in the vibrant village of Southbourne. The accommodation comprises two spacious bedrooms, a living room/diner ideal for relaxation and a...
"Chamberlains Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Hampshire. Overlooking the picturesque Waters Green in the popular New Forest village of Brockenhurst, Chamberlains Cottage is a delightful holiday home. Comfortably accommodating six guests, the cottage offers all the luxuries of modern living alongside...
"Gorselands Cottage" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Hampshire. Newly appointed for this season, Gorselands Cottage is a fabulously located holiday home set right within the New Forest National Park. Positioned just a short distance from the quaint village of Burley, the property sits within a large...
"The Coach House" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. The traditional Hampshire town of Fordgingbridge sits on the banks of the River Avon, offering a selection of shops, pubs and restaurants, a small museum of local history, a display of original work by artist Augustus John, who lived here for...
"Fisherman's Keep" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Hampshire. Beautifully designed and finished to a high standard, Fisherman’s Keep is a real gem, tucked down one of the oldest lanes in Lymington, it’s a beautiful cottage to spend some time on a relaxing break in Lymington. Thoughtfully...
"Piglets" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. NEW FOR 2020 Set in a quiet residential area this attractive cottage offers fantastic holiday accommodation for up to four people. Carefully extended and refurbished the cottage exudes an ambiance of relaxation and welcome with comfortable...
"3 Bed Apartment in Christchurch" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size and 2 singles - 1 shower room with WC and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher - Shared...
"3 Bed Apartment in Christchurch" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size and 2 singles - 1 shower room with WC and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher - Shared...
"3 Bed Apartment in Christchurch" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 double and 1 twin - 1 shower room with WC and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher -...
"1 Bed Cottage in Salisbury" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Wiltshire. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 king size bedroom - 1 shower room and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, washing machine and fridge/freezer - Smart TV in the lounge - Welcome pack supplied -...
"2 Bed Apartment in Lyndhurst" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size and 1 bunk room with a small double bed and a single bunk over - 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC - Electric...
"3 Bed Apartment in Christchurch" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size and 2 singles - 1 shower room with WC and 1 separate WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher - Shared...
"2 Bed Cottage in Sway" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Hampshire. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - Bedrooms - 1 king-size and 1 double with single bed - Bathrooms - 1 ensuite with shower over bath and WC and 1 ensuite shower room with WC -...
"Herons" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire.
"Whitty's Hideaway" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Hampshire.
Popular towns in and around The New Forest:
BurleyFordingbridgeHytheLymingtonLyndhurstNew MiltonRingwoodSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly New Forest cottagesLuxury New Forest holiday cottagesNew Forest cottages with a hot tubOr search further afield:
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1. Free-Roaming Ponies - Untethered, wandering ponies and cattle was once a daily sight around many parts of the New Forest. Known as “commoning”, Burley is one of the few villages where this still happens, and it gives the area a relaxing, traditional feel that is worlds away from modern cities and suburbs.
2. A Secret Underbelly - Burley was once an important, if secret, point on a smuggling route. The Queens Head pub on The Cross started life as a blacksmith forge in 1685, later becoming a watering hole favoured by smugglers and highwaymen. As you sip your pint, think about the secret cellar beneath your feet which held a trove of weapons, money and contraband alcohol hidden and forgotten for centuries.
3. Walking, Cycling and Horse riding - The New Forest is the ideal environment for being outdoors. Burley’s location is close to favourite footpaths, cycling routes and bridleways to make it easy and enjoyable to explore. Those who need to hire a bicycle can do so from Forest Leisure Cycling in the village centre, while the nearby Burley Villa Riding School offers horse riding lessons and guided rides for all abilities. A novel way to explore is in a horse-drawn wagon, with Burley Wagon Rides being a regular sight around the area.
4. An Ancient Landscape - Crossing the border into the New Forest is immediately apparent as it is like stepping back in time. Strict rules around development protect this unique environment which includes areas of ancient woodland, pasture and health. William the Conquerer loved it so much that he decided only royalty should be allowed to hunt there, with now-extinct wild boar being the prey of choice. Now, the forest is a haven for a plethora of birds and wildlife which thrive in the beautiful environment.
5. Bound for War - The trees in the New Forest do not only look and smell amazing. Their existence also provided timber to the Royal Navy. The enormous oak woodland so close to the sea was too good for shipbuilders to ignore, and New Forest oaks were felled for the navy from the mid-1600s until the mid-1800s. The hamlet of Buckler’s Hard, around half an hour’s drive from Burley, was the focus of shipbuilding in the New Forest and the entire village is now a Maritime Museum. Remnants of the role the New Forest played in Britain’s military past are at Hurst Castle, a privately run museum with incredible views over the Solent to the Isle of Wight. Closer to home are the remains of the Iron Age fort on Castle Hill just outside of Burley.
6. Eat, Drink and Shop - The fresh air and potential for hours of exercise lead to hearty appetites which visitors to Burley will find easy to satisfy. The Burley Food Trail is a walking and cycling loop passing New Forest Cider and the Cider Pantry Tearoom, The White Buck, Burley Fudge Shop, and Caraccios Sweet Shop, as well as fantastic stores selling homewares, gifts, china and crystals.
7. New Forest Attractions - Burley is close to some of the New Forest’s most popular attractions. Within half an hour’s drive are places like Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World, the National Motor Museum, six golf courses, Lymington and the ferry to the Isle of Wight, the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary and so much more.
Once you visit the New Forest, you will understand why William the Conquerer wanted to keep it for himself. It is a beautiful example of a landscape and traditions that remain unchanged for centuries. Burley’s charm and location make it the perfect place for a self-catering holiday in the New Forest.
