Where to go and what to do on a spa break in the New Forest

Things to do in the New Forest

Known for its natural beauty and unique wildlife (including the famous free-roaming ponies), the New Forest sets the scene for rest and relaxation, whether you're here for a day, a week, or a weekend. For those with a little more time to spend enjoying this unique part of the UK, however, there's a world of activity, entertainment and sightseeing to enjoy. Here are a few favourites.

Immerse yourself in the New Forest Wildlife Park

Meet otters, wolves, lynx, bison, Scottish wildcats, and more at the New Forest Wildlife Park. For animal lovers of all ages, and anyone with a passion for wildlife conservation and natural surroundings, this unique destination set within the ancient New Forest National Park, is a real treasure. Learn about the animals and see them fed and cared for, kids love the two Go Wild adventure playgrounds, or you can book a more personal wildlife encounter with their one-to-one Keeper Experiences.

Visit the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu

For a change of pace, those with a need for speed will delight in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. A chance to see vehicles from the earliest motor carriages to classic family saloons, this is one of the finest collections of motoring memorabilia in the world.

Visit historic sites in Hampshire

The New Forest is rich in historic sites from Hurst Castle - a Tudor fortress built by Henry VIII, to Buckler's Hard, a unique 18th-century shipbuilding village. Take a tour of Beaulieu Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey, and explore historic houses like the 18th-century Exbury House or the Elizabethan mansion, Breamore House.

Explore the New Forest National Park on foot

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the New Forest National Park is arguably the main attraction, spanning 219 square miles and home to a remarkable range of plants, animals, and habitats. Get back to nature, exploring on foot with trails for all levels, or on your bike with lots of cycling routes. For those who want to explore the wider area, you can also take in the sea air and coastal scenery on the Solent Way coastal path.

Go horse riding in the New Forest

Horses and ponies are central to the cultural heritage of the New Forest, so horse riding as part of your stay is almost a rite of passage. There are lots of riding schools in the area, where you can book a lesson or a forest ride.

Spas and spa hotels in and near the New Forest

Having set the scene, it's perhaps little wonder that this blissful part of the world is such a magical place for a spa break. As a result, there are lots of gorgeous spa destinations in the New Forest and close by, which make for dreamy getaways.

Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa, Brockenhurst

An award-winning hotel in the New Forest, Careys Manor is the height of sophistication and luxury. Surrounded by blissful landscapes, the manor house hotel has three on-site restaurants and impeccable service. SenSpa is a real jewel in its crown, taking inspiration from Thailand and offering 22,000 square feet of wellbeing. From a 14-metre UV treated swimming pool to a hydrotherapy suite complete with a 'volcano' enclosure, unique treatments, to their own signature tea to restore the senses.

Chewton Glen, New Milton

A five-star country house hotel surrounded by 130 acres of countryside, Chewton Glen is a Relais & Châteaux retreat where you can choose to stay in the main house or Treehouses set high among the trees in a secluded valley. Their Dining Room restaurant is a Three-Star Sustainability Champion, while The Kitchen is the place for more relaxed meals. There's a world of activities to enjoy in the grounds, and the spa is set around a sophisticated pool hall with multiple hydrotherapy experiences. There is also a 10-seater sauna and an amethyst crystal steam room in each changing room, and gorgeous treatments from Oskia and Natura Bisse.

New Park Manor Hotel & Spa, Brockenhurst

Crackling fires in original fireplaces, afternoon teas, cosy snug zones, and a cinema room create an atmosphere of relaxation the moment you step into this historic manor house. However, it’s the breathtaking views of the New Forest that truly instil a deep sense of tranquillity. These views carry through to the family-friendly spa, which boasts a hot tub overlooking the forest and an indoor pool with garden vistas. With an array of treatments including massages, wraps, scrubs, and facials, the spa café and relaxation terrace complete the experience, making it the ideal retreat.

The Nici, Bournemouth

In nearby Bournemouth, The Nici is a modern destination with vintage Miami vibes. Perched on Bournemouth’s West Cliff, it’s a spectacular luxury hotel with unparalleled views of the sea and easy access to miles of award-winning sandy beaches. Their South Beach Restaurant & Bar is the central hub of the hotel, especially popular for late-night cocktails and leisurely breakfasts. Meanwhile, the spa is a state-of-the-art sanctuary with an 18-metre heated indoor pool, a hydro pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a spectacular 30-metre outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and sea views.

Quob Park Rose Spa, Fareham

Not far away in Fareham, Quob Park is a luxury manor house hotel built in 1707, offering boutique style and high class hospitality. A stay here is all about rest, romance and relaxation, complete with an immaculate, modern spa and food prepared by Michelin-trained chefs. It's also just a five-minute drive from the 180-acre Quob Park estate, where you can book additional experiences like wine tastings and tours of their very own vineyard. Amongst all of this is the Rose Quartz Spa, an immaculately designed space that takes you on a journey through multiple spa gardens with outdoor facilities, to a thermal suite. Meanwhile, spa treatments use aromatherapy and vinotherapy (extrapolating the wellbeing benefits of grape vines), inspired by the estate.