Best part of New Forest for a cottage rental?

[jimg]

I am looking to leave sunny Devon in September to spend a week in the New Forest by renting a cottage.

The plan is to spend the days walking with the dog and evenings eating out in local pubs and restaurants.

Although we have been through the area several times it has always been when we are visiting mainas,etc and do not really know the area.

We would preferably like to pick a cottage within walking distance or a short drive from the evening options, but have no idea which the best spot to base ourselves.

Any suggestions from you Solent based boaters?

Cheers
Jim

 

[ChrisE]

I live in Lymington and spend a fair few days on The Forest walking the dog there.

There's a few places I'd suggest. Brockenhurst is fairly central for the southern forest and has a fair selection of restaurants and pubs. Personally, I'd steer clear of Lyndhurst which, whilst it is the New Forest visitor centre, is a bit kiss-me-quick and gets very busy most days this time of year.

If you want to be a bit nearer the sea then you could look at Milford-on-Sea it is a bit further from the forest but you are close to the coast and there are plenty of good walks around. Lymington, itself, has a good number of pubs and restaurants but does get quite busy, especially at weekends.

Best of luck in your search.

Chris

 

[aquapower]

We stay at the Mayflower in Lymington quite a bit, and like most of the places in that area dogs are welcome, you have solent way to wear out the dog, no hills like in Dartmouth

 

[lisilou]

Hi,
Mudeford for me is the best of both worlds. Seafront within minutes walk with fine beaches and some good eateries. Also easy access (via car) to New Forest for beautiful walks. Take a picnic and just relax in the splendour of it all. There are quite a few sea view rental properties around there as you'd expect but you need to book now to have any chance of getting somewhere decent.
Lisa

 

[alant]

I live in Lymington and spend a fair few days on The Forest walking the dog there.

There's a few places I'd suggest. Brockenhurst is fairly central for the southern forest and has a fair selection of restaurants and pubs. Personally, I'd steer clear of Lyndhurst which, whilst it is the New Forest visitor centre, is a bit kiss-me-quick and gets very busy most days this time of year.

If you want to be a bit nearer the sea then you could look at Milford-on-Sea it is a bit further from the forest but you are close to the coast and there are plenty of good walks around. Lymington, itself, has a good number of pubs and restaurants but does get quite busy, especially at weekends.

Best of luck in your search.

Chris

+1, cos I live there (MoS).
Wonderful place.
Can cycle all the way to Lymington on pathways (flat).

 

[jimg]

I live in Lymington and spend a fair few days on The Forest walking the dog there.

There's a few places I'd suggest. Brockenhurst is fairly central for the southern forest and has a fair selection of restaurants and pubs. Personally, I'd steer clear of Lyndhurst which, whilst it is the New Forest visitor centre, is a bit kiss-me-quick and gets very busy most days this time of year.

If you want to be a bit nearer the sea then you could look at Milford-on-Sea it is a bit further from the forest but you are close to the coast and there are plenty of good walks around. Lymington, itself, has a good number of pubs and restaurants but does get quite busy, especially at weekends.

Best of luck in your search.

Chris

Thanks for the info, as we live on the Dart we are more interested in the forest on this occasion. So I guess I will "google" around Brockenhurst.

We will not doubt be drawn to the sea while we are there!!

 

[Nick_H]

Burley is a quaint village in one of the nicest parts of the forest, with a few eateries and places to stay.

 

[jhr]

The other alternative is to head north, and base yourself somewhere near Fordingbridge. There are a couple of decent local eateries and lots of great walks, though to be honest, you will find them anywhere in the Forest. The countryside round Fordingbridge is more open, and often heathland rather than forest, but it's an interesting alternative.

I agree with others that, for a conventional New Forest experience, the area round Brockenhurst is probably best. Watch out for the ponies: they are invariably the stand-on vessel and appear not to be familiar with Rule 17 (b)

 

[alant]

The other alternative is to head north, and base yourself somewhere near Fordingbridge. There are a couple of decent local eateries and lots of great walks, though to be honest, you will find them anywhere in the Forest. The countryside round Fordingbridge is more open, and often heathland rather than forest, but it's an interesting alternative.

I agree with others that, for a conventional New Forest experience, the area round Brockenhurst is probably best. Watch out for the ponies: they are invariably the stand-on vessel and appear not to be familiar with Rule 17 (b)

They are Restricted in Ability to Manouvre in Brockenhurst & that doesn't include the Highland Cattle, complete with full horns.

 

[alant]

I am looking to leave sunny Devon in September to spend a week in the New Forest by renting a cottage.

The plan is to spend the days walking with the dog and evenings eating out in local pubs and restaurants.

Although we have been through the area several times it has always been when we are visiting mainas,etc and do not really know the area.

We would preferably like to pick a cottage within walking distance or a short drive from the evening options, but have no idea which the best spot to base ourselves.

Any suggestions from you Solent based boaters?

Cheers
Jim

http://www.milfordonsea.com/

 

[U4]

Hi,
Mudeford for me is the best of both worlds. Seafront within minutes walk with fine beaches and some good eateries. Also easy access (via car) to New Forest for beautiful walks. Take a picnic and just relax in the splendour of it all. There are quite a few sea view rental properties around there as you'd expect but you need to book now to have any chance of getting somewhere decent.
Lisa

Have to agree with that (althought I also absolutly love Lymington but for different reasons). Mudeford is a real secret gem which you should seriously consider.....

 

[alant]

I am looking to leave sunny Devon in September to spend a week in the New Forest by renting a cottage.

The plan is to spend the days walking with the dog and evenings eating out in local pubs and restaurants.

Although we have been through the area several times it has always been when we are visiting mainas,etc and do not really know the area.

We would preferably like to pick a cottage within walking distance or a short drive from the evening options, but have no idea which the best spot to base ourselves.

Any suggestions from you Solent based boaters?

Cheers
Jim

Hotel offer ?

http://www.travelzoo.com/uk/hotels/...0/?utm_source=top20_uk&utm_medium=email_top20