Hampshire is the home to one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, where you will find soft sandy beaches, views to peek at the Isle of Wight, fossil hunting and King Henry VIII’s coastal fortress, Hurst Castle.
The Balmer Lawn Spa Hotel
In the heart of The New Forest in Hampshire lies the Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa; hidden away enough for a tranquil break, but easy enough to locate. This space boasts British grandeur and not solely due to the fact that you get front seats to view the weekend cricket matches and woodland wildlife at play, because actually, The Balmer Lawn Hotel is enriched in British history, which makes it an even more glorious place to explore. With it being one of the significant landmarks in the centre of the New Forest National Park. Originally built in the mid 1800’s as a hunting lodge, it became an army hospital during the First World War, and during the Second World War as a base for troops to prepare for the D-Day landings before being turned into a hotel, which now gushes luxury entangled with comfort.
The centrepiece that welcomes you is the grand staircase, taking you up to your home for the night; showcasing views of the forest housing ponies and deer. The hotel spoils you with king size beds and a perfect mix of modern décor and English tradition, (furry family members also welcome!).
You can pamper yourself with an invigorating facial or soul changing massage, post a relaxing indoor, or (if the British weather allows it) outdoor swim.
Enjoy a mojito in the pool, a smooth whiskey by the fountain or a pint of Smokin’ Deer bitter from the hotels very own microbrewery, before savouring a fine meal at the Hotel’s 2AA Rosette Restaurant – Beresford’s. They take fine dining to the next level by making their own bread, butter, in-house smokery and butchery all complemented by local ingredients and trimmings from their own kitchen garden to tingle your taste buds.
But why come to this very spot in Hampshire?
Of course the last thing on your list of things to do when escaping to the serene English countryside is work. But hear me out: the fresh air and open space can do wonders for the mind.
Relax
Their Saltus Spa is blessed with a touch of heaven. An intimate setting providing one of the most relaxing treatments I have ever undergone. You can pamper yourself with an invigorating facial or soul changing massage, post a relaxing indoor, or (if the British weather allows it) outdoor swim. Want to feel like your weekend away has given your mind a month off from work? I would recommend you try one of their luxurious treatments.
Work?
Of course the last thing on your list of things to do when escaping to the serene English countryside is work. But hear me out: the fresh air and open space can do wonders for the mind. There are six meeting rooms of all shapes and sizes. Small and intimate for interviews and small meetings, then on to larger rooms for conferences and events. Unusually, each room has its own private garden/outdoor space – perfect for outdoor working. So whatever your group size, you can enjoy a company retreat that can be refreshing, as well as informative. With the suites being spacious and tastefully decorated, this could be the perfect escape from the mundane office for your team.
Balmer Lawn Hotel and Spa. The forest surrounds this 4* former hunting lodge, which happens to be a favourite haunt for the ponies and donkeys to gather. The hotel’s leisure facilities are superb. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, tennis and squash courts, gym and Saltus Spa (featuring Espa products) offers a comprehensive range of treatments and full day experiences. Evening meals are served in the AA 2 Rosette award-winning Beresford’s Restaurant. Each of the bedrooms are individually designed, most of which have views across the forest and some are designated dog friendly. There’s bike hire onsite and routes from the hotel. Rooms start at £189 dinner, bed and breakfast per night based on two people sharing. See website for special offers www.balmerlawnhotel.co.uk or call 01590 623 116.
The perfect setting for any Disney fairy tale: New Forest is home to flora and fauna which will make you feel far away from the city, or even the UK itself.
“Not only is the New Forest a perfect staycation destination, it’s an amazing location for endorphin busting outdoor activities for the body and mind among the famous 5000 ponies, who freely wander through forest villages and 193,000 acres of woods and ancient heathlands. Think relaxation, a great selection of activities and gorgeous thatched pubs to dine in with awesome beer gardens. The New Forest is also one of the most dog friendly destinations on the UK.”
If you’re not convinced at ‘dog-friendly’, then maybe the outdoor activities will convince you. It goes without saying that the New Forest Park can offer more than just a tranquil countryside walk.
The perfect setting for any Disney fairy tale: New Forest is home to flora and fauna which will make you feel far away from the city, or even the UK itself. Perfect for business team building weekends or a family staycation, you can test your abilities with fun activities, for those with various levels of adventure.
You can even paddle to the pub! Is there a better way to enjoy nature’s finest work? I think not.
First: pick your terrain.
With the Tidal Beaulieu River being the perfect location and setting, water lovers can try out canoeing (the big, sturdy, three seat Canadian type of canoe) or kayaking, and the braver can work their way up to sea kayaking. Paddle sports, whilst it is a workout for your arms, these activities are quite relaxing at heart. Paddle past ducks, go jellyfish spotting and feel truly at one with nature…you can even shake hands with the special moon jellyfish, as their sting does not affect humans! And who knows, you may make new (non-human and/or human) friends, as well as discover a new hobby.
Keeping it closer to home, however, land lovers can still unveil the adventure in them: New Forest Activities also involves archery, high and low ropes courses – perfect for team challenges, as well as Battle field LIVE (a pain free laser tag in the woods) and Archery Tag like paintball but with sponge tipped bows and arrows. Plus cycling and the rather more advanced VR experiences. Whether you are with friends, family or bringing your office away for a meeting and looking to mix in some down time, there really is something adventurous and new for everyone to try.
Need a strong drink after all this? You can even paddle to the pub! Is there a better way to enjoy nature’s finest work? I think not. And with expert instructors and friendly guides, not only are you assured that your kayak won’t sink, you can really soak in what the New Forest has to offer in a truly unique way.
Find out more at: www.newforestactivities.co.uk or call 01590 612377
