19-05-2025
Hotel review: New Park Manor, New Forest
A former royal hunting lodge has been reborn as a luxury family haven where every detail – from secret nooks to high-tech meditation pods – is designed to delight both children and adults.
Set in the stunning New Forest, the historic building housing New Park Manor was once King Charles II's favourite hunting lodge, and home to his mistress Nell Gwynne. Now it's a cosy, convivial hotel and the perfect place for a family break, as well as a good base to explore the local area.
Rooms and facilities
Is there anything more wonderful than peeking through the curtains of your cosy hotel bedroom to watch a misty rural sunrise? The views from these rooms are soul-restoring stuff, and inside there's plenty to smile about too, with a luxurious, English country house vibe that's bright and airy.
There are 25 rooms, with family-friendly options including interconnecting rooms (so you can put the baby to bed and still watch TV) and thoughtful touches such as toiletries for children, as well a Bramley selection for adults.
The bespoke Deer Park Suite boasts vaulted ceilings and a private terrace overlooking deer-dotted lawns, while the Cosy Rooms in the original wing offer an intimate retreat for couples seeking solitude in nature. Every room features super-king beds, nature-framed views and thoughtful family touches-milk-and-cookie turndown treats, built-in toy storage and bedtime story options -ensuring comfort for all ages.
In terms of facilities, this hotel really comes into its own. Firstly, the creche (called the Four Bears Den) delivers two hours of supervised crafts, storytelling, films and games so parents can truly unwind. Heaven! Then there is the cinema room which shows two family-friendly films per evening complete with popcorn and beanbags, with the room also featuring pool tables and arcade and board games for all ages.
Food and drink
There are two restaurants at New Park Manor: The Stag and The Vinery. The Vinery is the more informal dining space, where seasonal, locally sourced dishes-think slow-cooked lamb ragu or Luxury Family Hotels signature soufflé-pair perfectly with woodland vistas. As dusk falls, guests migrate to the Stag Restaurant & Bar, where country-house chic and plush seating set the tone for an elevated menu complemented by artisan cocktails and a curated wine list.
Children can dine early with a special flexible menu, then scamper off to the Cinema Room while parents linger over dessert. The food in both restaurants was great and the best bit is that no one gives you evil looks if your toddler decides to start climbing the highchair while singing 'Baa Baa Black Sheep'.
Hotel highlights
While you could certainly visit New Park Manor without children, the main highlight of the hotel is its family-friendly nature. Many hotels feel like unwelcoming places if you have little ones (which is, ironically, when you need a break more than ever). This couldn't be further from the truth at New Park Manor – from a toy room that turns into an evening cinema, to bunnies in the garden, this place is ideal for kids, and the service alongside it is equally friendly. You can even drop bottles off at reception to be sterilised and returned to you. It's a real haven for the weary parent.
There is also the Scandi-inspired ishga spa, which features indoor and outdoor pools, two new hot tubs on the terrace and a sauna and steam room framed by forest views. The crown jewel is the Somadome meditation pod – the only one south of London – offering 20-minute LED light, binaural beat and magnetic therapy sessions proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and boost mindful relaxation for ages six and up. Younger children can enjoy the new 'Little ishga' mini-treatments from age three.
What to do nearby
As well as stunning countryside, the New Forest is jam-packed with activities. Visit nearby towns and villages for independent shops and cute cafes (try Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst) or enjoy an energetic day out at Moors Valley Country Park, where there's cycling trails, a huge playground, a Go Ape centre and a miniature steam train you can ride. Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park is only a 20-minute drive away - ideal for those desperate to meet their favourite character.
Best for
Families with young children
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