Our home in Hampshire provides a beautiful and diverse surrounding environment for Hambledon Vineyard- it is the terroir that is responsible for the unique character of our grapes, the place that many of our team call home and spend many of their free hours exploring.
When thinking of the best days out in Hampshire, the New Forest is intrinsically one of the first places that comes to mind. Renowned for its beautiful scenery, eclectic wildlife and vast expanse of ancient forest, the National Park offers options for couples, friends, and families alike- from rugged hiking routes to boutique hotels, there is truly something to suit all tastes.
For Luxury Breaks
There is no better destination for a luxury break than the New Forest- with a selection of Market towns, picturesque villages and rural beauty spots, the location provides an idyllic break from the business of daily life. The Pig Hotel in Brockenhurst is the ideal base for enjoying this beautiful section of Hampshire- with an emphasis on locally sourced produce in their restaurant, what cannot be grown in the kitchen garden onsite, is sourced locally for their 25 Mile Menu. The, after a delicious meal, why not spend the night at their hotel- with a unique array of rooms? Each individually styled, choose your favourite for an unforgettable weekend. To add an extra element of relaxation to the stay, their spa offers a range of treatments- from bespoke massages to restorative facials- the ideal way to add a layer of luxury to your stay.
Alternatively, Lyndhurst is home to Limewood Hotel- situated in the heart of the New Forest, the hotel offers accommodation options from individually designed rooms for two, to cosy forest cabins to truly disconnect from daily life. Paired with food options from seasonal Italian influenced dishes from Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, in the relaxed setting provided by Hartnett Holder & Co, to wholesome daytime dining at Raw and Cured- there’s a menu to suit every taste. As an end to the weekend, their specially curated spa experiences provide the ideal opportunity to reset before the coming week- there is certainly no better form of luxury. Furthermore, throughout August, Hambledon Vineyard have partnered with Limewood to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Hartnett Holder & Co. Book your midweek stay during August to enjoy an overnight stay, with use of the Herb House Spa, a three course à la carte dinner, accompanied with a glass of Hambledon Classic Cuvèe. Then, wake up to a full english breakfast to finish the stay on a high note.
Even better, guests can enjoy a glass of the Finest English Fizz at both venues.
For Outdoor Pursuits
From walking to riding, the New Forest is the ideal weekend break in Hampshire for those who love the outdoors. The area offers a plethora of free walking trails, from longer multi-day routes such as the Solent Way Walk, to shorter routes which allow you to explore the forest at a more relaxed pace- viewing the area’s historic villages, unique wildlife, and ancient woodland- either in a solitary moment of peace, or a memorable day out with the children. With many viewpoints, artisan producers and more along the way- the walk can be a good way to explore the breadth of the national park at your own pace.
For those looking for a more unique experience, there are many opportunities to enjoy the National Park by other means. With a wealth of cycling trails available, there are routes available for all abilities- from fun family days out to long distance cycle-friendly routes. For something even more unique, explore the park on horseback. The New Forest is famous for its wild ponies- why not enjoy the wildlife in a more novel way, a memorable experience equally for romantic weekends away, or family days out. Of course, the New Forest is as famous for its coastline and rivers as it is for its woodland- so why not explore from the water? With many companies offering boat charters, canoe tours and more, this is an unforgettable way to spend a day out in Hampshire.
For some Retail Therapy
What better way to punctuate a long, languorous weekend, than discovering artisan treats, produced in the national park. With towns such as Lyndhurst and Lymington offering an array of hidden gems- from boutique clothing stores to specialist jewellers, to luxury interiors- to purchase that extra special piece, or find a memento of a perfect weekend. For the food lovers, the New Forest provides an exceptional range of artisanally produced food and drink- from local fare such as game, mushrooms, seafood, to cheese, shortbread and more, Hampshire Fare provides a good database for the local producers. This is alongside a range of independent farm shops, merchants, and food retailers, who specialise in highlighting local produce.
Why not enhance your stay in the New Forest, and visit us at Hambledon Vineyard for one of our tours & tastings, led by our expert guides.
