New Park Manor, Brockenhurst, New Forest

Tucked away off the main road between Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, this is a convenient location while feeling in the middle of the forest. The hotel is surrounded by majestic trees and grassy plains and yet Brockenhurst, with its train service to London, is just a six-minute drive away. Plenty of forest walks start from just outside the hotel, while the pretty touristy town of Lyndhurst is less than ten minutes' drive.

By car: it takes around 25 minutes from Southampton and 2 hours from London. The hotel offers free parking.

By train: Brockenhurst station is a 5-minute drive from the hotel. The journey takes 13 minutes from Southampton and 1 hour 40 minutes from London Waterloo. Book trains to Brockenhurst.

The majestic red-brick building was built as a manor house in the 17th century and became King Charles II's hunting lodge after the civil war when his mistress Nell Gwynn was in residence. Fireplaces and an oak-leaf patterned door remain from that time. Elsewhere, tasteful furnishings complement the historic architecture, while a modern wing houses the spa.

There's plenty to do here with an indoor and outdoor pool, bikes to hire, croquet or badminton to play and maps and wellies to go out and explore the surrounding forest. Indoors, there's a cinema room and a library and the spa has a thermal suite and outdoor hot tub. Service is friendly and personal.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Gardens
• Creche
• Kids' snug
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Spa
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are spread across the original manor house and the new wing. Each is uniquely styled, with some having more of a contemporary feel, while others have mahogany period furniture and wingback chairs. Bathrooms are sleek, and some have roll-top baths. The bijou rooms in the attic have sloping ceilings.

Room types: Small Classic, Classic, Country Classic, Roe, Fallow, Forest Rooms, Manor Deluxe, Sika, Manor Deluxe Suite, Family Suites

Key amenities: ensuite with shower over bath or walk-in shower, bathrobes, TV

The Stag restaurant serves bistro-style food such as seafood, steaks, pies and burgers. A lounge and terrace menu offers sandwiches, afternoon teas, pizzas, platters and sharing menus. Breakfast includes haddock, smoked salmon and kippers and vegetarian options. You can order cocktails in the Rufus Lounge.

The Stag: informal daytime dining, fine dining in the evenings, local, foraged and homegrown produce, seafood, steaks. Open every day. Mains from £12.50.