If you’re looking to whisk your sweetheart away to a romance-laden, lovers’ retreat for a valentines break in the New Forest, take a look at Undercastle Cottage.
It’s tucked deep inside the woods of the New Forest National Park with no other houses in sight and surrounded by incredible wildlife and the famous New Forest ponies grazing outside. It is an idyllic and hopelessly romantic thatched cottage, perfect for a Valentine’s break exploring, relaxing, dining and spending time together creating memories to last a lifetime.
What better way to start the day than breakfast in bed
If the thought of cooking a full fry up in the cottages’ pretty hand-painted kitchen isn’t your thing, we can add some croissants and delicious flakey pastries to pop in the oven in your welcome hamper. Our hamper includes lots of scrumptious delicacies from local producers with everything you’ll need to set you up for the first day or so including freshly baked bread, home-made butter, free-range eggs, cheese, biscuits, cakes, chocolate and freshly squeezed apple juice, local cider and beer.
The cosy bedrooms at Undercastle Cottage encourage long lie-ins with views out to the forest and river. Snuggle under the covers in one of the antique luxury beds and watch squirrels squabbling, birds fluttering and deer tip-toeing through the grass outside your window.
Get dressed, wrap up warm and head outdoors for a ton of fun!
Horse riding through the forest on a winters day is great fun any time of the year, but winter is rather special with the steamy warmth from your horse in stark contrast to the icy trees around you. Book a couple of hours out on a trek or if you’re both experienced equestrians, head on a faster hack for a morning of adventure and exhilaration. The nearest stables to Undercastle Cottage are www.arnissequestrian.co.uk just a couple of miles away in Godshill. You can also try www.burleyvilla.co.uk in Bashley, www.brockenhurstridingstables.co.uk in Brockenhurst and Manor Equestrian Centre in the northeast of the New Forest near Paultons Park.
Explore the riverbanks
Head over to Beaulieu River for a paddling partnership in a large 2-3 seat Canadian style canoe. The river is home to lots of wildlife, birds of prey and resident seals who romp and play in this beautiful river as it twists and turns through the woods to the sea. Book an escorted tour or hire boats from New Forest Activities based in Beaulieu. While you’re there, have lunch in the village at Steff’s Kitchen or splash the cash at The Montagu Arms and spend some time browsing the dinky shops of the cobbled high street often frequented by free-roaming donkeys! Just a mile or so away is the National Motor Museum, a must if your other has a penchant for cars.
Should you prefer two wheels
You can bring your bike to Undercastle Cottage or hire them out locally at nearby Sandy Balls Holiday Park; you’ll find tracks and cycle routes all around the New Forest. For the ultimate in romantic transport, why not hire a tandem bike from Forest Leisure Cycling in Burley and head out along the old railway line that runs from Burley to Sway. It’s flat and gravelled with gorgeous scenery along the way. Still on the outdoor theme, take aim with cupids arrow and have a go at Archery. It’s as much fun as challenging and a fitting sport while surrounded by the New Forest’s ancient trees. Contact Insight Activities near Fordingbridge or The New Forest Outdoor Centre in Emery Down.
Chocolate box villages, cosy pubs and eateries galore
This wonderful National Park is blessed with a wealth of picture-postcard villages and towns for you to explore. You’ll find them liberally sprinkled with independent shops selling pretty trinkets and keepsakes – perfect to take home as a happy reminder of your stay. Stop off for a walk, and when you’re feeling peckish, fantastic cafes, gorgeous pubs and fine-dining restaurants are never far away. Our favourites for a romantic meal include The Three Lions in Stuckton,The Foresters Arms in Frogham and The Royal Oak in North Gorley. For an extra special meal head into Salisbury for fine dining at The Black Rat or Charter 1277 Restaurant or drive east towards Brockenhurst for a culinary treat at Rhinefield House.
Why you should choose Undercastle Cottage for a Valentines break
The best part about staying at Undercastle Cottage for a luxury romantic break is having space, privacy and freedom. Imagine being curled up on your sofa in front of the log fire flickering away watching wildlife from the big French doors. The Hampshire Avon river flows past the river and is renowned as one of the best coarse and fly rivers in the UK. You can fish from the cottage terrace for huge Chubb, Barbel, Salmon and Pike – private tuition is available on request. Swans are a familiar sight gliding downstream, and otters often play in the river. As dusk falls, light some candles, throw another log on the fire, pop a bottle of your favourite bubbly and reminisce on your day’s adventure.
Short breaks in February start at £927.30 (main house only)
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