New Park Manor, Brockenhurst, New Forest

It's a luxurious, laidback hotel and spa in the heart of the New Forest, with wild deer and free-roaming ponies that come right up to the hotel doors.

The hotel is five minutes' drive from the centre of Brockenhurst, with its own grounds and the woodland of the New Forest surrounding it.
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. thetrainline.com

Well-to-do families who want to holiday in style tend to stay here. We love the floor-to-ceiling windows in the indoor pool, which frame the forest beyond.

The adults-only terrace of the spa is a peaceful spot to get away from your own (and other people's) kids.

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

Dogs are welcome to stay for a charge of £15 per dog, per night.

Sika has its own private rooftop terrace and the bathroom has a free-standing bath and rainfall shower. There's also a daybed that can accomodate a child. Rooms can come ready-equipped with things you need for the kids, including nappy bins and changing mats.

Small Classic, Classic, Country Classic, Roe, Fallow, Forest Rooms, Manor Deluxe, Sika, Manor Deluxe Suite, Family Suite, Muntjac Family Suite
Facilities include: ensuite with shower over bath or walk-in shower, bathrobes, TV, DVD player, armchair

Fill in your picnic menu and hand it into reception by 6pm for a beautifully prepared picnic to take on your rambles. The Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit themed afternoon tea is beautifully presented and includes little flower pots of hummus and crudites.

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