New Forest

Friday, midday

Check into the Balmer Lawn Hotel & Spa (www.balmerlawnhotel.com, doubles from £160), a grand retreat at the heart of this wild and wildly beautiful corner of southern England.

12pm

Enjoy a pint and lunch at Balmer Lawn’s Beresfords restaurant. Highlights include belly pork, with bubble and squeak and chorizo.

2pm

Pick up a bike from New Forest Act iv ities(www.newfo rest activities. co.uk) and ease down the scenic banks of the Solent.

3pm

Park up at Buckler’s Hard (www. bucklershard.co.uk) and explore this historic dockyard by the river, which once forged vessels for Lord Nelson.

7pm

At Rhinefield House (handpickedhotels.co.uk/rhinefield house) choose between the grand 2 AA Rosette Armada Room or the Grill Room. Both are great.

Saturday, 10am

Get back out among the New Forest’s rich flora and fauna, this time on an electric bike with Cycleexperience (www.cyclex.co.uk).

Midday

Park your bike at the Trusty Servant (www.thetrustyservant.co.uk), one of the cosy rural pubs that dot the New Forest. Their steak pie is divine.

1pm

Beaulieu (www.beaulieu.co.uk) is a unique motor museum that is home to more than 250 vehicles ranging from vintage cars and buses, through to a world land speed record car that once sped over 400mph. Start with a ride on their monorail to get an overview of the sprawling site.

4pm

Enjoy a stroll around the village of Beaulieu, exploring its little shops with a visit to one of the local cafes en route.

7pm

Choose between a Michelin starred feast at the Montagu Arms (www. montaguarmshotel.co.uk) in Beaulieu or enjoy more traditional posh pub food in their inn.

Sunday, 9am

Enjoy a spa treatment at the Balmer Lawn, or just stroll in the grounds looking out for wild ponies and donkeys. n