Hotel of the week

WHERE AND WHY

The four-star Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst, New Forest, has the national park and gorgeous villages right on its doorstep. It started out as a hunting lodge in the mid-19th century and is now decorated in a contemporary style but retains a warm, comfortable and relaxing ambience with log fires and dark wooden decor.

Our room was very spacious with its own relaxation area, a desk and wardrobe and amazing bathroom complete with double sinks, a large shower and deep bath.

The prosecco and piped chocolate welcome completed the luxury feel.

ON THE MENU

Balmer Lawn is home to Beresfords Restaurant and Lounge as well as a pizza oven venue in an extensive outdoor area.

Dining at the candle-lit two AA Rosette Beresford’s restaurant was lovely. The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the menu wide-ranging.

Using local ingredients where they can, diners can choose up to four delicious courses, with seafood, meat and vegetarian options.

The starters were a real treat and my partner thoroughly enjoyed the venison that he had as a main – and neither of us could resist a chocolate and caramel fondant for our dessert.

Starters begin at £6, with mains from £17 and desserts £7.50, alongside an extensive wine, gin, and beer list (handily, there is a microbrewery on site!).

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

The New Forest’s delights await and simply mooching around the forest and villages alongside the adorable wild horses and donkeys makes for a wonderful adventure.

From Balmer Lawn you can complete many forest walks – the one we went on was mostly a stone path so not too muddy.

The village of Beaulieu offers attractions such as the National Motor Museum and its World of Top Gear, and Palace House, the Montagu family home since 1538.

The town of Lymington, just a 15-minute drive away, is also gorgeous with a lovely harbour and fine views.

If you can’t bear to leave Balmer Lawn, there’s the Saltus Spa with an indoor pool and sauna, plus an outdoor pool and a lot of seating areas and nooks to relax in during the summer.

Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club is just down the road and hotel guests get preferential rates.

WAKE UP CALL

Winter break dinner, B&B package from £159 per room per night. balmerlawnhotel.com