New Forest - Day One

Last weekend Jon and I donned our flip flops, shorts and sunnies; hired a car; and headed to the New Forest for a weekend escape from the city. Despite growing up a stones throw away I have never been there for a long weekend and that needed rectifying. 

We thought we’d beat the weekend traffic but clearly everyone had the same idea as traffic was horrendous and, on the edge of my seat waiting for the holiday weather, but we made it down in good time and were greeted by a beautiful hotel in the heart of the forest and cream team on arrival. 

Bartley Lodge Hotel is my idea of British holiday bliss – rolling countryside, patio seating for sunset cocktails, old wooden beams and features, and log fires (luckily not needed on this occasion but beautiful none the less!).

 

We arrived fairly late so after some wine and dinner we hit the sack for a good night’s sleep so we’d be bright eyed and bushy tailed early the next day.  

After a huge breakfast we headed down to the coast. Passing through Brockenhurst we caught our first glimpse of the infamous New Forest ponies which roam the countryside (more on them later!).

On first sight of the sea I was immediately as excited as a small child at the seaside.

 

We decided to walk the couple of miles along the spit to Hurst Castle. The castle, completed in 1544 was built by Henry VIII. Renovations took place during the Napoleonic wards and in the 1870’s two 38-ton guns were installed. It was also used as a defense position during World War II.

 

While Jon was mesmerised by the manly fort I was distracted by the picture perfect white lighthouse next door.

 

Although is it said that a light was shown on Hurst Point as early as 1733 the first permanent light was petitioned for in 1782 so that seafaring men could safely pass at night. There have been many renovations and replacements but the 26 metre lighthouse that stands there today was placed there in 1867. There’s something so magical about a lighthouse that really makes you feel as if you’re at the world’s end…even if you are surrounded by BBQs and land is just across the Solent...

 

None the less Jon and I found a quiet spot and stopped to rest our legs and recline in the sunshine, which was scorching by this point.

 After walking around town and grabbing some snacks we headed along the coast to Avon Beach. I got lazy with the camera at this point as I was clearly far too busy sunning myself and eating so you’ll have to make do with searching the web for a pic.

I have always been quite skeptical about British beaches but I’ve got to say that Avon Beach surpassed my expectations. It was clean, sandy and the water was clear and not too far below freezing!

Jon did some paddling, I did some tanning and then we both decided we should’ve put suncream on earlier and we may need some shade so we packed up our picnic and drove back to the hotel.

I plonked myself on the hotel lawn with a good book and Jon mysteriously disappeared off before returning with the pièce de résistance of the day – chilled Champagne! Life was good (and chivalry isn’t dead – hurrah)! 

We spent the rest of the evening reading, sipping champagne and chatting in the sun.