Short break: New Park Manor, Brockenhurst, Hampshire

Enjoying a luxury, family friendly stay in a stunning setting which also offers free childcare may sound too good to be true, but it exists and we've found it at the newly refurbished New Park Manor

New Park Manor, sitting on the outskirts of Brockenhurst in the New Forest, was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1484 having been awarded to one John Huton, by the Crown. It went on to become a retreat for Sir George Cary during the Civil War in the 16th century and in 1670 it became the favourite hunting lodge for none other than Charles II, who expanded the land to accommodate a new herd of red deer imported from France. From our bedroom window, we were able to gaze out over this modern-day herd, grazing in the pastures beyond the hotel, a sight I have no doubt is pretty much unchanged from that once seen by the King’s mistress, Nell Gwynne, who called New Park home. From then, the estate was used by the Lord Wardens of the New Forest as a farm and tree plantation until it finally became a hotel in 1960.

The outdoor pool is a suntrap during summer months The building you pull up to today is something of an architectural hotchpotch with additions from the 18th, 19th and 20th century, and previously, the interior has always felt a little disjointed too. However, having undergone a complete refurbishment this year since becoming part of the Luxury Family Hotels, it was wonderful to see the care and attention the hotel has been given to create a sense of flow throughout the different spaces.

The entrance is now a light and welcoming space with plenty of space for kids, dogs and luggage to mingle while checking in takes place. New Park isn’t just a hotel that welcomes children and animals, it is a hotel which sees the family as the centre of its business. From the blackboard showing ‘den activities’ and cinema room timings, to the soft toys on the pillows and complimentary baby monitors and Yoto players with every room, parents can immediately feel at ease knowing their littles ones are not just catered for but welcomed with open arms.

Family-friendly The Vinery restaurant has doors out on to the garden for little ones to let off steam The Four Bears Den, we discovered, is the hotel’s kids club, which offers entertainment for children aged 3 months to 8 years. All guests receive a complimentary two-hour session with every stay, allowing the adults to relax in the spa, enjoy a treatment or an indulgent, child-free lunch. Our own boys loved feeding the hotel’s rabbit and joining in with the arts and crafts and came out full of excitement having spent a couple of hours apart, ready to hit the pool for an afternoon of swimming.

The luxury surroundings of the spa are a joy to share as a family, being open to everyone to appreciate. There is an adults-only terrace with outdoor hot tubs for those wanting a child-free experience, so to know our boys could splash about happily, without ruining anyone else’s zen moment was a relief. With bubble beds, jets, saunas and steam room catering for tired and aching muscles, the pool itself overlooks the stunning Forest backdrop where ponies and deer can be viewed. The therapists are even on hand to help little ones relax with specialised Little Ishga facials and massages for ages three and upwards. While grown ups can choose from a range of treatments as well as a new addition, a Somadome meditation experience, which we can really recommend you try.

The games room hosts movie nights for all the family After an afternoon in the pool and out on the adventure play area, we’d certainly built up an appetite and were ready for dinner in The Vinery restaurant, which welcomes families and offers a light and beautiful space with doors out to the garden, boardgames to play at the table, highchairs and child-friendly cutlery. The menu is full of comfort food classics such as steak frites, fish and chips and pie of the day and the children’s menu had several options, including salmon, which our boys enjoyed, as well as pureed food for babies, taking the stress away for parents going through the weaning process. If you want to make the most of the video monitors, there is also the adults-only Stag Restaurant, which offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, showcasing the best of local and seasonal produce. Or, like us, why not sneak down for a nightcap in the bar once the children are asleep, safe in the knowledge that you can see them the whole time.

Back to the room and it was wonderful to experience the two-bedroom suite. The boys were able to share one bedroom with twin beds while our bedroom boasted a comfy king-size bed and views over the grounds. The spacious bathroom had a roll top bath and walk-in shower, which the boys loved, and the complimentary Bramley products added to the luxury feel. There are also dog-friendly rooms which offer in-room dining treats for your four-legged friends as well as bed, ball and bowls ready for their arrival. The new décor feels sumptuous and sophisticated without being stuffy, setting the perfect atmosphere for a family break which everyone can enjoy.

The newly refurbished suites are luxurious and invitingBreakfast in the morning was seamless thanks to the buffet serving up a variety of choice to please fussy eaters and we finished our stay with a bit of table-tennis and pool in the games room before heading out for one last trip down the slide (there’s an outdoor pool here too to enjoy in the warmer months). New Park is ideally situated to explore the stunning New Forest, but also, is about a 20-minute drive from Paulton’s Park, so the ideal base if you wanted to extend your stay and add in an attraction. Sometimes, when we’ve stayed away with the children, we’ve returned even more frazzled than we were before we left but at New Park, we felt accepted and at home. The boys had the time of their life, and we were able to relax too, knowing that everything was catered for.

Book a stay

During autumn New Park is offering a free night for any three- or four-night stays, giving you more time to explore the beautiful New Forest in all its splendour. Ts&Cs apply online at luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/locations/new-park-manor