Review: Balmer Lawn Hotel, New Forest - a great autumn break

The couple at the desk are proudly showcasing the bear they picked up when they first stayed at the hotel - 20 years ago. 

They have brought teddy back for a trip down memory lane, and they are delighted to see that the hotel has only changed for the better in the past two decades. 

They have travelled from Brighton to mark an anniversary - attracted to the hotel's four poster beds - and they both gush about how much they love staying there.

If there's anything to show a sign of a good place to stay, it's returning customers and these two are more than that, they are hotel ambassadors. 

But they're not wrong, if you're looking for a place to cosy up, relax and enjoy the autumnal delights of the New Forest, then Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst might just be the place you've been longing for. 

We went on a one-night stay at the New Forest hotel to check out what it has to offer - and we weren't disappointed. 

If you've ever driven around the New Forest, the chances are that you would have driven past Balmer Lawn Hotel. 

Balmer Lawn (Image: Kimberley Barber) It's a big classic country house, set back from the road, but big enough to clearly see and is undoubtedly one of the most iconic buildings in the forest.

Originally built in the mid-1800s as a hunting lodge, it's right in the heart of the New Forest National Park, its grandness surrounded by fields and ponies. 

There's no getting away from the fact that the hotel has a proud history, having played its part during some of the most dramatic chapters in modern British history.  During World War I, the hotel was commandeered and used as an Army Hospital. In World War II, the hotel was used as an Army Staff College.

However, in recent times, it's been transformed into a luxurious but warm and friendly hotel. 

The lounge (Image: Kimberley Barber) Since Chris and Alison Wilson acquired the hotel from Hilton in October 1997 it has been extensively refurbished on several occasions and now proudly boasts a four-star rating.

We stayed for one night during the October half-term, and the hotel was fully booked - it was packed with families on intergenerational catch-ups and others with dogs who had come to take in the beauty of the New Forest in autumn. 

Who could blame them? It's a great base to explore the Forest with plenty of walking routes on the doorstep, and others a short drive away.

The hotel, with its cosy lounge and kids' games room, is family-friendly, with several family rooms, some inter-connecting.

The restaurant (Image: Kimberley Barber) Its countryside location and log fire also prove attractive for dog owners, and it was voted the most dog-friendly in the New Forest, with 18 rooms welcoming four-legged friends, including some of its luxury rooms. Dogs receive treats, a bed, towel, and there is a dog shower outside the hotels to wash down muggy pups. 

The hotel has two restaurants, the fine dining Beresfords, and the more casual Lodge, Restaurant and Bar – which is dog friendly.

We ate in Beresfords and the food was exquisite - choose from dishes from the field, sea, forest or grill such as lamb, cod, aubergine or sirloin steaks. 

Main course (Image: Kimberley Barber) It also has a spa, with a range of treatments, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool and sauna - great for blasting out some toxins and relaxing. 

We were lucky enough to check into one of the four poster bed rooms too. The room was large and comfortable, with everything you need to recharge after a wonderful jaunt across the national park. 

Balmer Lawn makes a great place to stay in the Forest - and with its gorgeous colours and crisp countryside, our trip to the Forest certainly helped us reset, a much-needed escape before the madness of Christmas begins.  

There is currently a three-nights-for-the-price-of-two offer, costing from £165 pp, B&B, two sharing a room.

Balmer Lawn Hotel, 01590 623 116, www.balmerlawnhotel.com.