Author Archives: Cottage Lodge Hotel

In our efforts to bring our guests local New Forest breakfasts. We sourced from our wonderful village right near the hotel for sustainable and ethically produced goods. We work alongside the wonderful local businesses here, in Brockenhurst village, New Forest National Park. Our traditional Village Butchers and award winning The Bakehouse bakery provide us with the granary & white bread and hand made sausages available for our local New Forest breakfasts. In times of mass produced, processed foods and of large chains taking away from the local businesses. Here, in Brockenhurst we are fortunate to have village suppliers, who are choosing traditional methods and using quality ingredients. About the locals Brockenhurst Villagers have been buying their butchery and bakery items from the master butchers and bakers on Brookley Road for many decades and there are often queues out the door … Continue reading →

It’s that wonderful time of year where our minds turn to all things Christmas. Of time spent with loved ones, and the magic of present giving and New Year aspirations made. What could be more special, than gifting the New Forest? Whether it be a gift voucher towards a New Year stay at the Cottage Lodge or a selection of artisan goodies evocative of the National park and the local area. Share with the special people in your life the scents and tastes of the New Forest wherever you may be in the UK through our online shop Yellow Forest. By doing so you are helping to support small businesses and the local New Forest community of artisan producers. Christmas gifts and vouchers Have you ever stayed with us and loved our organic toiletries and enjoyed our marmalade? If so … Continue reading →

Have you ever hugged a tree? FREE HUGS AVAILABLE! Hugging a tree increases levels of hormone oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for feeling calm and emotional bonding. When hugging a tree, the hormones serotonin and dopamine make you feel happier. It is important to use this “free” space of a forest we were given by nature to holistically heal ourselves. When hugging a loved one is off the cards, what can we do to feel comfort? Why not try New Forest tree hugging? New Forest holistic hugging Try New Forest tree hugging… In the New Forest we are fortunate to have an amazing selection of trees on offer and we have taken some advice from our Northern friends, The Icelandic Forestry Service who have been encouraging people to hug trees while social distancing measures prevent them from hugging other people. In a time when close contact … Continue reading →

The New Forest is a special place and something that cannot be denied is the ethereal charm of the wandering deer. Herds can be seen throughout the forest. We are fortunate to have 5 types of deer resident here. Sika, Fallow, Roe, Muntjac and Red Deer roam uninterrupted throughout the New forest. History of deer in the New Forest King William the Conqueror named it as a Royal Forest in 1079. This was primarily “for the pursuit of the beasts of the chase – red, roe and fallow deer, and wild pigs.” It was the King’s personal hunting ground and for anyone else it was considered poaching! The deer in the New Forest have no natural predators. They have to be culled in order to keep numbers stable. That’s one of the many jobs of the New Forest Keepers. Around … Continue reading →

Here at Cottage Lodge we are on a mission! That mission is to be the first hotel in the New Forest to be 100% sustainable. This influences our green actions and hotel policies. From our choice of suppliers, to the type of cleaning products we use. One of our biggest considerations at Cottage Lodge is with our recycling. We have taken measures to be the very best we can be when we recycle. A green planet is a clean planet We are very fortunate that within the National Park, the New Forest District Council also have great policies on recycling. When you stay with us at the Cottage Lodge Hotel or dine at the White Tails restaurant we are eco conscious. We ensure that all rubbish that is created is segregated for recycling. This includes plastic bottles, paper, glass, cans … Continue reading →

Fantastic news alert!! The New Forest National Park has been ranked the No.1 top travel destination in Europe and the 10th best in world for outdoor enthusiasts in the Traveller’s choice awards for 2022. Recognising the New Forest National Park as a “best of the best “winner at Tripadvisor’s annual awards, which honours traveller’s favourite destinations worldwide based on the quality and quantity of reviews and ratings. The New Forest was described as “welcoming” and praised for its “scenic views, wide trails and ancient woodlands”. Add this praise to our own success as no.1 on Tripadvisor for the local area, and “best of the best” within the National park, and you have an award winning travel combination. So what does the New Forest offer? Welcome to the timeless New Forest, a place of tranquillity, natural beauty and free roaming animals. … Continue reading →

We are passionate about the New Forest and supporting the local communities and authorities in their protection of this unique and beautiful area. At the Cottage Lodge we are committed to its conservation and encouraging eco friendly visitors following the New Forest Code. We pride ourselves on our local knowledge and as ambassadors for the New Forest we are keen to do our part and educate visitors in the New Forest Code. We make time to chat about the National Park with our guests, friends and followers. It’s easy to do when we have so much beauty to talk about, whether it be a lovely place to walk or cycle, or even an activity such as horse riding or geocaching We encourage all we speak to to do their bit and be New Forest friendly. Be New Forest Friendly We … Continue reading →