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This Forester’s bedroom is named after someone who is in charge of managing a forest. In this case, The New forest National park. The Foresters Master Bedroom, to use its full name,  was the main bedroom of the 370-year-old cottage that was extended and updated over the years to create what is now Cottage Lodge Hotel. The home of ancient trees… New Forest Commoners and Foresters date back to the creation of the New Forest around 1079 AD and their way of life continues now within the New Forest National Park.  Trees are great survivors, and have lived through remarkable changes in the world around them. Many were fully grown trees when the Roundheads and Cavaliers were fighting the English Civil War or even when Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish Armada. In the New Forest trees are managed and protected. … Continue reading →

Cycling is a fantastic way to enjoy the New Forest National Park. Many guests choose to hire bikes or bring their own when they come to stay. Cottage Lodge is ideally situated as your base for exploring the local area, with so many routes beginning near here, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Former logging tracks, of which there are 140 miles, offer car free off road safe cycling for all to enjoy. Where can I cycle? You can enjoy many bike routes here in the New Forest. Some are excellent for pure beginners and suitable for families, as they are shorter and flatter. Then there are also many more for those cyclists who are more experienced and even expert riders can enjoy fantastic rides in the National Park. At certain times of year challenging cycle races are also held here … Continue reading →

Birdsong, bluebells, blossoms and bees… ponies, cattle, donkeys, under canopies of trees. This is what to expect on Spring New Forest walks. Spring walks and cycles A walk in the New Forest National Park is a delight at anytime of the year! But in Spring, you are surrounded by an orchestra of nature. From the birdsong that accompanies you every moment, to the trees as they move in the breeze. A Spring New Forest walk is a riot of colour with bluebells, crocuses, primroses and tree blossom in the villages and hearty heather and gorse on the heathlands. Watch the bees as they search for pollen on yellow gorse flowers and heather. Admire the many shades of green you can see as the trees leaves make canopies of shade for warmer days. Bird watching The birds are busy making their … Continue reading →

Get away from it all… It’s foal season here in the New Forest! Choose a calming break to refresh your mind, body and soul. Practise mindfulness and wander the timeless New Forest National park and absorb the wonders of the natural world at its finest and admire the gorgeous foals as they begin to appear. The New Forest comes alive when the new foals start gambling together over the open plains during the spring. The Forestry Commission prepare themselves for phone calls from anxious visitors reporting foals lying still (generally they are asleep), or ponies looking uncomfortable (in labour), or foals too close to road (they like the grass on the verges). Please remember that the foals are for looking at, not for touching. They are very much at home on the open forest, and they are accustomed to people, … 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 →

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. But, the one thing they all have in common is their love of the outdoors. And, there is a lot of outdoors to love in the New Forest National Park…. 94,000 acres to be exact. Beautiful open moorlands, wonderful and exciting ancient forest, clearings, streams, sticks, beaches, and dog friendly pubs. Bring your canine companion with you to the hotel and enjoy the dog friendly New Forest. At the Cottage Lodge we welcome dogs into three of our rooms. We keep it to three rooms because if you have a pet allergy, it would not be kind to have you sleep in a room after a dog has been in it. Nothing personal to the dogs…. and we have the most diligent of housekeepers, but we just want to also be kind to … Continue reading →

The New Forest Trust- has developed Love the Forest fundraising. Working with businesses across the New Forest to raise funds for conservation and education projects. This registered New Forest charity trust helps to care for the spectacular landscape, wildlife and traditions of the New Forest. The New Forest is an award winning world capital for wildlife with many rare species and habitats. For some plants, birds and animals, it’s their last refuge in the UK. The New Forest Trust has been created to help the ancient landscape of the New Forest and culture as they are under threat. The threats include the climate and natural emergencies, the impact of increasing visitor numbers and redevelopment of the landscape. Supporting New Forest heritage The New Forest Trust awarded a grant to the New Forest Heritage Centre. The centre is a museum, gallery … Continue reading →

The New Forest bedroom Verderers Rest, is named after the official people who take care of the New Forest. Verderers protect and administer the New Forest’s unique agricultural practices and conserve its landscape. All of Cottage Lodge hotel’s 16 bedrooms are named after people or places significant to the New Forest, or with the original cottage building. Rooms are individually-designed and furnished and no two are alike. The Hotel room Discover the amazing oak headboard from a huge oak tree created by artisan Rob Dyer from a tree that fell in a New Forest farm. It took four men to carry it into the building. The New Forest bedroom Verderers Rest is a ground floor hotel room with a view of a courtyard. This is a popular room at the hotel. It can be set up to be twin beds … Continue reading →

Cottage Lodge Hotel is really excited to collaborate with Experience Hampshire. Experience Hampshire – Helping you to discover local treasures Who are they? Experience Hampshire is the gatekeeper for Hampshire’s best kept secrets. Their mission is to become the go-to platform for locals and visitors to seek out, book and take part in original Hampshire-based activities and experiences. Whether you are an adventurer, an explorer, creative, or just curious, they have something just for you. They hand-pick unique activity providers, artisans, hosts and local experts who offer their bespoke collection of experiences to browsers through their online portal.  Why are they different? Trust them, they know Hampshire. Their tight-knit team know every nook and cranny in this shire and have built strong relationships with local experience providers, creating perfect experiences for browsers to enjoy.  Their online portal adopts the very … Continue reading →