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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 →

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 →

Join us this June as we mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations here at Cottage Lodge Hotel, Brockenhurst, New Forest. We are celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee in a very patriotic way at Cottage Lodge. To mark her Majesty’s reign, the village of Brockenhurst has gone all red, white and blue in celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne. At Cottage Lodge, we are marking the Jubilee festivities in a very noticeable way too. We have camouflaged our trademark yellow front door with the Union jack and we think it looks fabulous! Our new look will remain for the month of “Jubilicious June” and ensure Cottage Lodge matches the village ambience of street party celebrations for the Jubilee. Enjoy the royal treatment! Our guests can look forward to freshly made tea and local cake on arrival. Friendly and unobtrusive … 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 →

We have all craved extra space recently and here at Cottage Lodge we have found a cute solution to add outdoor space for some of our rooms. Why not choose one of our rooms with outdoor space when you book? These rooms are fantastic for gaining a little extra space and great to retreat to when you return to the hotel. Here is our handy guide to booking your perfect Cottage Lodge escape. Which rooms have garden spaces? Here at the hotel we have tried vey hard to maximise the outdoor space for our guests. We have a rear cottage garden which allows 7 of our 16 rooms to enjoy a little added garden space. These cottage rooms have a cute little exterior area allocated to them for guests to enjoy in fine weather. They are the perfect spot to … 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 →

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 →