New Milton, New Forest, England
Refined country house hotel in the New Forest offering award‑winning dining, an extensive spa and elegant accommodations in woodland grounds
Our review
I’ve known about Chewton Glen for years. My aunt lived in nearby Ferndown and my parents retired to be near her after I left home. Half an hour’s drive away, it was where they all went for very special occasions. My sister had tried the spa a few times too.
On the drive down, my husband told me he has stayed twice and played golf on work weekends. So it appeared I was the only one in my family never to have set foot in the place.
A long drive, flanked with established oak and beech trees takes us up to the imposing house, set in 130 acres of parkland and landscaped grounds. Our feet crunch on the gravel as we make our way to reception.
We had the Poacher Master Suite in the main house, with views over the outdoor pool and gardens. It was a delightful room. A small entrance hall led to the large lounge – off which was a separate study, brilliant for someone expecting to work while here – and then the bedroom and bathroom leading off that. The lounge had a neutral carpet and then statement floral green wallpaper on just one wall, two two-seater sofas, wall-mounted television, a sideboard with pretty chunky glass bowl, and ample table lamps and floor lamps to suit every mood, from watching television to reading.
The bedroom had plenty of room to move, with oversized bed and oodles of cushions, armchair, reading lights and all the little things I appreciate, like a window that opens. Even better was the dressing room with space for at least two suitcases, ample hanging room, sockets for charging devices, drawers as well as shelves and a make-up desk with mirror.
The bathroom had attractive shimmering mosaic tiles, double sinks, easy-to-operate rainwater shower and a separate deep bath with Otto Rose Ren bath wash supplied. There was a heated towel rail and television above the bath. Travertine, marble and blonde wood all worked together well. The only slight niggle from Paul was that the bath took well over ten minutes to fill.
The hotel has their famous tree houses, built in 2012. Popular with families, they are enormous fun, with views over the valley and there are only 12 suites available, hidden in the grounds, yet close by. Breakfast is delivered directly to the tree house.
The spa at Chewton Glen is well regarded, with 5 bubbles (top marks) from the Good Spa Award. There are 12 treatment rooms, indoor pool and hydrotherapy suite.
Active types will appreciate the four tennis courts (two indoor), croquet lawn, 9-hole golf course and free bike loan. There is also a kids club in the school holidays.
Dinner and breakfast are served in the Dining Room Restaurant. We had a wonderful supper; my starter of twice baked soufflé and the local English cheeseboard I had to follow being particularly memorable. The scallops Paul tried were among the best he has tasted.
I understand now why my family have held this hotel in such high regard; it’s a quintessentially English luxury haven. No wonder repeat visitors top 70%.
Rooms
Chewton Glen offers around 70 rooms and suites within the main house and grounds, complemented by a collection of contemporary treehouse suites. Traditional rooms feature classic English country décor, marble bathrooms and garden views, while the treehouses offer floor‑to‑ceiling windows, private terraces, hot tubs in selected units and a high level of seclusion.
Food and Drink
The Dining Room is the hotel’s fine dining restaurant and has held a Michelin star, presenting modern British cuisine with a strong focus on seasonal and local ingredients. Informal dining is offered at The Kitchen, which serves relaxed farm‑to‑table dishes throughout the day.
The hotel bar and lounges provide afternoon tea, cocktails and light meals, with views over the gardens and terrace during warmer months.
Wellness
The Chewton Glen Spa is a standout feature, offering a comprehensive wellness experience with indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy areas, sauna, steam rooms and treatment suites. A wide range of massages, holistic therapies and fitness programmes is available, alongside a fully equipped gym and studio spaces.
Facilities
- Extensive spa and wellness facilities
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
- Fitness centre and exercise studios
- Fine dining and casual restaurants
- Traditional English afternoon tea
- Tennis courts and croquet lawn
- Treehouse accommodation
- Meeting and event spaces
- Landscaped gardens and woodland grounds
- Free Wi‑Fi and parking
Location
Chewton Glen is located near New Milton on the edge of the New Forest National Park, within easy reach of the Hampshire coastline. Nearby attractions include forest walking trails, beaches at Milford‑on‑Sea, and the towns of Lymington and Christchurch.
Getting there
Address: New Milton, Hampshire BH25 6QS
Arriving by air: Southampton Airport – Located 27 miles (43 km) 40 minutes by car.
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.