Ormonde House Hotel
A Winter Escape at Ormonde House Hotel, Lyndhurst
Tucked beside the gentle edges of the New Forest National Park, where wild ponies wander past and the trees seem to exhale calm, Ormonde House Hotel is the kind of place that immediately slows your pace. It’s close enough to Lyndhurst’s high street for convenience, yet close enough to the forest that you can be among the trees within minutes. It’s comfort and countryside side by side — exactly what you want from a short winter break.
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. All the staff were friendly, the service was fantastic, and as a family travelling with a baby, we instantly felt looked after. Our little Ivy had everything she needed, from a travel cot in the room to a highchair waiting at breakfast. It made our stay feel easy and stress-free — a huge win for any parent. She slept literally like a baby too, so we know she felt comfortable.
Where the Forest Adventure Begins
The New Forest spreads out from the hotel’s doorstep like an invitation. You can wander through ancient woodland, spot ponies at the roadside, or simply enjoy the fresh air as you stroll along quiet paths. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a casual walker, or a family looking for gentle outdoor adventures, this area has something for everyone.
Festive Forest Feels
Visiting during the festive season adds an extra layer of charm.
During our stay, we enjoyed the Christmas light switch-on in Lyndhurst. A couple of mulled wines and a firework display later, we headed to The Forage for a delicious wood-fired pizza and Ivy’s favourite – Spaghetti bolognese! The ideal comfort food for a winter evening and the staff were very attentive. Back at the hotel, we wrapped up the night with a hot drink and some quiet time — simple, cosy, and exactly what we needed before the busy Christmas rush. We even watch The Snowman in bed with Ivy and seeing her little face filled with excitement was precious.
A Pre-Christmas Escape Worth Taking
If December tends to feel frantic, this is the kind of escape that helps you reset. Mornings at Ormonde House start slowly, with spot-on coffee and a hearty breakfast to ease you into the day. Even with a baby in tow, everything felt calm and manageable.
Afternoons can be spent exploring the forest, browsing local shops, or dipping in and out of festive events. Evenings are peaceful — relax with a drink in the hotel bar, a perfect chance to unwind before heading back into the whirlwind of the holidays.
It’s a getaway that reminds you how important it is to pause, breathe, and reconnect — with nature, with each other, and with yourself.
A Reason to Return
After a relaxed wintery morning, I joined the winter launch of New Forest Hikes — a guided walk that now runs regularly from the hotel. Starting and ending right at the front door, it’s an ideal activity for anyone wanting to explore the forest more deeply.
Our guide, Amy, was brilliant. She knows the New Forest so well and took us along routes we never would’ve found on our own. Her passion for the area — and her fascinating backstory — made the experience even more memorable. If you’re staying at the hotel when one of her hikes is running, I’d highly recommend joining.
With the staff’s kindness, the hotel’s comfort, the AMAZING post hike cake and coffee and the surrounding forest’s charm, we left feeling refreshed and already talking about the next hike on the 14th of December.
Stay Connected & Book Smart
Call to book directly –
📞 Ormonde House Hotel: 023 8028 2806
If you’d like to keep up with upcoming forest events, future guided hikes, and latest offers, be sure to follow both New Forest Hikes and Ormonde House Hotel on Instagram. It’s the easiest way to stay in the loop — and to benefit from any exclusive offers available when booking directly through the hotel.
The hotel are also running a Giveaway! Follow the link below to enter 👇
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