Country cottages in the New Forest for self-catering breaks

The New Forest on the south coast of England is one of the loveliest places to stay for a week or so. This long established forest offers so many woodland trails through mixed woodland. People walk their dogs here, mountain bike and hike. The mushroom pickers are out in force in the autumn, bags and baskets to the ready.

There is much more to the New Forest than trees. Much of the area is open heath, a place that takes on a pink haze in the height of summer when the heather blooms. Ponds and ground water provide drinking holes for the wild ponies and other animals of the forest and are excellent places to spot wildlife. Hatchet Pond is the largest body of water in the area and has become a spot for coarse angling, picnics and walkers.

The ideal situation is to rent a cottage or log cabin for a long weekend or even a week or two. There is cycle hire in various villages and what better way to explore the New Forest than on the back of bike. Access roads to the heart of the New Forest are excellent, a dual-carriageway, the A31, takes visitors in and out very quickly and leads onto the M27 to Southampton.

A holiday in the New Forest appeals to all ages. Everyone adores the ponies that graze quietly in groups, the charming villages and the beautiful scenery. Find a cottage to rent and settle down to explore for a week or two. You won't regret it.