Spend a lovely weekend in the delightful county of Hampshire to experience and enjoy some glorious driving, whilst touring the beautiful and historic New Forest, Britain’s newest National Park
The New Forest, created in 1079 as a hunting ground by William the Conqueror, has much to see with its pretty woodlands, open heath and lovely coastline. Stay in a charming country house hotel with a fabulous spa. The tour will also include visits to other Hampshire attractions, including National Trust properties, stunning gardens and a tour of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu.
We really enjoyed the weekend and loved the area. Thank you! J&D P, Bedfordshire
Each car will be given a comprehensive tour book, detailing scenic routes, with maps, as well as everything to do, see and visit over the weekend.
Accommodation
In 1666, King Charles II made New Park Manor, in the heart of this ancient forest, his favourite hunting lodge on his return from exile in France, and his royal coat of arms is displayed prominently above the fireplace in the award-winning Stag Restaurant.
New Park Manor is the perfect getaway destination for anyone wishing to explore and really appreciate the unique mosaic of woodland, heathland and wetland that comprise this ancient landscape – and it exudes style.
Not only are you able to watch the deer, the ponies, the birds and the foxes from most rooms but the Polo Bar is strikingly contemporary with a stone flagged floor and wood panelling; the Rufus Lounge, with its deep leather armchairs, rich, warm colours and sports memorabilia, has the character and atmosphere of a convivial club.
New Park Manor is one of only very few country house hotels set in the heart of the New Forest, which retains many of the rural practices ceded by the crown in medieval times to the local people.
Itinerary
May be subject to change without notice
Day 1
Drive deep into the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire. Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
After a delicious breakfast, drive to the beautiful village of Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum. Enjoy a private tour of the cars, palace, and grounds.
Explore the 200-acre grounds of the captivating Exbury Gardens. They are renowned for the azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as the beautiful autumn colours. There is something to see all year round.
Continue on to visit the unique village of Buckler’s Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, and discover its distinguished ship-building history.
Drive down the coast to Lymington and then return to New Park via the Setley Ridge vineyards for a free wine tasting. Take a stroll before dinner through the open forest to work up an appetite for dinner.
Day 3
Discover the ornamental drive past Rhinefield House and onto Linwood and Mockbeggar. Head north on small, out-of-the-way lanes to Fordingbridge. Visit the Roman Villa at Rockbourne and then onto Breamore House. This fascinating Elizabethan Manor also has an excellent countryside museum. This part of the Forest is always pretty quiet and secluded.
Drive through Lover and Hamptworth and south to Fritham and Stoney Cross. The tour finishes in Lyndhurst.
Details
Dates: This tour can be taken at any time to suit.
Duration: 2 days/2 nights
Price: £295 per person – based on two people sharing a twin or double room
What’s included
- Two nights accommodation in a lovely country house hotel
- Full breakfast each morning
- Dinner on both evenings
Scenic drives of the New Forest- A comprehensive tour book, with maps, routes and details of everything to see, do and visit
What’s not included
- Travel & medical insurance
- Lunches or teas
- All drinks are extra to accommodate individual preferences
- Entry to attractions
Requirements
The New Forest Tour is open to classic, vintage and sports cars of any age. However, the most important requirement is that you take pleasure in motoring through fabulous scenery, deserving of the vehicles we love. There is no need for early departures or late arrivals at the hotel. Just a wonderful few days for you to relax and enjoy wonderful driving, excellent food, delightful scenery, and a beautiful hotel.
Classic Travelling was established in 2003 and offers motoring holidays for classic, vintage and sports cars. The founder of the business, Sarah Dowding, has extensive experience of touring and motoring, having driven well in excess of 250,000 miles over the finest roads in Europe, North America, and southern Africa.