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.

To stay at New Park Manor is a great experience. Your room is not just a place to sleep. It’s also a place to lounge, chat, listen to music and generally chill out. The beds are big and bold and the duvets luxurious. All rooms benefit from fine fabrics, some with original period features and some delightful parkland views all combine to create a unique experience. Quality toiletries from Culpeper and other little touches create the perfect welcome when you first open the door.

The rooms are located on the first and top, attic floors in the floor of the original Manor and some feature sloped ceilings. They are lovely and cosy for a couple and have lots of charm as well as a great sense of history. All are decorated individually in a true English Country House style. Please be aware that because of the nature of this historic building or, in some cases, sloped ceiling heights, these rooms are not able to offer a full standing shower facility. They do, however, have a hand held shower attachment on the bath. Full modern shower facilities are of course freely available in the Bath House Spa.

The spa includes a lovely pool, steam room, sauna, hydro-spa pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, and ‘experience’ showers.

Itinerary

May be subject to change without notice

Day 1

Drive deep into the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire. If you arrive early, enjoy a stroll around the grounds, or indulge in a superb afternoon tea. Gather in the Polo Bar at 7.30pm for drinks, followed by a delicious dinner in the restaurant.

Day 2

After a good 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, and takes you more off the beaten track.

Drive through Lover and Hamptworth and south to Fritham and Stoney Cross. The tour finishes in Lyndhurst, where there are a number of places to enjoy afternoon tea before your return journey home.

Details

Dates: 3-5 September 2010

Duration: 2 days/2 nights

Prices:
Classic Room: £270 per person (FULLY BOOKED)
Country Classic Room: £330 per person
The Country Classic and Classic Rooms are located on the top floor in the attic of the Manor and feature sloped ceilings. Although on the smaller side, they are lovely and cosy for a couple and have lots of charm as well as a great sense of history. All are decorated individually in a true English Country House style. Please be aware that because of the sloped ceiling height these rooms are not able to offer a full standing shower facility. They do, however, have a hand held shower attachment on the bath. Full modern shower facilities are of course freely available in the Bath House Spa.

Manor Room: £350 per person (FULLY BOOKED)
The Manor rooms are also located in the original part of the Manor, on the first floor. These rooms, however, once accommodated the house guests and are therefore more spacious with larger windows looking out to the gardens. All are decorated individually in a truly traditional English country house style. Most are a double style but we have one twin bedded room available on request. Please be aware that because of the nature of this historic building we are not able to offer a full standing shower facility in our Manor bedrooms. We do, however, have a hand held shower attachment on the bath. Full modern shower facilities are of course freely available in the Bath House Spa.

Forest Room: £385 per person
These stylish Forest rooms echo the contemporary theme throughout the whole of the Forest Wing of the hotel and all enjoy the early morning sun and a wonderful outlook across the paddock. Each room is individually decorated in a contemporary/Classic style, yet each reflects the age and history of the manor so well; the temptation to sit in the window and gaze out across the parkland to the forest itself can be overwhelming.

All prices based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Single occupancy is extra – please enquire for details.

What’s included

• An extensively researched and carefully designed itinerary to optimise your trip
• Two nights accommodation in a lovely country house hotel
• Full breakfast each morning
• Three course 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 members of the XK Club or the E-type Club only.

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.