169 holiday cottages in New Forest
A holiday cottage break in the New Forest will immerse you in ancient woodland, open heath and peaceful rivers, with the coast within easy reach. It is a brilliant choice for slow days outdoors, whether that means woodland walks, traffic-free cycling or spotting the famous New Forest ponies. Villages are full of character, with good pubs, cafés and farm shops for easy self-catering.
Self-catering accommodation in the New Forest allows you to plan days at your own pace. The properties listed below are offered through trusted agency partners and inspected to high standards, so you can book with confidence. Choose from rural cottages surrounded by forest, coastal apartments or beautiful converted barns to match the kind of New Forest break you have in mind.
Holiday cottages in the New Forest make it simple to split your time between woodland, open heath and the nearby coast. Waymarked routes criss-cross the National Park, so you can head out for an hour or plan a full day on foot or by bike. With plenty of places to eat and shop locally, self-catering stays are relaxed and straightforward.
The landscape is a mix of ancient oak and beech woods, wide heathland and river valleys, with coastal saltmarshes and harbours to the south. You can pick short circular walks or longer trails, then finish with a pub lunch or a picnic back at your cottage. Nature is part of daily life here, so it is common to see ponies, cattle and deer as you explore.
Miles of paths and gravel tracks suit all abilities. Families often choose flatter routes between villages, while more experienced walkers and cyclists can link longer loops across heath and woodland. Bike hire is widely available, and many cottages provide safe storage, making it easy to leave the car behind for the day.
The lovely towns and villages that dot the New Forest are a big draw to the area. Brockenhurst is a great base with easy access to trails, places to eat and useful shops, while Lymington offers a lively quay, independent stores, great restaurants and a gateway to the coast. Choosing the right spot means you can plan mornings outdoors, relaxed afternoons exploring and quiet evenings back at your cottage.
The New Forest is a great holiday destination for families. There are cycling routes for all ages, woodland walks and wildlife spotting, as well as memorable family days out at attractions like the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Marwell Zoo, Paultons Park or a boat trip to the Isle of Wight. Most cottages come with gardens, boot rooms and space to spread out, which keeps life simple after a busy day. Self-catering also makes it easier to accommodate those early risers, while grown-ups can unwind in the evening once the kids are safely tucked up.
Self-catering is easy thanks to farm shops, local butchers and village bakeries. Pubs and cafés are dotted along popular routes, so you can plan walks and rides around lunch or coffee stops. If you prefer to cook, it is simple to pick up fresh ingredients close to where you are staying.
Spring brings fresh green woodland and quieter paths, summer is ideal for long days outdoors, and autumn colours make for memorable walks and rides. Winter is peaceful, with crisp mornings, cosy pubs and good availability. With a wide choice of inspected places to stay, you can find accommodation that suits the season and your plans.
The area is straightforward to reach by road and rail, with services into key villages and nearby towns. Once you arrive, many routes are walkable or rideable from the doorstep, and local buses and taxis help with shorter hops. A car offers flexibility for rural cottages, but car-free breaks are very doable in village bases.
Secure bookings with trusted agency partners
Every cottage inspected to high standards
Hand-picked listings to help you find the right stay
Lime Cottages only works with established holiday cottage agencies, so every booking is secure and professionally managed. All cottages are inspected to high standards by our partners, and we simply bring together the best options to make your search easier. You’ll book directly with the agency, and we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
