The New Forest and Exbury Gardens 2025

Friday 9 May to Monday 12 May 2025

Join the Social Breaks and Holidays Group as they return to the South Lawn Hotel and the New Forest.

• Three night weekend stay including dinner, bed, breakfast and a welcome drink on the first evening.

• Coach excursion and entrance to explore Exbury Gardens.

• Hotel perfectly located for exploring the New Forest National Park and beyond.

• Free parking and free Wi-Fi.

Stay three nights at the charming South Lawn Hotel, nestled between the coastal town of Lymington and the New Forest National Park. Its convenient location makes it the perfect base for exploring all that the New Forest has to offer.

On Saturday, you'll head off on a coach excursion to explore Exbury Gardens. The gardens span over 200 acres and are world-renowned for their rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias. Created by Lionel de Rothschild in the early 20th century, the gardens feature the Daffodil Meadow, Camellia Walk, Rock Garden, Sundial Garden, and Iris Garden. Visitors can also enjoy the Exbury Steam Railway (please note admission to the Steam Railway is not included and will incur an additional fee), woodland trails, and River Walk. There's a tea room, gift shop, and plant centre on-site.

To find out more about Exbury Gardens or book advance Steam Railway tickets online, please click here.

Your free days are yours to explore at your own pace, and the New Forest is never short on things to do and see. For those who enjoy walking and hiking, there are numerous trails to explore, such as the Lyndhurst on Foot walk and the Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. Don't miss the Knightwood Oak, one of the oldest trees in the forest, along the Knightwood Oak stroll. There are also a number of accessible walks for visitors who need assistance with mobility, including the Bolderwood Jubilee Grove Trail, the Rufus Stone walk, and the Knightwood Oak stroll.

Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike and ride along well-marked routes like the Old Railway route or the Hawkhill Trail. Horse riding is another popular activity, with local stables providing guided rides through scenic trails. Wildlife watching is also a must, with opportunities to spot deer, ponies, and other animals in their natural habitats, particularly at the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary.

There are also a number of nearby attractions. Beaulieu is a highlight, featuring the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu Abbey, and beautiful gardens, along with a monorail ride offering a bird’s-eye view of the estate. Hurst Castle (English Heritage) is a historic artillery fortress and provides spectacular views across the Needles Passage to the Isle of Wight.

The New Forest is also home to many quaint towns and villages. Lyndhurst, known as the capital of the New Forest, boasts quaint shops, cafes, and the informative New Forest Centre Museum. Brockenhurst is a picturesque village ideal for leisurely walks and is home to the famous Rhinefield House. Lymington, just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, features a bustling Saturday market, marinas, and beautiful coastal walks.

For more information about things to do in the New Forest, including walking and cycling routes, please click here.

Also included in this break are three nights' dinner, bed and breakfast, along with a welcome drink of red or white wine or orange juice on the first evening. Your coach excursion and ticket to Exbury Gardens is also included. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free for hotel guests. Please note that there is a Jack Russell dog at this hotel.

For more information or to book online, please click here to go to the break on the Just for Groups website.

For any queries regarding this break, please email the Social Group on social.group@boundless.co.uk.

Price

£269 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room

Single supplement is charged at £25 per person, per night (£75 for the whole break)

A deposit of £50 per person will be taken at the time of booking

To book, please contact Just for Groups on 01603 616316 and quote 'Boundless New Forest'.

Keeping in touch

We’d like to stay in touch with you about your break and let you know about any changes, should they occur.

Once you have secured your place on a break, please fill out the form below so we can send you a welcome letter and contact you with any updates about the breaks you are attending. 

Please click here to fill out the form.

South Lawn Hotel, Lymington Road, Milford on Sea, Lymington SO41 0RF