The 10 best Airbnbs in the New Forest for your next dose of fresh air

Fancy swapping the city pub for a brewery in the woods? This cosy shepherd’s hut sits on a two-acre smallholding in the New Forest, with its very own brewery and beer garden on site. There’s also a farm shop, vineyard and country pub nearby, so you’re never too far from a good feed or a pint. After a day exploring the forest, retreat to your private wood-fired hot tub and soak beneath the stars. It’s small but perfectly formed, with everything you need for a peaceful countryside escape – plus a few more reasons to stay for one more drink.

Time Out tip: Guests get 20 percent off at the on-site PIG BEER taproom, so make a point of popping in for a drink during your stay. The Filly pub is also just a two-minute walk away if you fancy dinner without getting back in the car.

Location: Setley, two minutes from Brockenhurst.

Sleeps: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Private wood-fired hot tub, on-site brewery and beer garden, wood-burning stove, covered outdoor seating, BBQ and 20 percent off at the PIG BEER taproom.

Price: From £204 a night.

Tiny but mighty, this quirky little hideaway is tucked into the bottom of a private garden in Brockenhurst, making it an ideal base for exploring the New Forest. Hand-built to resemble the inside of a sailing yacht, Armadilla has a king-size bed that doubles up as sofas, a compact kitchen, a wetroom and underfloor heating – all the essentials without any unnecessary faff. Brockenhurst village and train station are within walking distance, so you can leave the car behind and head straight out into the forest for a day of wandering before retreating to your pint-sized home from home.

Time Out tip: Leave the car at home if you fancy it – Brockenhurst station is just a short walk away, with the village’s shops, pubs and restaurants also within easy reach. If you do fire up the BBQ, remember to bring your own charcoal; the garage and Tesco in the village both sell it.

Location: Brockenhurst.

Sleeps: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Private garden, king-size bed that converts into sofas, compact kitchen with Nespresso machine, wetroom, underfloor heating, BBQ and off-road parking.

Price: From £132 a night.

Make the most of rural life and set yourself up in this renovated shepherd’s hut for the ultimate off-grid experience. Conveniently at your doorstep: cosy country pubs, lengthy walks and historical sites. Grab your other half, leave your phones behind and embrace what mother nature has to offer. With modern amenities like a well-equipped kitchen and shower, this New Forest Airbnb provides a comfortable stay – not far off from day-to-day life – just with a better view out of the window and not a pesky neighbour in sight.

Time Out tip: Come prepared for outdoor cooking. The Kadai firepit doubles as a BBQ, but the hosts recommend bringing something to cook rather than relying on nearby takeaways – and don’t forget the marshmallows. They’ll provide the firewood, kindling and firelighters, so you can get straight to the important business of sitting around the fire.

Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire.

Sleeps: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Private meadow, wood-burning stove, firepit and BBQ, solar-powered lighting, private kitchen and bathroom block, wildflower-filled surroundings and direct access to walking routes.

Price: From £100 a night.

With a whopping six beds – albeit one sofa bed – you can invite your mates and their mothers along to this very sleek lodge. Situated in a tucked-away holiday park, you’ll have access to an indoor and outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and bar, plus a shop for when those late-night munchies post-swim. Soak all your troubles away in the private hot tub before warming up in front of the indoor fireplace for an evening well spent. Wake up to the sound of chirping birds and venture out into the surrounding forest or one of the nearby villages for some sightseeing and walks in the New Forest air.

Time Out tip: Don’t assume the swimming pool comes with the lodge. You’ll need to buy a leisure pass from Guest Services to use the on-site pools and gym, but outside school holidays you can book a one-off swim for £5 per person instead.

Location: Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms. Sleeps up to nine guests.

Perks: Private hot tub, indoor heated swimming pool and outdoor splash pool on site, restaurant and bar, soft play, playgrounds, blackout curtains and Emma mattresses.

Price: From £226 a night.

Ever dreamt of bathing under a tree? Well, in this New Forest Airbnb, you can. Live out your Tarzan and Jane fantasy with your spouse in this oak tree cabin, sporting all the mod cons you’ll need to enjoy your stay. Snuggle up on the deck and watch the sunset as the wood-burning oven crackles away in the background. A Smart TV and great Wi-Fi are included for you to make use of after a long day of exploring the forest and picturesque villages.

Time Out tip: The freestanding bath is tucked beneath your very own tree, so save it for after dark when you can turn the cabin into your own little spa. And if this one is booked up, the hosts have a sister property, Apple Tree Cabin, on the same grounds.

Location: Eling, Southampton.

Sleeps: Studio. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: Freestanding bath beneath a tree, king-size bed, private rain shower, underfloor heating, secluded deck, wood-burning oven, BBQ, fully equipped kitchen, Smart TV and Wi-Fi.

Price: From £151 a night.

Close to the river, this historic house nestles you in the heart of the New Forest and throws you back in time to the 17th century. Don’t worry, you won’t quite be using a bucket – it has all the modern touches you’ll need. You might even be lucky enough to spy a donkey or cow walking around. Pop to the cafe opposite the property for breakfast or make your own in the fully decked-out kitchen and enjoy your eggs in front of a fire – just not one caused by your cooking, we hope.

Time Out tip: Grab breakfast from the café opposite before heading out early to explore Beaulieu before the village gets busy – then make the most of the cottage’s garden and fire in the evening.

Location: Beaulieu.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.

Perks: 17th-century character, wood-burning stove, enclosed garden, barbecue, fully equipped kitchen and one off-road parking space.

Price: From £272 a night. 

We won’t be surprised if you think country life is for you after staying in this chic cabin on the edge of New Forest. Hand-built with comfort and privacy in mind, take in the endless views of fields, woods and wildflowers for uninterrupted peace. Featuring a private outdoor hot tub, grab a glass of vino and sit back, gazing at the starry night sky above. Yes, it’s as romantic as it sounds. This cabin is also located about a 10-minute drive from the beach, so top up your tan after exploring the wilderness.

If you’re after a rustic place to stay, full of character and country charm, this red oak barn is the ideal place. Made from recycled materials, you’d definitely be doing the planet a favour by staying here. Consisting of three beds, this barn makes for a great weekend getaway with your other half, your best pals or even your dog – pets are allowed here. Craving a meal deal or a quick fix for dinner? There’s a local Tesco just two minutes away – as is the historic market town of Ringwood, full of pubs and independent shops to rummage through at your own leisure.

Time Out tip: Walk the five minutes to the nearby pub for a proper pint and dinner rather than getting back in the car – the hosts specifically recommend it for its real ale and food. For a bigger day out, Moors Valley Country Park is only around a ten-minute drive away.

Location: New Forest National Park, near Ringwood.

Sleeps: Two bedrooms. Sleeps four guests.

Perks: Reclaimed-material interiors, wood-burning stove, covered veranda, private deck, chiminea, BBQ, table tennis, dog-friendly and ample parking.

Price: From £193 a night.

Looking for something a bit different? The Stag’s Nest is a cosy shepherd’s hut suitable for a couple or a solo traveller wanting to escape to the countryside for a weekend – or longer. Small but mighty, this pet-friendly hut is equipped with everything you need, including an indoor fireplace for ultimate snug vibes and a gas cooker for your cuppa soup. It’s also surrounded by 17 acres of land, plus a bunch of fishing lakes close by.

Time Out tip: Bring something good to cook over the fire and make an evening of it – the outdoor firepit is one of the best bits of the stay. If you're visiting with kids, Paultons Park is also nearby so you can combine a night under the stars with a day at Peppa Pig World.

Location: Romsey.

Sleeps: One bedroom. Sleeps two guests.

Perks: 17 acres of private land, outdoor firepit, outdoor shower and toilet, fishing lakes nearby, dog-friendly and close to Paultons Park.

Price: From £101 a night.

Ideal for those wanting to be close to nature but not completely without modern touches, this Airbnb glamping experience gives you the best of both worlds. Big enough for six guests, the tents are suitable for families or groups wanting to experience country life in all its green glory. Breathtaking views surround the tents and there’s an on-site farm shop for homegrown produce – making your breakfast or evening BBQ that extra bit special. Explore the 270-acre farm where the tents live or head over to the New Forest National Park – just five miles away.

Time Out tip: If you're staying during the school holidays, check the farm’s pizza-night dates before you book – wood-fired pizzas are served on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and there’s an undercover play barn and games area to keep younger guests occupied when the weather inevitably does its thing.

Location: Sherfield English.

Sleeps: Three bedrooms. Sleeps six guests.

Perks: Private bathroom, kitchen, wood-burning stove, BBQ and firepit, 270-acre farm to explore, woodland walks, play barn, farm shop and dog-friendly.

Price: From £221 a night.