On the edge of the New Forest and a short walk from the sea, Chewton Glen remains one of Britain’s most enduring and iconic country house hotels. Loved for decades, it now feels quietly renewed. Confident. Polished. Still very much itself.
Set within 130 acres of parkland near Naish Beach, the hotel balances five-star comfort with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The headline act remains the treehouses. Elevated, indulgent and beautifully private, they continue to draw couples and families seeking something memorable without fuss, making them the perfect honeymoon or wedding hideaway. The real constant, though, is the team. Service feels natural and attentive, without ego or performance.
A recent design refresh by Goddard Littlefair has given the main house a light touch. Parquet floors, velvet sofas you sink into, bespoke furniture and a calm palette of greens, lavenders and textured tweeds. Fires burn in the hall, bar and sitting rooms. The bar wraps you in deep burgundy panels and generous armchairs. From the first welcome at the door by the charming doormen, everything feels relaxed and, well, like a luxury country house!
Rooms hold their own. Jacob Faithful (now a room number, though the name still remains), overlooking the croquet lawn, is grown-up and incredibly spacious, with a separate sitting room, proper blackout curtains, and patterned wallpaper. The marble bathroom features a bath with in-bath television, a separate shower, twin basins and a bidet. Turn-down arrives exactly when it should – when you’re not in the room! Full-size Hildon water is replenished. A well-stocked pantry offers Birchall teas, hot chocolate and plenty of small treats that disappear quickly.
Dining splits neatly into two moods and styles. James Martin’s The Kitchen is a short buggy ride from the house and suits families and relaxed evenings. The open kitchen keeps things lively, with burgers, moules and steaks cooked exactly as you want them. Back at the hotel, the refurbished Dining Room feels calmer, grown-up and more refined. Choose the conservatory for atmosphere, or tuck yourself away in a quieter corner. The sole meunière, finished at the table, is one of the standout dishes, though the T-bone to share is hard to resist. The wine list runs deep and confident, with some great Italian classics (Sassicaia, Ornellaia, to name a couple) represented in the surrounding wine cabinets. Executive Chef Luke Matthews keeps menus grounded in the estate and the nearby coast; much of the produce comes from the stunning walled and kitchen gardens (also a great wedding venue), overseen by Estate Manager Darren Venables. Visit at dusk, when fairy lights flicker and the space feels quietly special and unbelievably romantic.
Breakfast is generous and well thought through. The buffet runs from Bircher muesli and granola to hams, cheeses, pastries, yoghurts, chia puddings and fresh fruit. You pour your own Bloody or Virgin Mary, which feels refreshingly grown up. The newer à la carte menu gives you freedom to choose exactly what you want, from pancakes to porridge, with much of the produce coming straight from the gardens.
Across the hotel, service feels assured and human, with genuine care. Zul, who has been here for quite a few years, moves through the rooms with an instinct for timing and detail. His chai masala deserves a mention. In the bar, cocktails are served with warmth and precision; sit at the bar if you can, it’s the fun place to be. Staff happily point you towards their favourite beach walks and quiet corners.
The spa and gym open early during the week and, while in need of a refresh, still deliver a restorative day. There is a heated indoor pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a fully equipped gym with Technogym and a light, healthy spa menu at lunchtime. Treatments use British brands including Oskia and Decree. Prefer fresh air? There is plenty to do if you like to stay active. Walk the estate trails, take on the nine-hole golf course or cycle through the grounds before heading down to the shore. Tennis runs year-round with both indoor and outdoor courts. Archery is available on site and paddleboarding can be arranged at the beach. For something slower, the cookery school at The Kitchen appeals to anyone happy to spend time learning proper skills at the stove.
Families feel genuinely welcome. Children’s menus feature in both restaurants. The Beehive kids’ club sits in a playful treehouse den not far from the house. Family swimming sessions run regularly in the outdoor pool. Dogs are welcome in selected areas and rooms, too.
Stay a couple of nights and make time for a pre-dinner drink in the bar, an early swim and a gentle walk to the beach towards Highcliffe Castle. Weddings take place in the gardens or even in a treehouse. Chewton Glen remains one of the UK’s finest country house hotels. Classic comfort paired with thoughtful modern updates, serious food and a team who genuinely enjoy looking after you.
Rates from £405
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