Set on the edge of the New Forest National Park near the sea, Chewton Glen is one of England's great country house hotels with 130 acres of grounds. The treehouse suites are extraordinary luxury experiences. The spa, cooking school, and two-AA-rosette restaurant make extended stays irresistible.
Chewton Glen is a five-star country house hotel set on the southern edge of the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England, close to the village of New Milton and within a short walk of the Solent coastline between Highcliffe and Barton-on-Sea. The original Georgian house at the centre of the estate dates from the eighteenth century, though the property has expanded considerably over decades of award-winning hospitality and now sits within 130 acres of grounds encompassing kitchen gardens, croquet lawns, tennis courts, and a nine-hole golf course. The hotel's 70 bedrooms and suites include the acclaimed Treehouse Suites — twelve fully equipped private retreats set among the tree canopy of the estate, each featuring a log burner, outdoor hot tub, and access to a dedicated treehouse butler. Main house rooms combine traditional English country house character with contemporary luxury bathrooms. The Kitchen restaurant, holding two AA rosettes, serves contemporary British cuisine drawing heavily on produce from the hotel's kitchen gardens and local Hampshire suppliers. The Chewton Glen Spa covers 11,000 square feet and features an indoor pool, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, 17 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, and a full programme of exercise classes. The hotel's Cookery School offers residential and day courses in an outstanding purpose-built kitchen environment, covering topics from bread-making to specific regional cuisines. Bournemouth is approximately 15 miles and Salisbury around 30 miles, providing access to Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge as day excursions. The hotel welcomes families and organises children's activities during school holidays. Direct trains from London Waterloo reach New Milton station — a ten-minute taxi from the hotel — in approximately 90 minutes.
Location
50.7408, -1.6745 View on map
Highlights
- Treehouse suites
- Chewton Glen Spa
- Cooking school
- New Forest location
- Tennis courts and golf
Tips for visiting
- Treehouse Suites are the hotel's most coveted rooms and typically book out three to six months in advance; reserve early for specific dates.
- The Cookery School offers half-day, full-day, and residential experiences; check the programme before visiting as themes vary considerably by date.
- New Forest ponies roam freely near the estate boundary; hotel bicycles are available for loan to explore the national park.
- The outdoor hydrotherapy pool is available year-round; the heated water makes even winter visits to the spa worthwhile.
- New Milton station is served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo in approximately 90 minutes, followed by a short taxi ride to the hotel.
Accessibility
Chewton Glen offers lift access within the main house to all guest floors and a selection of ground-floor rooms suitable for guests with limited mobility. The Treehouse Suites involve an elevated walkway with steps and are not accessible to wheelchair users. The hotel grounds include some uneven terrain typical of a country estate. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to identify the most suitable accommodation and discuss estate access.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the Treehouse Suites like?
The Treehouse Suites are twelve self-contained luxury retreats built among the mature trees of the estate. Each has a log fire, outdoor hot tub, private deck, and dedicated butler service. They are entirely separate from the main hotel building and offer a uniquely immersive woodland experience.
Is Chewton Glen suitable for families?
The hotel actively welcomes families and organises supervised children's activities during school holidays. A children's menu is available in the restaurant, and the 130-acre grounds provide ample space for outdoor exploration.
How far is Chewton Glen from the New Forest?
The hotel's grounds border the New Forest National Park and guests can walk directly into the forest from the estate perimeter. The Forest covers 219 square miles with wild ponies, deer, and extensive cycling and walking routes.
Does Chewton Glen have its own beach access?
The hotel does not have direct beach frontage but is a short drive or walk from Highcliffe and Barton-on-Sea beaches on the Hampshire coast. The concierge can advise on the nearest public beach access points.