Name: The Retreat New Forest
Address: Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch (Dorset), Dorset, BH23 7EF
Price range: US$104+
Rating: 7.9

The Retreat New Forest Christchurch Exterior photo

The Retreat New Forest Christchurch Beds photo

Key details

About the Hotel

Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch (Dorset), BH23 7EF

Near Highcliffe Beach

Very good

7.9

8.5

/10

3.2

Loved by The Retreat New Forest guests

Helpful staff

Quiet rooms

Excellent massage

Delicious food

Easy check-in

"I've used The Retreat New Forest to run three weekend yoga retreats and I love it."

Sherin S

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"Extremely dog friendly! Dogs welcomed in restaurant."

lisa C from United Kingdom

"Best hotel I have stayed at for spiffing decor, superb location, tasty restaurant and the array of associated wildlife, forest, beaches and pleasant scattered shopping precincts such as Barton and Christchurch."

Peter from South Africa

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The Retreat New Forest: An Adult-Only Historic Stay with On-Site Spa and Vegan Dining

Historic New Forest Setting

The Retreat New Forest occupies a historic building inside the New Forest National Park in Christchurch (Dorset). The adult-only hotel provides direct access to outdoor activities and hiking in the New Forest. The grounds include a garden with seating area and designated areas for pets without additional fees.

Rooms & Accommodation

The Retreat New Forest offers various room types, including single rooms with private bathrooms. Garden-view rooms look out over the rear grounds and the surrounding New Forest countryside. The main building in Hinton includes a fireplace.

Wellness & Spa

The Retreat New Forest includes complimentary access to on-site spa facilities and wellness packages. A sauna is on site. The hotel provides direct access to outdoor activities and hiking within the New Forest National Park.

Dining

The Colin Nash restaurant is situated in the grounds and serves local cuisine for lunch and dinner, with vegan options on the menu. The on-site coffee house and snack bar provide additional places for refreshments at The Retreat New Forest. The Retreat New Forest also has a bar.

Location & Pet-Friendly Policy

Highcliffe Castle Beach is 2.8 km from the hotel, and Bournemouth Airport is 11 km away. Nearby attractions include Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Sandbanks and Poole Harbour, Christchurch Castle, and Hengistbury Head. Dogs are accepted in designated areas without additional fees at The Retreat New Forest.

Highlights

Setting: Historic building inside New Forest National Park

Adult Policy: Adult-only environment

Wellness: Complimentary access to on-site spa facilities and wellness packages

Dining: Colin Nash restaurant with local cuisine and vegan options

Location: 2.8 km from Highcliffe Castle Beach, 11 km from Bournemouth Airport

Pet Policy: Dogs accepted in designated areas without additional fees

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the tranquil gardens at Highcliffe Castle for beauty.
Try the famous Dorset cream tea at the Beach Hut in Mudeford.
Discover the hidden charms of Christchurch Priory's stunning architecture.
Check out the local produce at Christchurch's weekly Farmers' Market.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Avon River to observe local wildlife.

Location: Great

8.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningVegan heaven

The plant-based café offered ethical, tasty food, with a matcha green tea latte that was simply amazing. All locally sourced, outstanding!

Oliver from England

Review on

Guest ParkingParking Abundant

Plenty of parking. Easy to find. EV charging points would have been helpful for overnight charging.

Rajesh from India

Review on

Spa & LeisureHolistic relaxation

Yoga, holistic classes, and treatments were available. I had a full body massage; it was excellent!

Isabelle from France

Review on

Room FeaturesRooms are quiet

Bedrooms at the back are quiet. Well furnished and stylish. Lovely, thick, and soft towels!

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates

Single Room
2 persons
9 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
24 m²
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room Garden View
2 persons
18 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details

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Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

Facilities: Very good

7.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Coffee shop

Sports & Fitness

Hiking

Services

Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Sauna

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Retreat New Forest Location

Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch (Dorset), BH23 7EF

Map view

City landmarks

Castle

Highcliffe Castle

4.28 km

Beach

Mudeford Quay

3.29 km

Beach

Avon Beach

2.58 km

Beach

Highcliffe Beach

2.11 km

Landmark

CJ Beaders

1.07 km

Landmark

Parish Church of St Mark

1.54 km

Landmark

Friars Cliff

1.71 km

Landmark

Moon Studio Ceramics

2.32 km

Landmark

Stanpit Marsh

3.07 km

Landmark

Hinton Admiral

1.78 km

Landmark

Church of St Michael

2.02 km

Landmark

Hengistbury Head Beach

4.46 km

Landmark

High Cross

2.13 km

Landmark

Jet Simulation LTD

1.85 km

Museum

Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

3.86 km

Landmark

Napoleons

2.08 km

Explore Christchurch (Dorset)

Explore Local Highlights

Church of St Michael

15 minutes' walk

Historic church featuring stunning architecture and tranquil grounds, ideal for a peaceful visit.

Holmsley

20 minutes' walk

A scenic area with picnic spots and nature trails, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.

Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

30 minutes' walk

Home to over 350 classic bikes, this museum is a must-see for motorcycle enthusiasts and history buffs.

Chewton Glen Spa

35 minutes' walk

Luxurious spa offering treatments and wellness programs, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Highcliffe Beach

40 minutes' walk

Beautiful sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or beach sports, entertaining for all ages.

The Cliff House

5 minutes' drive

Charming seaside restaurant with fresh seafood and stunning views, ideal for a romantic dinner.

The Forest Table

10 minutes' drive

Serves local favorites with a farm-to-table approach in a cozy atmosphere; vegetarian options available.

The Regent Centre

10 minutes' drive

Local arts venue hosting weekly films, concerts, and events suitable for all ages; check the schedule for shows.

Highcliffe Castle Golf Club

10 minutes' drive

Beautifully landscaped golf club offering a challenging course and stunning views for golf enthusiasts.

Getting around the city

City Centre
Christchurch (Dorset) 7 min · 4.3 km
Airports
Bournemouth (BOH) 18 min · 11.6 km
Southampton (SOU) 70 min · 46.4 km
Train
Hinton Admiral Train Station 9 min · 700 m
Christchurch Railway Station 7 min · 4.6 km
Bus
Bus stop 7 min · 4.3 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:30

Check-out

until 10 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Retreat New Forest from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Retreat New Forest is often described as an amazing little gem near the New Forest, perfect for forest walks and coastal access. Guests enjoy the building's appearance, spacious rooms, some featuring a roll-top bath, and those at the back offer views overlooking fields. While most appreciate the adjacent Colin Nash restaurant for its excellent full English breakfast, some guests have been seated in a less appealing hallway when groups were meeting in the main area.

Review score

Based on 6 verified reviews

7.9 /10

Very good

100%

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.9/10

Facilities

7.9/10

Staff

8.0/10

Pros

Lovely setting

Big rooms

Beautiful grounds

Cons

Poor service

Emerson from United States

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 07, 2026

6/10

road noise and basic room issues

road noise hard bed

the hotel cleaning staff and management was accommodating, i think.

my room faced the road and the traffic was loud. earplugs were in the room, but they didnt help much to block the noise. the bed felt very hard too, it made it difficult to sleep soundly.

0 Helpful

Molly from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 07, 2025

9/10

convenient location extensive grounds

the location was convenient! setters cottage offered a great self-catering experience with all necessary kitchen equipment. beautiful walks were accessible within the extensive estate grounds.

The bed wasn't level. The mattress near the wall was higher, i was constantly trying not to fall out of bed.

0 Helpful

Nathaniel from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 23, 2025

9/10

convenient stay near highcliffe

safe area easy access comfortable room

the location proved convenient with safe parking. The area provided pleasant surroundings only a short drive from highcliffe. Door codes allowed easy access to both the hotel and my room. the room provided comfort.

my bedroom decor was too dark and the bed was quite low. The bedroom window seemed painted shut which limited ventilation. A small tower fan was available but it proved somewhat inadequate for the room size.

Dining

9/10

the restaurant offered nice dining experiences. Breakfast options varied daily and covered a lot of ground. The service was really good and the staff were friendly, made every day start well.

0 Helpful

Donald from United States

Single

Double Room

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 11, 2025

6/10

cold room shower drainage

the location was good and the bathroom was nice.

the room i had was quite cold. there were hardly any staff around at all during my entire stay. also. the shower didn't drain its water at all.

0 Helpful

dominic l from united kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: October 10, 2025

8.5/10

a good stay

comfy bed extra pillows clean room

the room was well-equipped. it was clean and smart. the bed was comfy. extra flat pillows were provided, which i found very helpful. i booked the stay as it allowed dogs.

The location is next to a busy road. The noise was quite noticeable.

Location

8/10

The hotel provides easy access to many visitor attractions nearby. It is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. the grounds are beautiful. the hotel also has a convenient parking area .

Dining

9/10

there is an attached restaurant next door to the hotel, it allows dogs. the restaurant offers excellent food and service. there are also options for lunch available at the onsite restaurant, a bonus for travellers.

0 Helpful

Deborah from United Kingdom

Single

double room

3 nights in June 2026

Reviewed: August 07, 2025

9.0/10

charming stay

clean room lovely setting beautiful garden

the room was very very comfy and tidy i found the setting to be quite lovely. the restaurant was a bonus i could book breakfast there. the gardens were beautiful too i enjoyed a leisurely stroll.

the room faced a busy road i noticed some noise.

Dining

9/10

The hotel features a restaurant with breakfast options. This was convenient. i received excellent service and food. the value for money was particularly good.

Rooms

9/10

my room was a double room and it was very super clean and cozy. the furnishings were excellent adding to the room's charm. the bathroom was fabulous including nice features.

Facilities

8/10

wi-fi access was available which was useful for planning my days. i appreciated the beautiful garden. yoga sessions are offered too plus there are body massages available.

Service

10/10

the check-in process was easy and efficient which i appreciated. i received excellent service at the restaurant. the staff seemed very thoughtful.

0 Helpful

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