GETAWAYS
PROUD HERITAGE AND MODERN HOSPITALITY MEET AT …
THE MONTAGU ARMS
THERE IS SOMETHING UNDENIABLY MAGICAL ABOUT THE NEW FOREST . A RECOGNISED NATIONAL PARK , IT COVERS A WHOPPING 220 SQUARE MILES AND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST REMAINING TRACTS OF UNENCLOSED PASTURELAND AND FOREST IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND . A SYMPHONY OF IDYLLIC GLADES , ANCIENT WOODLAND , OPEN MOORS , CLIFFTOP WALKS AND , OF COURSE , THE ICONIC NATIVE PONIES WHO ’ VE INHABITED THE HEATHLANDS FOR OVER 2,000 YEARS AND STILL WANDER FREE TODAY , THE AREA HAS LONG BEEN A MECCA FOR BOTH INTREPID EXPLORERS WANTING TO LOSE THEMSELVES IN MILES OF OFF-ROAD WALKS AND CYCLE TRACKS , AND FOR FAMILIES LOOKING FOR A TRANQUIL , BUT EXCITING COUNTRYSIDE BREAK . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
Falling into the latter category , we were lucky enough to pair our New Forest getaway with a stay at the exceptional Monatgu Arms in Beaulieu . A quintessentially English country house hotel , oozing charm and with food and comfort at its heart , the hotel dates back to 1742 and much of its traditional character remains . In a classic rural touch , two ornamental dogs welcome guests at the main front door , which immediately tells guests two things : protection , loyalty and guardianship are important values that the hotel ( and its wonderful employees ) abide by , and , less symbolically , it ’ s dog friendly ! So dog friendly in fact that there ’ s a range of rooms specially adapted to make sure you four-legged friends are comfortable , designated dog areas are clearly marked throughout the grounds , you can find oodles of info at reception on where your canine companion can run free and unleashed nearby , and there ’ s even an ‘ a la bark ’ menu available at the hotel pub , Monty ’ s Inn .
This carefree but considered approach to dog owners being able to holiday just as easily as those without pets really sets the scene for a break here – every guest is treated equally , without the need for heavyhanded rules being bandied about , which is very much the attitude where kids are concerned , too . Travelling without a pooch , but with three kids in tow , we sometimes worry about whether an element of oldschool stuffiness will accompany a stay at establishments that are steeped in tradition , but it became instantly apparent that there was absolutely no need for any concern where The Montagu Arms is concerned .
A truly luxurious , warming and really quite grand combination of roaring open fires , large comfy sofas to sink into , curated historical artwork , beautiful oak panelling and high-end interiors in autumnal hues that complement the hotel ’ s bucolic location , this hotel is one of those rare anomalies that pairs timeless elegance with a contemporary attitude . The staff , for example , are welcoming and highly efficient but equally informal in their approach , chatting to equally chatty guests about things to do and see in the area while
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