Burley Manor Hotel Review, New Forest

A tranquil New Forest retreat combining old charm and modern comforts. 

Image: Burley Manor New Forest. Image courtesy of Burley Manor.

The New Forest is a staycation favourite for so many reasons, and it’s not hard to see why. For relaxation in nature or a more active adventure holiday, it has everything. From summer camping to cosy fireside chocolate box scenes, it is often the choice for couples, families or groups of friends wanting to escape the toils of the city.

Nestled in the quiet village of Burley, overlooking an adjoining red deer sanctuary, Burley Manor is a haven for both wellbeing and exploration.

The facilities

Built in 1852 by Colonel William Clement Drake Esdaile, the stunning baronial-style manor house is set within an eight-hundred year old estate and simply oozes old charm.

Image: Burley Restaurant, Burley Manor. Image courtesy of Burley Manor.

Forty rooms are split between the main house and garden wing, a modern conversion of the old attached stable block. Each individually designed, rooms are split between the main house and the garden wing, featuring bold and bright headboards and gorgeous bathrooms. Designed with peace-seekers in mind, suites located in the garden wing offer a pocket of pure escapism for travellers. Featuring a cosy lounging space for late night wine or curling up with a good book, they’re positioned to make the most of the stunning uninterrupted views over the eight-acre gardens and deer park, not forgetting your private balcony to soak up the wonderful outdoors.

Image: Swimming Pool, Burley Manor. Courtesy of Burley Manor.

On a sunny day, head to the outdoor swimming pool, or on a rainy one the Temple Spa for a facial, scrub, wrap or massage. This peaceful and tranquil sanctuary uses Temple Spa products and tailored therapies which harness the healing and boosting power of natural botanical ingredients, as well as unique Derma science elements to cleanse, rebalance and restore. Head back to city rested and rejuvenated.

Dining

Burley Manor’s restaurant is the epicentre of the experience, and many do visit the hotel purely to dine, with chefs preparing slow food and Mediterranean sharing dishes with seasonal ingredients sourced from the very best producers and cooked in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven. Both classic and creative dishes can be enjoyed whatever your mood – from haunch of venison, pork cutlets or wild boar pâté to pickled beetroot with aged feta, candied walnuts and balsamic. The wine list is extensive and eclectic, and when it comes to desserts, it’s worth trying one of the more adventurous options – the pineapple tarte tatin did not disappoint.

Image: Dining at Burley Manor. © Tani Burns.

Breakfasts, included in your stay, can be taken in your room, the restaurant or one of the terrace tables overlooking the deer park. Fruits, pastries and yoghurts are available in addition to cooked-to-order hot breakfasts courtesy of local and regional producers. The excellent Burley Breakfast does its namesake proud with dry cured bacon, farmhouse Hampshire pork sausage, Laverstoke black pudding, field mushroom, roasted tomato, potato cake, and barn eggs cooked to your liking.

Image: Outdoor dining at Burley Manor. Image courtesy of Burley Manor.

Outside of the Burley Manor’s grounds themselves, the New Forest boasts plenty of eateries worth a visit – from fine dining to gastropubs. For a relaxed lunch with views of only the rolling New Forest in any direction, head to The Drift, near the pretty town of Lyndhurst for a hearty pie, burger or fish and chips. A perfect stop-off on a day of cycling or antiquing.

Design

The loving restoration of the nineteenth century manor has resulted in a property that pays respect to its original features, such as its tiled entrance hall and grand staircases, while also including characterful touches and pops of colour. The design of the bar-lounge area nods to the flora and fauna outside while also featuring cosy nooks of luxurious armchairs and log fires.

Image: Manor Crown. Burley Manor. Image courtesy of Burley Manor.

In the rooms and suites, bold used of contemporary colours, fabrics and artwork combines with antique furniture seamlessly. Each is individually designed, with a mix of country classic and quirky interiors; bold colour schemes with accented splashes such as a flowery blind or patterned headboard, antique bureaus, Roberts radios and retro telephones.

Getting there

Trains from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst  leave every half hour and take between an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes.

Or you can drive and enjoy the beautiful New Forest scenery!

Image: Burley Manor overlooks red deer sanctuary. Image courtesy of Burley Manor.

Price

Rates vary depending on the season. Suites from £359 at high season.

Various packages are also available, such as the ‘Cycle & Stay’ package, which includes a two night overnight stay, full English breakfast each morning, one day full cycle hire and use of pool from £422. Book now.

#FLODown: A hotel and location that promises a great day ahead whatever your mood. Old charm meets contemporary comforts for the best in understated style and luxury.

Location: 1 Ringwood Rd, Burley, Hampshire, BBH24 4BS.

Words by Tani Burns