Glamping in the New Forest: how to enjoy a national park with a hot tub.

According to The Sun: No getaway compares to a weekend in a hot tub under the stars next to a national park, says lifestyle editor Catherine Benyon-Pedley.

She shares her impressions of glamping in the New Forest.

Luxury living in a cottage at Greenhill Farm Holiday VillageProvided - Maria BellEnjoy adventures in the New Forest among blooming heathergetty

ACCOMMODATION

Try glamping while your kids make new friends in this wonderful holiday park.

Safari tents at Greenhill Farm Holiday Village are equipped with wooden hot tubs and showers that use organic products from New Forest Aromatics. You will also find eco-friendly playsets and thyme seeds to plant at home as a memento of your adventure.

Kids can enjoy a bed den with a house under it, while you'll appreciate having a dishwasher.

There is a spacious water play complex on-site, perfect for toddlers, eco-trails, and various activities such as archery and bracelet making, starting at £8 per person.

The Ember restaurant offers delicious dishes, such as Korean BBQ pizza for £16 and BLT burgers with onion rings and nacho cheese sauce for £17.95, with a great view of the play area.

Wash it down with a glass of rosé wine for £8.95, then toast marshmallows on the large fire pit.

EXPLORE

Take a walk with an alpaca named Illustrious and his friends in the quiet Petlake Alpacas forest, learning more about these calm creatures from owner Susan.

One-hour walks cost from £32 (Petlakealpacas.co.uk).

Or, test your skills on an inflatable obstacle course styled like Total Wipeout at New Forest Aqua Park, entry from £22 per person (Newforestwaterpark.co.uk).

Kids will love feeding calves and kids, as well as watching chicks and guinea pigs at Longdown Activity Farm, which also features a trampoline and tractor rides (Longdownfarm.co.uk).

Don't forget to buy thick-cut bacon and venison sausages from their farm shop for breakfast.

Additionally, the fantastic Paultons Park, with plenty of attractions and Peppa Pig World, is just a 10-minute drive away.

Tickets start from £45 per person, exceeding 1m in height (Paultonspark.co.uk).

DINING

Visit the New Forest Lavender Tea Room for a classic British treat, located just 4 minutes away by car.

Book a table among the flowers and enjoy lavender biscuits for £4.45 with a lavender tea pot for £3.55.

Enjoy classic British treats at the New Forest Lavender Tea Room, just 4 minutes away by car.Lavender tea rooms / Instagram

The cheese and herb scones are also very tasty, priced at just £5.75 (Newforestlavender.com).

A 30-minute walk from your tent through the brambles, where New Forest ponies and donkeys roam, leads you to the delightful gastro-pub The Rockingham Arms.

Enjoy baked mackerel with fennel and stewed rhubarb for £10.50, as well as duck with baked potatoes, broccoli, and cherry sauce for £19.50.

Sticky date cakes for £7.50 are also worth a try (Rockinghamarms.co.uk).

Alternatively, stroll in the opposite direction to The Lamb at Nomansland, a popular spot for dog owners, serving tender chilli beef nachos for £19.99 (Thelambnomansland.co.uk).

BOOKING

Three-night stays in safari tents accommodating six people at Greenhill Farm Holiday Village start at £400 (Lovatparks.com).

Cozy in a cottage at Lovat ParksProvidedCatherine Benyon Pedley meets an alpacaCatherine Benyon PedleyHere you will find plenty of opportunities for active family leisure, interesting excursions, and pleasant moments. There are also many comfortable restaurants and pubs nearby where you can relax and enjoy delicious meals. This is the ideal option for those who want to combine the enjoyment of nature with comfort and coziness.