Nearly three years after my first visit, I found myself travelling back to this much-loved corner of the New Forest — this time with my trusted travel companion, Charlotte, by my side once again.
Set in the sleepy village of Beaulieu on the south-eastern edge of the National Park, this charming country house hotel has long been one of my favourite escapes from London, and it was a pleasure to be welcomed back this summer. While The Montagu Arms has always been known for being wonderfully dog-friendly, this return visit gave me the chance to experience its newly enhanced Pooch Package — the perfect excuse to revisit a hotel that already held a special place in my heart.
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A Storied New Forest Address
The Montagu Arms has occupied this spot in Beaulieu since the 16th century, when the site first operated as a humble coaching inn known as The Ship, later renamed The George. For centuries, it stood as the social heart of the village, hosting everything from livestock markets to the annual Beaulieu fairs. The building seen today largely dates from the late Victorian era, when the original frontage was rebuilt in an Arts and Crafts style under local architect W. H. Mitchell, with a further wing added in the 1920s to create the layout guests recognise today.
Over the years, the hotel’s guestbook has included some genuinely notable names — Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle among them, alongside actor Henry Irving, novelist Sir H. Rider Haggard and former French president Charles de Gaulle.
Today, this Grade II-listed property remains privately owned, and that sense of lived-in history is everywhere — from the original oak flooring and wood panelling to the aged brick fireplaces — complemented by gardens that feel quintessentially English.
The Room
The Montagu Arms offers 33 individually designed rooms and suites throughout the main house and surrounding gardens, each with its own character. From traditional house bedrooms filled with country-house charm to the New Forest-inspired Courtyard Retreats, every stay feels slightly different.
For this visit, I checked into one of the Courtyard Retreats — The Fig Room. Tucked away within what were once the property’s chauffeur garages, these rooms have been thoughtfully transformed into some of the hotel’s most private and characterful accommodation. What immediately stood out was the sense of space. Unlike a typical hotel room, Fig came with two separate outdoor areas — a private terrace at the front and a secluded garden to the rear — making it an especially easy and relaxed setup when travelling with a dog.
Inside, the room struck the perfect balance between country-house warmth and understated luxury. A sumptuous super-king bed, cosy sitting area and thoughtful touches such as a complimentary decanter of homemade seasonal sloe gin alongside a bottle of chilled English sparkling wine created a lovely welcome.
The air conditioning was a genuine highlight during the warm summer weather, while additional details included a Nespresso machine, Bluetooth radio, 52-inch TV, fluffy robes and The White Company toiletries. The bathroom was equally impressive, with a large walk-in drench shower, twin marble sinks and a freestanding bath — exactly the kind of space you want to unwind in after a long day of travelling.
While The Montagu Arms has always been recognised as a dog-friendly hotel, the Pooch Package takes the experience to another level. A thoughtful Beco Pets Doggy Hamper awaited Charlotte in the room, alongside a large dog bed and bowls provided for the duration of our stay.
Dining at The Montagu Arms
After settling into our room, we headed for afternoon tea in the conservatory overlooking the gardens. Charlotte has accompanied me to many afternoon teas, so she was delighted to receive her own “Belly Rubs and Biscuits” Woof Afternoon Tea for Dogs, included as part of the Pooch Package. She enjoyed salmon with rice, peas and carrots, alongside a tub of dog ice cream and canine biscuits.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed a beautifully presented traditional afternoon tea featuring delicate finger sandwiches, elegant pastries, freshly baked scones and generous servings of homemade jam and clotted cream.
For dinner, we headed to Monty’s Inn, the hotel’s relaxed on-site pub — a cosier and more informal counterpart to the main restaurant. The atmosphere perfectly captures the spirit of the New Forest: welcoming, traditional and effortlessly charming. While I enjoyed my three-course meal, Charlotte selected from the dedicated À la Bark menu, created especially for canine guests, choosing the beef option.
Breakfast is usually served in the Terrace Restaurant, but as dogs aren’t permitted inside, the hotel kindly arranged for us to dine in the conservatory instead. Overlooking the gardens, it made for a lovely start to the morning, with a continental spread of pastries, fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheese, yoghurts and compotes alongside hot breakfast options.
There is also plenty of outdoor terrace seating, which is ideal for guests travelling with dogs.
A Special Memory to Take Home
Another standout inclusion was the professional dog photography session with award-winning Hampshire photographer Dogs in Focus Photography. Set against the backdrop of the hotel’s gardens, the session captured some beautiful portraits of Charlotte — a thoughtful addition that created a lasting reminder of our stay.
Photo credit: Dogs in Focus Photography
Getting There
Travelling from London was straightforward. I took a direct South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst, followed by a short 10-minute taxi ride to Beaulieu.
For anyone searching for a luxury dog-friendly hotel in the New Forest or a countryside escape from London with their dog, The Montagu Arms offers something truly special.
We were even lucky enough to spot New Forest ponies — including a tiny foal — wandering past the hotel as we checked out, the perfect final note to a memorable stay.
With thanks to The Montagu Arms for hosting us.
If you’re planning a wider UK stay with your dog, I’ve also rounded up my favourite stays in this guide to the best dog-friendly hotels across the UK.
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- My stay at The Montagu Arms was complimentary; however, all views and photographs (apart from the images from the portrait session) are entirely my own.
