Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
Making the most of the final days of summer, our latest countryside escape led us to the heart of the New Forest — one of southern England’s most beloved landscapes, known for its ancient woodland, open heathland, and free-roaming ponies.
Tucked away in the charming village of Beaulieu, The Montagu Arms Hotel offers a refined country house stay with a strong sense of place. It’s also one of the best locations in the New Forest for spotting ponies wandering freely through the village lanes.
The hotel’s origins date back to the 16th century, when an inn known as “The Ship” stood on the site, serving local farmers and travellers. The current Arts and Crafts-style building dates from 1887 and has been under the care of the same family since 1970.
Now a Grade II listed property, the hotel has welcomed notable guests over the years, including Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry Irving, and Charles de Gaulle — a reminder of its longstanding reputation.
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The Room
The hotel offers 33 individually designed rooms and suites, spread between the main house and garden buildings.
We stayed in the Courtyard Suite, tucked away within the grounds. The suite featured a king-size four-poster bed, a separate lounge area, and a private terrace overlooking the gardens — a peaceful and secluded setting.
Original oak beams add character, while high ceilings and soft, country-inspired interiors create a sense of understated elegance.
The marble bathroom was particularly well appointed, with a freestanding bath, walk-in drench shower, double vanity, and underfloor heating. Toiletries from The White Company added a familiar touch of comfort.
Thoughtful extras included a Nespresso machine, a selection of teas, and a decanter of homemade seasonal gin alongside freshly baked flapjacks — a warm and memorable welcome.
While the hotel itself does not have an on-site spa, guests are offered complimentary access to SenSpa at Careys Manor in nearby Brockenhurst, around a 10-minute drive away.
The Thai-inspired spa features a hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, crystal steam room, and a wide range of treatments — making it a worthwhile addition for those looking to incorporate a wellness element into their stay.
Pampered Pooch Package
For those travelling with pets, The Montagu Arms Hotel offers a thoughtfully curated experience.
Charlotte was welcomed with the Pampered Pooch package, including a Ralph & Co. dog bed, Beco bowls, and a hamper from Beco Pets. A dedicated “À La Bark” menu is also available, ensuring dogs are as well catered for as their owners.
The surrounding New Forest landscape makes this an ideal destination for long countryside walks, with plenty of open space right on the doorstep.
The Food
Dinner was at The Terrace, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, led by Head Chef Matthew Whitfield.
The menu is rooted in modern British cuisine, with a strong emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients — many drawn from the hotel’s own kitchen garden and surrounding region.
Highlights included hand-dived Orkney scallop with dulse butter and XO, Cornish monkfish with mussels and smoked bone sauce, and fillet of beef with bone marrow mash and Madeira jus. Desserts were equally well executed, particularly a deconstructed cheesecake with New Forest strawberries.
For a more casual dining experience, the hotel’s pub Monty’s Inn offers classic British dishes alongside locally brewed ales, including those from Ringwood Brewery.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with dogs, families, and muddy boots all part of the charm.
Breakfast the following morning was served in the lounge, where Charlotte was welcome to join us. A continental selection was complemented by cooked dishes including Eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. It was a relaxed and unhurried start to the day, rounding off the stay nicely.
The village of Beaulieu is well worth exploring. Nearby attractions include the National Motor Museum Beaulieu, Beaulieu Palace House, and the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey — all within easy walking distance.
And of course, no visit to the New Forest would be complete without encountering its famous ponies, which roam freely throughout the area.
Getting There
Reaching The Montagu Arms Hotel is straightforward by both car and train.
The nearest station is Brockenhurst railway station, with direct services from London Waterloo in around 90 minutes. From there, it’s approximately a 15-minute taxi ride to Beaulieu.
For those driving, the hotel offers on-site parking, and having a car allows for easier exploration of the wider New Forest.
Overall, The Montagu Arms Hotel offers a refined and characterful country house experience in one of England’s most picturesque regions.
From its historic setting and thoughtfully designed rooms to its strong food offering and genuinely dog-friendly approach, it strikes a balance between comfort and character. For those seeking a luxury hotel in the New Forest — particularly one that welcomes four-legged guests — it remains a standout choice.
With thanks to The Montagu Arms for hosting us over the weekend.
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.
Check availability and current rates at The Montagu Arms
- My stay at The Montagu Arms was complimentary; however, all views and photographs are entirely my own
